In the coming year, we will see a further embrace of technology as a means to mitigate marine terminal congestion and facilitate cargo transportation. While the technology is not new, certain sectors may have been slow to recognize its value in streamlining cargo transportation. Most notably, technology has been deployed in the form of enhanced information portals that provide real-time information over the internet on container availability, booking status, and vessel schedules and truck reservations systems.
In 2015, the six container terminal operators in the Port of New York and New Jersey were the first terminals in the country to collectively deploy such a system, which is known as TIPS, an acronym for Terminal Information Portal System. TIPS remains unique inasmuch as it provides a one-stop portal for portwide information. It was not easy to deploy TIPS collectively as each of the participating terminals had their own information technology systems that needed to push information to the TIPS central system, but technical issues have been addressed. Moreover, in response to user requests, TIPS has added additional functionalities and will further expand its information services with a mobile application and chassis availability and rail information modules in the near future. TIPS has become an integral planning tool for port stakeholders and has enhanced terminal efficiencies by reducing unnecessary terminal visits and trouble window visits.
Concurrent with the implementation of TIPS was the development of a technology platform to permit participating terminals to deploy a truck reservation system. GCT Bayonne was the first terminal in the Port of New York and New Jersey to utilize the system. In a short period of time, this reservation system has won over many former skeptics with its proven track record of reducing truck turn times. The truck reservation system has been so popular at GCT Bayonne, the terminal has had to periodically increase the number of daily reservation slots available.
The experience of the port stakeholders in the Port of New York and New Jersey utilizing TIPS and the truck reservation system clearly demonstrates that there are terminal efficiency enhancements that can be realized through the deployment and utilization of technology and that these systems can enhance user satisfaction.