The biggest challenge facing container shipping in 2022 will be breaking out of intermodal transportation mode silos to facilitate the shipment of containerized cargo. By thinking outside “the box” and embracing information sharing in a safe and secure way to manage supply chain velocity, this can be achieved.
With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting capacity in so many ways, the efficient deployment of resources is more critical than ever. Ports that provide tools for supply chain stakeholders to better utilize their resources will stay ahead of the curve in customer service and satisfaction.
This information sharing must stay one step ahead of the cargo to permit planning and efficient resource deployment. It can also assist in ensuring equipment such as containers, chassis, and rail resources are available when needed.
Although individual marine terminal operators may provide certain information, the true value of such a system grows exponentially when this information is made available through a port-wide, one-stop informational portal. Such data becomes even more valuable when the information sought can be pushed to supply chain stakeholders through application programming interface (API) communication. In fact, this was one of the suggestions in the US Federal Maritime Commission’s Interpretive Rule on Demurrage and Detention under the Shipping Act published in 2021.
Container terminal operators in the Port of New York and New Jersey offer such an information sharing tool through their port-wide Terminal Information Portal System (TIPS). Recent enhancements to TIPS offer new functions to facilitate the flow of containers through the port, including but not limited to timeline representation of the container life cycle; unified container watchlists with advanced searching and filtering; the ability to download container, booking, and group code information through email notification, PDF, and Excel formats; vessel schedules with list and calendar views; and empty return instructions with multiple terminal and line views. Future enhancements to TIPS include modules for rail, chassis, and integration with US Customs information.
Intermodal equipment providers, railroads, motor carriers, shippers, distribution centers, and warehouses can all benefit from this port-wide information.