The Port of Oakland has launched a new tech platform, called the Oakland Portal, which aims to provide a single point of entry to seaport operations.
The online portals are a response to supply chain operators’s needs to track their containerized cargo door to door more easily as well as the industry’s need to digitize container shipping operations.
“This is what our industry is asking for,” said Port of Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll. “We’re providing a comprehensive digital view of ships, cargo and terminal information all in one place on the computer…no more clicking through multiple websites.”
The Oakland Portal is thought to be the first digital collaboration platform that aggregates shipping information from every marine terminal in a harbor. The data covered by the portal includes vessel schedules, cargo status, an live camera views of port thoroughfares.
“The features are available to all users,” the port said. “Additional specialized functions such as paying terminal fees, cargo status updates, and trucker appointments – are available with registration and a login.”
The port added that a future iteration would incorporate real-time performance metrics and dashboards customized for portal users such as motor carriers and cargo owners. These additional upgrades are expected to be available in early 2019.
Supply chain operators stand to benefit the most from the portal as they would be able to better manage trade flow. This in particular applies to cargo owners who would know with greater precision when to expect merchandise, and trucking companies would know exactly when and where to dispatch drivers for container pick-up.