Trade Tech, Advent partner to streamline port operations

Starting July 1, 2016, the new SOLAS VGM regulations, which aims to ensure overweight containers are not placed on container vessels, will go into effect. For many exporters, the implementation of the new regulations will likely disrupt the shipping industry by causing concern that truckers will not be able to deliver containers to terminals if the VGM has not been properly transmitted to the carrier.

To resolve the issue, Trade Tech  and Advent Intermodal Solutions (Advent)  have formed a partnership to address the issue. Together, Trade Tech’s Syrinx e-Shipping Portal (Syrinx), and Advent’s port community system, eModal, provide end-to-end supply chain technology to ensure truckers can deliver containers to the terminals with the greatest expediency. The goal is to eliminate wait times and ensure rejection-free processing at terminal gates.

“Many terminals, especially those pushing to gain greater efficiency to handle the new mega-ships, are requiring transmission of the VGM to the carrier before the container can be received at the terminal. There is no point in having the trucker schedule an appointment to deliver a container to the terminal if the VGM has not already been transmitted,” says Bryn Heimbeck, CEO, Trade Tech. “Our solution empowers truckers to confirm the VGM transmission, or even trigger the transmission, in cases where the cargo needs to be weighed by a third-party scale before attempting to schedule a delivery appointment.”

Heimbeck continues, “We’re excited to partner with Advent because their eModal community comprises over 10,000 trucking and motor carrier companies, 80 shipping lines and 40 terminals. Having both of our solutions working together seamlessly will result in smooth compliance with the SOLAS VGM requirements and offer even greater gains in terminal efficiency. This is just the start of us creating a more collaborative industry as a whole and solving the current disjointed communication methods.”

Michael Mayhew, senior business development manager of Advent, says, “The end-to-end solution created by using both Syrinx and eModal will ensure the trucking community and terminals receive the data confirmation needed to make appointments and manage pre-arrival of cargo in terminals where VGM is a prerequisite for entry. Together, we will continue to move toward optimizing in-gate procedures and streamlining port operations globally.”