EQUIPMENT LOCATION SYSTEMS: PROVIDING INTERMODAL TERMINAL OPERATORS WITH ACCURATE INFORMATION

Intermodal container terminal operators perform three primary tasks when handling containers: identification, location, and assignment. Numerous tools are available that facilitate assignment of containers, such as computer software programs designed to manage container location, placement, and routing within a container terminal. However, these software tools depend on manual input for identification and location data. Automatic identification and positioning technologies are available that can readily identify and locate equipment, but to date, no attempt has been made to integrate these technologies to provide a comprehensive resource for intermodal operations. By integrating automatic equipment identification (AEI) and differential global positioning system (DGPS) technologies into container handling equipment, terminal operators can receive container identification and location in an automatic mode. This information update can be completed via wireless data communication, which provides a high-speed, bidirectional data link between the master station and mobile remote units located on container handlers. This communication backbone forwards the DGPS correction factor to all mobile units and carries the identification and location information to the master station. The Cargo Handling Cooperative Program (CHCP), a cooperative organization made up of American President Lines, Ltd.; Crowley American Transport, Inc.; Matson Terminals, Inc.; and the U.S. Maritime Administration, is sponsoring a proof-of-concept test that will demonstrate the feasibility of integrating AEI, DGPS, and wireless area networks into an equipment location system (ELS) that will provide accurate real-time identification, location, and data communication. ELS will provide terminal operators with information in a near real-time mode to facilitate planning, management, and quality programs that improve terminal productivity and enhance customer service.

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• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Kelley, K
  • Van Steenburg, E
• Conference:
  • National Conference on the Intermodal Freight Terminal of the Future
  • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Date: 1994-12-7 to 1994-12-9
• Publication Date: 1996-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 211-228
• Monograph Title: INTERMODAL FREIGHT TERMINAL OF THE FUTURE
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Circular
  • Issue Number: 459
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0097-8515

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automatic equipment identification; Automatic vehicle location; Cargo handling equipment; Conferences; Container handling; Container terminals; Demonstration projects; Equipment; Feasibility analysis; Global Positioning System; Intermodal terminals; Real time control; Wireless communication systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Equipment location systems; Real time operations
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Freight Transportation; Highways; Marine Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00723858
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jul 25 1996 12:00AM