This commentary appeared in the print edition of the Jan. 6, 2020, Journal of Commerce Annual Review and Outlook.
In 2020, we will continue to talk about tariffs, telling the story of the risk to jobs, income, and economic activity in every corner of the United States, as well as the harm around the globe. Our growth and evolution as an industry depends on a stable international trading order.
While tariffs currently dominate the conversation, they won’t deter our work at the Port of Los Angeles of partnering with our supply chain partners to build for the future.
Our continued focus will be on moving high volumes of cargo efficiently, sustainably, and securely through our gateway. Our Port Optimizer is now helping shippers and service providers track key data on 95 percent of the containerized imports coming into our port. Continued evolution of the portal is part of a comprehensive strategy for improving our operations and driving efficiencies to meet the performance levels customers and stakeholders expect.
Making the most of our existing assets by utilizing our facilities more efficiently is crucial. To that end, we will be collaborating with our terminal, trucking, and technology partners to implement a universal truck reservation system, eliminate on-site chassis storage, and upgrade connections throughout our on-dock rail network.
Cybersecurity is a must. This year we will begin building our Cyber Resilience Center. This facility will serve as a clearinghouse for sharing information about cyber threats among our terminal operators and other stakeholders to further protect our supply chain ecosystem.
We also expect 2020 to be an important year for advancing clean air initiatives. We are the lead agency or a participant working with multiple partners on 16 separate projects to test near-zero-emissions and zero-emissions trucks and yard equipment, emissions control technologies, and alternative fueling and charging stations. Interest in these technologies from original equipment manufacturers and tier-one suppliers continues to grow, and we want to continue to work with them to develop this market in line with our long-term goals.