TOOL FOR THE PRE-NOTIFICATION OF CONTAINER TRUCK TRANSPORTS

The TAP project COREM has developed TALK (Tool for the pre-notification of container truck transports) - a tool supporting co-operation between truck operators and container terminal operators.

Inter-modal transport needs high-quality information at its interfaces. Truck transport today comes and goes without prior information. With TALK, the truck operator sends electronic pre-notifications about planned transport to the port operator, and automatically checks the correctness of the data and the availability of the containers. By automating the gate procedures, pre-announced trucks are processed faster. It is an efficient procedure for the truck operator (avoiding empty trips, being sure to be served and saving time and money) as well as for the port operator (getting a basis for the management of personnel and equipment in truck handling).

TALK merges the EDI and Web EDI approaches and is suitable for any type and size of truck operator. TALK provides a full system for SMEs that will be able to pre-announce transport directly (Web EDI) and can be integrated with an existing in-house system (EDI).

TALK is in operation in the Bremerhaven container terminal with one major truck operator - others will follow when the new automatic gate opens in Spring 2000. The trial suggests that the savings for the truck operator are about 14 _ per visit to the Bremerhaven terminal and could be up to up to 34 _ per visit, if the COREM procedures were implemented throughout Europe.

TALK uses EDIFACT messages but is adaptable to any other kind of messages from partners, e.g. for other ports, container depots, factories, etc. This means that it can also be used by SMEs that are not able to integrate the full COREM co-operation procedures into their application systems and prefer a stand-alone interface. Container terminal operators can improve their services and operation by offering a COREM-like application for truck pre-notification and the related automated gate handling.

COREM addresses the various types of users in the transport business. Major players with their own sophisticated application systems can directly link up to the truck pre-notification procedures by using the EDIFACT messages specified in the Implementation Guide. SMEs (the vast majority of truck companies) who can not do this, can use the WebEDI tool, TALK, to send and receive the appropriate EDI messages. This is a cheap way of getting started, and enjoying the same benefits as their "big" competitors. All the users need is a standard PC and a communication link (modem or ISDN).

The benefits include:

  • Less waiting and processing time at the container terminal gate (currently 15-30 minutes),
  • Fewer wasted trips because the cargo is not available,
  • Better resource management for both the port operator (cargo handling equipment) and the truck operator (trucks and chassis).
  • Pre-stowing of import containers, ready for pick-up.

    The procedures and EDIFACT Implementation Guides can be used free of charge. The WebEDI tool TALK is available as a product from ISL (including documentation, installation, maintenance and support).