A new online shipping platform will provide supply chain operators with a single point of entry to operations at the Port of Oakland to enable better trade flow management.

Port of Oakland

Digital shipping platform the Oakland Portal is designed to help supply chain operators better manage trade flow. Credit: Port of Oakland

The Oakland Portal is believed to be the first digital collaboration platform for containerised cargo transportation that aggregates shipping information from every marine terminal in a harbour. It consolidates data including vessel schedules, cargo status and live camera views of port thoroughfares from Oakland’s four active marine terminals.

“This is what our industry is asking for,” said Port of Oakland maritime director John Driscoll. “We’re providing a comprehensive digital view of ships, cargo and terminal information all in one place on the computer...no more clicking through multiple websites.”

Logistics software provider Advent Intermodal Solutions LLC created the Oakland Portal as an extension of its customer-based eModal system.

Additional functions such as paying terminal fees, cargo status updates and trucker appointments, are available with registration and a login.

A future iteration would incorporate real-time performance metrics and dashboards customised for various users such as motor carriers and cargo owners, the port said. It expects to provide these upgrades in early 2019.