Friday, June 26, 2015

Port of Oakland launches tech to measure wait times



The Port of Oakland is testing technology that will measure how long harbor truckers wait to enter its marine terminals, according to a port statement, in an effort to accelerate cargo movement.

The hope is that if drivers are armed with wait-time data, they could avoid peak periods and pick up cargo when terminals aren’t crowded. If the test proves successful, the technology may be deployed throughout the port.

"Our customers want to get in and out of the port with their cargo quickly," said Maritime Director John Driscoll. "We think this technology can provide an important component of wait-time metrics to our Port stakeholders."

The port is installing Bluetooth sensors along thoroughfares in the Outer Harbor area. The sensors will detect anonymous signals emitted from phones or other mobile devices in truck cabs, measuring time between the first and last of each signal to calculate wait times into terminal yards.

It’s the same technology used along major freeways to calculate rush-hour commute times. On roads,

overhead signboards tell motorists how long it takes to travel from, for example, downtown Oakland to San Francisco. At the port, truckers and BCOs will get that information on cellphones or computers.

"This is proven technology for determining travel times and a cost effective approach for determining port drayage truck wait times," said Taso Zografos of Leidos, the firm conducting the test. "If the test is successful, then it would be applicable to implement port-wide."

The technology will include cybersecurity measures such as network security, access control, and audit and accountability to protect critical infrastructure.

The port says it might eventually use the sensors to measure turn times—the time it takes a driver to conduct transactions once inside terminal gates. Gate waits and turn times are critical metrics for truckers and cargo owners eager to avoid delays at ports.

The Port of Oakland expects the Bluetooth pilot program to last several months.


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