Port of Virginia Receives Federal Grant to Develop Truck Appointment System
The Port of Virginia will receive a grant of $1.55 million from the Federal Highway Administration to reduce truck congestion through better technology.
Along with matching funds from the port, the funds will be used to develop and implement a reservation system at its terminals for motor carriers.
“We are focused on expanding our terminals, growing our volumes and creating efficiencies across every phase of our operation,” said John Reinhart, CEO of the Virginia Port Authority. “As we go forward, a reservation system for motor carriers is going to be absolutely necessary to creating efficiency at the gate, in the stack yards and improving service. It will allow us to meter the flow of traffic in and out of our terminals, level out the rush hours and give us more control of the flow of cargo moving by truck.”
Since 2015, the port has partnered with regional trucking firms in development of its reservation system.
“We are building a reservation system that will be phased in when we see need,” Reinhart said. “It benefits the motor carriers and trucking companies because they will be able to build their week, plan their moves and begin to develop more accurate forecasting for turn-times and volumes. It will also result in a safer work environment, as we can plan the day and accurately forecast manpower needs.”
