The Northwest Seaport Alliance and Advent eModal launch trucker appointment capacity dashboard

Advent eModal, the world’s largest port community system serving the intermodal supply chain, today announced the launch of the online Trucker Appointment Capacity Dashboard in collaboration with The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA).

The companies created the dashboard to provide trucking companies and port stakeholders with real-time access to aggregated capacity data at terminals in the NWSA Gateway. The capacity data informs trucking companies of available appointments to pick up or drop off container loads at terminals across Seattle and Tacoma, which provides more control and the ability to set up dual transaction appointments. This insight and control enable improved operational efficiency, throughput and sustainability with faster turn times and reduced truck idling and dwell times.

“Like other West Coast terminals, we have faced congestion challenges and sought to find innovative solutions that improve visibility for planning operations and appointment scheduling at the NWSA terminals,” said Don Meyer, The Northwest Seaport Alliance co-chair & Port of Tacoma Commission President. “This dashboard brings transparency and a common platform, allowing trucking companies in the Seattle and Tacoma gateway to plan their trips more efficiently and reduce wait times that drive-up trucking costs and negatively impact our near-port environment.”

Transparency in port operations is a Federal Maritime Commission initiative. The new appointment dashboard from Advent eModal and NWSA, aligns with the FMC’s objectives to improve transparency through technology solutions. The supply chain ecosystem benefits from visibility into appointment capacity, creating a launchpad for future data-driven initiatives.

“[The Appointment Capacity Dashboard] is beautiful. This has become one of my favorite tools in recent trucking updates. It is very helpful for determining when appointments are available,” said dispatcher Taylar Fernandini.

With over 100 warehouses within 15 miles of an NWSA terminal, improving the efficiency and control of trucking is integral in moving international trade throughout the Pacific Northwest region. Eliminating maritime-related emissions is a core goal of the NWSA. The collaboration with Advent eModal will enable the NWSA to achieve its short-term environmental objectives while working toward zero-emission trucking operations.

“NWSA is a leader in developing systems that drive fluidity and collaboration, critical elements to improve operations across the supply chain,” said Dennis Monts, COO of Advent eModal. “Collaboration between MTOs, shipping lines, the drayage community and technology partners must improve. This capacity dashboard benefits multiple community members and is in line with the environmental stewardship that is important to the Pacific Northwest.”