Georgia Port streamlines breakbulk handling

Monday, 16 March 2015 01:00:17 (GMT+3)   |   San Diego
       

According to the Georgia Ports Authority, it will implement a new tracking system for general cargo to expedite breakbulk cargo movement.

"The new system means faster service and better communication with our breakbulk customers," said GPA Executive Director Curtis Foltz. "It is another facet of our ongoing effort to improve GPA operations and reduce the transit times of cargo flowing across our docks."

The General Cargo System software shows cargo headed to the Port of Savannah and its current stage in transit. This enables GPA to prepare for and expedite handling of shipments, down to the item level. Offering faster truck turn times and improved cargo visibility for the authority and its customers, the technology also enables GPA to detect and order deadline cargo as it becomes available at a Savannah rail yard.

To create the new General Cargo System, GPA brought together a diverse team of operational, technical, and financial personnel. The system streamlines business, improves communications, and brings technology to the warehouse floor, resulting in a more flexible and efficient breakbulk operation.

The system includes automated communications for advanced shipping notices, railcar availability and stuffing orders, as well as improved on-terminal inventory control.

"Our central aim was to collect shipping data prior to cargo arrival," said Bill Sutton, GPA director of information technology. "GCS strengthens the efficiency of field operations by recording in real time cargo reception, inventory, and stuffing orders. The result has been dramatic time savings. Railcar ordering that previously took two hours of manual processing now takes only 15 minutes to complete."

The move also greatly reduced manual data entry and data lag, while providing information access for management, administrative and field personnel. The new tracking system aids planning through early notification of incoming trucks and railcars, as well as the cargo each is carrying.


Similar articles

US suspends freight rail operations at three Texas border bridges

18 Dec | Steel News

Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes up 8.9 percent in July

03 Aug | Steel News

Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes up 47.8 percent in June

10 Jul | Steel News

Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes up 27.8 percent in May

08 Jun | Steel News

Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes decline in December, full-year 2022

12 Jan | Steel News

Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes up 4.5 percent in November

09 Dec | Steel News

AISI urges Congress to intervene in potential railroad strike

30 Nov | Steel News

Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes down 44.7 percent in April

13 May | Steel News

US Steel partners with Norfolk Southern and Greenbrier for sustainable steel railcar

09 Dec | Steel News

Nucor to expand fastener division with acquisition of Indiana processing facility

06 Oct | Steel News