Boosting Efficiency in Intermodal Operations: Drayage Specialist’s Story

The intermodal industry, with its diverse processes like planning, routing, dispatching, billing, and customer service, demands meticulous precision and efficiency. Drayage Specialist, a company built on a vision of aiding this bustling sector, provides innovative solutions for greater efficiency.

At its inception, Drayage Specialist recognized a vital need within the intermodal community - a cost-effective, skilled support team to manage routine, yet crucial, back-end operations. This wasn't merely a business concept; it was a commitment to establish partnerships, enabling businesses to concentrate on their primary competencies and strategic objectives.

With a specialized focus on drayage operations, Drayage Specialist has created a two-pronged approach. First, their team, proficient in the Evans Delivery platform, ensures seamless tech integration for clients. Second, they offer comprehensive back-end support, handling tasks like billing, customer service, order creation, and after-hours support. This approach ensures that clients can focus on front-end operations and strategic growth, with the assurance of industry experts taking care of daily operations.

But Drayage Specialist isn’t just a service provider. They add value, foster relationships, and promote success. By managing back-end operations, they allow clients to concentrate on growth, customer relations, and strategic decisions. The results are impressive: businesses can cut costs, boost efficiency, and devote more resources to their main objectives. This strengthens operations and contributes to the overall growth of the intermodal community.

Importantly, Drayage Specialist acknowledges that every business is unique. Therefore, they offer tailor-made services to meet specific client needs, ensuring the perfect fit that enhances efficiency and productivity.

In summary, Drayage Specialist embodies the transformative power of partnership, innovation, and dedication in the intermodal industry. They identified a critical need and tackled it with a customer-centric approach, streamlining operations, promoting growth, and contributing to the sector's vibrancy. This case study illustrates how recognizing and addressing industry needs can bring about transformative changes that benefit all involved.

Presenting Company: Drayage Specialist

Implementing Generative AI to Revolutionize Your Intermodal Business

Intermodal companies face immense pressure to drive efficiency and innovation. Generative artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT, offers immense potential to transform operations. This presentation will provide intermodal businesses an introduction to generative AI and how to harness it for transformative outcomes.

We will start by explaining what generative AI is and how it works. Unlike AI that simply analyzes data, generative AI can create brand new data like text, images, and more. By learning from data patterns, generative AI can power automation and innovation.

Crucially, successful implementation requires careful planning and preparation. OpenAI, IZX and Coconaut.ai are generative AI solutions that can be used to solve intermodal problems. We will provide best practices for getting the data right, preprocessing, system integration and optimal deployment. With the proper foundation, generative AI can revolutionize business infrastructure.

Finally, we will showcase real-world intermodal use cases. From optimizing logistics to generating promotional content, generative AI unlocks major efficiency and innovation gains. We will detail examples and benefits across marketing, operations, logistics and also provide a brief overview and demo of how A2ZPort, a new service which helps automate scheduling container pick up and drop offs and reduce per diem charges is using generative AI.

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of generative AI, high-impact use cases, and an actionable framework for implementation. By leveraging generative AI, intermodal businesses can achieve step-change improvements in efficiency, costs, customer experience and more.

Presenting Company: IZX.AI and A2ZPort

Supply Chain Information Highway

Introduction

The Port of Long Beach unveiled the Supply Chain Information Highway (SCIH) Initiative in March 2022, a digital infrastructure powered by a cloud-based platform that will host

supply chain data across different supply chain nodes and various transportation methods. The SCIH was developed in collaboration with UNCOMN, a St. Louis-based technology firm. It provides secure end-to-end data visibility for authorized users, with the ability to customize data to fit their individual needs.

The SCIH Project will provide end-to-end data visibility and aims to provide coast-to-coast data connectivity. The project is supported by other port authorities, including the Northwest Seaport Alliance, the Port of Oakland, the Port of Miami, the Port of Hueneme, the Utah Inland Port Authority, the South Carolina Ports, and the Port of New York/New Jersey.

Problems Addressed

The major challenges in today’s complex supply chain environment include a lack of cargo visibility and data discrepancies due to supply chain silos and disconnected data systems. As cargo shipments move from manufacturers to end consumers, data visibility is often lost or delayed as it crosses through each supply chain partner's system at the cargo hand-off. Additionally, there are challenges involved with each decentralized system, such as data reliability, manual processes, and lack of data exchange between partners of an integrated and often complex supply chain.

The SCIH Project introduces the idea of data liberation - free access for authorized users to view their cargo data and analyze that dataset to drive efficiencies. The SCIH aggregates cargo data into a standard format and, when integrated into a company’s current software system, will result in actionable insights to assist users with planning, scheduling, forecasting, and increased agility. This initiative promotes efficient, interoperable, and secure information sharing between supply chain partners, empowering stakeholders to make data-driven decisions and prevent disruption.

Benefits to the Intermodal Community

Access to real-time data analytics will address operational issues within the supply chain and allow users to identify trends and patterns. The IANA Intermodal Community will greatly benefit from the SCIH Project because shared data access for authorized users will result in cargo velocity, planning optimization, and informed decision-making. This will increase efficiency across the supply chain and intermodal transfer points by providing visibility of data.

Presenting Company: Port of Long Beach

Expanding the Container Chassis value Proposition

The container chassis historically has been an important asset in our logistics industry. However, from a technology perspective, Hercules / Randon believes there is a significant opportunity for technology innovation in terms of advancements in materials and enhancements in connectivity with an emphasis on efficiency, productivity, and reduced cost of chassis ownership.

From a wholistic perspective, Hercules / Randon also believes the container chassis should have a more significant role in Decarbonization by way of electrification technologies and “on board” smart components.

That said, Hercules / Randon proposes an IANA presentation that will provide insights to our technology innovations and their potential positive impact to the future of our Industry.

Presenting Company: Hercules / Randon

The South Atlantic Chassis Pool 3.0

SACP 3.0 is the next generation Interoperable Chassis Pool supported by The Georgia Port Authority (GPA), Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport), North Carolina State Ports Authority (NC Ports) and the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association (OCEMA), an association of 10 major international container carriers, and Consolidated Chassis Management (CCM).

Collectively, we listened to the user community and are responding with the new SACP interoperable chassis provisioning model. This new pool was developed to is being done to upgrade the South Atlantic Chassis Pool (SACP) by introducing 50,000 new and refurbished, high quality intermodal chassis to handle the international container trade to and from major South Atlantic ports (e.g., Jacksonville, Savannah, and Wilmington NC), as well as key inland intermodal hubs (e.g., Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte and Tampa). Replacing the SACP 2.0 fleet with 100% new or upgraded refurbished chassis addresses the reliability concerns raised by the community and the issues of breakdowns, insufficient equipment supply, lost time and increased expenses for all stakeholders.

Our presentation will outline all of the benefits of the new pool to all stakeholders, which include a fully modernized fleet, abundant supply and state-of-the-art technology and systems to support the management of the new endeavor. We will also discuss the scheduling of the fleet modernization and how it will benefit all stakeholders. The tariff and pricing structure along with billing rules will round out the presentation.

Consolidated Chassis Management brings over 15 years’ experience in managing the intricacies of the South Atlantic Chassis pool and looks forward to this new offering. We look forward to meeting with IANA Intermodal EXPO attendees to hear answer their questions, engage in an open dialogue and discuss this exciting new initiative.

Presenting Company: Consolidated Chassis Management

Sustainable Solutions in Intermodal Terminals

Does becoming more sustainable in operating Intermodal Terminals, necessarily increases operating costs?

Using state of the art equipment cannot only reduce the CO2 footprint of an intermodal operation. Saving operating costs, increasing reliability, cutting CO2 emission and reducing maintenance efforts are all possible using state of the art equipment. Further reconsidering on how to operate an intermodal terminal, may further support a more efficient operation.

Thinking in new ways on how to better serve customer needs and accommodating the need of better protecting our environment.

In analyzing the shortcomings of legacy operation and using legacy equipment may open up to rethink certain parts on how to operate intermodal terminals.

Presenting Company: Kuenz America Inc.

Readying Intermodal Fleets for Roadside Inspections

Freight is at a technological inflection point, especially as California’s ELD mandate goes into effect in January 2024. By then, all U.S. states will have adopted FMCSA’s ELD mandates and regulated intrastate rules. Fleets will need to ensure their ELD provider meets all FMSCA requirements. But many fleets still use outdated inspection verification and compliance processes, further running the risk of violations during roadside inspections, which can impact safety and lower CSA scores. It’s time to strengthen the industry’s commitment to road safety by embracing technology that streamlines inspection and hours of service (HoS) reporting.

In this session, Jill Snyder, Compliance and Safety Director at Zonar, will discuss how intrastate fleets can get ahead of the curve by digitizing manual processes to better manage risks, increase efficiency, and ensure HoS standards are met. She’ll explain how to create compliance and maintenance efficiencies that not only to meet FMCSA requirements, but also advance safety for all on the road.

To meet the latest mandate, fleets should look for ELD FMCSA-certified HoS logs that equip drivers and teams with technology to easily manage HoS on an integrated in-cab tablet. With in-cab HoS dashboards drivers can easily update on and off duty status and accurately log time, while preventing costly violations and driver out-of-service downtime. Managers can also spot trends, review common fleet violations, suggest log edits to maintain HoS accuracy and identify vehicle malfunctions before they impact drivers’ safety.

Digitized driver supports are helping freight mitigate risks of failures on the road, reduce unnecessary idle time and avoid costly roadside maintenance. In tandem with ELDs, mobile electronic verified reporting systems for regular paperless pre- and post-trip inspections can verify proper electronic documentation of necessary repairs and replace inefficient paper defect forms. This streamlines the inspection process by up to 50 percent and makes certain that no stone in the step-by-step inspection checklist goes unturned.

A single pencil-whipped inspection can have cascading consequences. For example, drivers often skip inspecting chassis, leaving the anchor points, rims, hubs, tires, load securement and rear axle area all open for mechanical failure. As expectations for inspections and other HoS requirements become more stringent, nothing should be left up to chance.

During roadside inspections, law enforcement in California and across the U.S. will crosscheck drivers’ HoS and each vehicle’s pre- and post- trip inspections. By now – and certainly by January 1 – fleets should understand the different HoS requirements for respective intrastate legislation are prioritize finding certified ELD applications, HoS logs, and devices to support their fleets’ compliance.

At the intersection of compliance and optimal operativity, this session will provide an action plan for freight leaders to partner with law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and technology providers to ensure their fleet has the right tools to comply with – and benefit from – adherence to the latest ELD and inspection reporting mandates.

Presenting Company: Zonar Systems

Improving Pavement Life & Reducing Paving Subgrade Costs

Subject: Improving Pavement Life & Reducing Paving Subgrade Costs

Paved and unpaved Intermodal Terminals are being exposed to heavier wheel loads from Container Handling Cranes, as well as supporting 5 high Container stacking. These increased loads and stresses are causing pavement failures and costing Ports and Railroads millions of dollars to repair and replace. By improving paving sub grade through the use of the Geoweb Cellular Confinement System, paved and unpaved yards can significantly reduce differential settlement, the primary cause of paving failures. One of the most cost-effective methods to reduce long term consolidation and differential settlement due to cyclical loadings on a soft sub grade is to increase the stiffness of the overlying layer. Under cyclical loadings, Geoweb prevents the lateral movement of the infill material and dramatically increases the shear resistance. The high shear strength and greater load distribution reduces the vertical stresses reaching the subgrade. The end result will be a more durable sub grade that will increase pavement and railway life by preventing long term settlement and consolidation. Sites utilizing Presto’s Geoweb system also benefit from a reduction in maintenance and associated costs due to limiting settlement. With over 40 years of installation experience in Port and Rail facilities Geoweb has demonstrated Geoweb’s superior job of controlling differential settlement and extending pavement life, saving Ports and Railroads significant dollars in repair cost or replacement.

Ports and Railroads that design their paving subgrades with Geoweb can also save significant dollars by utilizing on site dredge sand, sandy-gravel soils, recycled crushed concrete and recycled asphalt trimmings as the infill material for the Geoweb cells.

Design Engineers that selected Geoweb for subgrade improvement have shown the ability to reduce aggregate base materials potentially by 50% over other geosynthetic solutions in soil conditions 3 CBR or less.

Our Engineering staff provides no cost support. Geoweb evaluations are based on site specific soil conditions, loadings, number of passes for the selected pavement type. We also provide no cost Contractor training and installation support Contractors appreciate the ability to install Geoweb regardless of wet weather conditions and the ability to use the Geoweb immediately as a haul road once the Geoweb cells are filled.

Geoweb has been tested and evaluated by multiple Universities and by the AAR (American Association of Railroads) and is included in the AREMA (American Railroad Engineering Maintenance Association) Manul of Standards for track and special track work for sub ballast stabilization. Geoweb and accessories are 100% manufactured in the

Presenting Company: Presto Geosystems

Making the Future of Freight Rail

Rail has long been a strong option for moving freight long distances over land. However, it is not competitive for short intermodal haul lengths, expedited service, or for lower volume routes. Parallel Systems is working to change that. Parallel has developed autonomous, zero-emission battery-electric rail vehicles which are more flexible than traditional trains and enable faster delivery times and higher quality of service. The company is driven to increase the utilization of today’s rail network and convert trucking freight to rail. Parallel’s mission is to decarbonize freight by building a cleaner, automated rail future.

The patent-pending rail vehicles, which are individually powered, can join together to form “platoons” or split off to multiple destinations while en route. Unlike traditional freight trains, Parallel platoons do not need to wait to accumulate large quantities of freight to make service economical. This enables more responsive service, less congestion and a wider range of routes.

Parallel’s flexible system enables railroad and logistics customers to operate new intermodal lanes alongside traditional freight trains. The proprietary architecture also allows for smaller, cleaner, and less expensive terminals that can be built closer to shippers and customers, effectively opening new markets and reducing last-mile delivery costs. Traditional rail terminals are large, expensive facilities designed to service very long trains moving from one fixed point to another, making them better suited for dedicated service. The lack of flexibility in this model prevents the use of different locations and more frequent departures, which results in delays, and often dictates the use of trucks to haul freight to the right starting point

Rethinking the traditional model can allow shippers to move more freight volume more quickly and reliably than ever thought possible with rail. Parallel’s zero-emissions rail vehicles also will help customers meet their freight decarbonization goals. Parallel’s rail vehicles use 75% less energy per mile than traditional semi-trucks, and its energy efficient battery-electric powertrain produces 90% less CO2 per mile than a traditional truck when charged using average power grid electricity.

Parallel Systems began field testing its second-generation rail vehicle in November 2022, and is building additional vehicles following thanks in part to funding from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) initiative. This session will include an update on the testing program and how new technology can enhance intermodal service.

Presenting Company: Parallel Systems

BlackBerry Radar Bridging the Visibility Gap – Rail to Road

There are inefficiencies within the Intermodal supply chain that specifically impact the transition of goods from Rail to Road, that can be addressed with better visibility and timely information. BlackBerry Radar is working with rail lines, IEPs and transport companies to drive out the costs and frustrations involved in the smooth transfer of goods. The BlackBerry Radar GPS telematics solution has expanded its focus and expertise to address the needs of Rail and Intermodal companies and customers. As product moves between modes of transportation, one of the gaps is between over-the-road needs and the railroads where the timeliness and accuracy of data is important. BlackBerry Radar sits in a unique position to bridge the needs of multiple customers and users to share and view information on the location and status of equipment and the goods they carry. See and learn how in this session.

Presenting Company: BlackBerry Radar