Cargo Business Newswire

Monday, June 16, 2014

Port of Virginia task force tackles port congestion

Members of the Motor Carrier Task Force met Wednesday about ways it could improve cargo movement and ease congestion at the Port of Virginia, as well as improving the port’s relationship with independent truckers and cargo carriers that have suffered as a result of the delays.

A 13-member panel answered more than 17 email and audience queries, primarily about communication with the port, turn times for cargo loading and scheduling appointments prior to arriving at the facility.

Frank Borum, co-chair of the Motor Carrier Task Force Committee and vice president of Atlantic Intermodal Services, said the growth at the terminal is expected to continue, making timely change important.

John Reinhart, Port of Virginia executive director, told the crowd of nearly 70 attendees at task force meeting that the agency is still collecting data to analyze the ways to best improve conditions for cargo truckers.

In a May report, port officials named ways to improve cargo truck flow at port terminals, including a plan to enforce its appointing system, which schedules truck arrivals and departures. Processes at the terminal could be expedited by having needed equipment ready at the gate, launching express lanes, and improving communication and driver training.

George Berry, owner-operator who helped organize the original contingent of truck drivers, announced the port authority has launched a free texting service for truckers to receive text alerts related to terminal times and traffic at port.

Officials plan to phase in the new system later this summer.

The Port of Virginia includes Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, and Newport News Marine Terminal, as well as an inland intermodal facility called the Virginia Inland Port located in Front Royal, Virginia.

For more of the Daily Press story: articles.dailypress.com