According to the port, the new partnership will “increase visibility, enhance real-time decision-making and optimize cargo movement through the Port,” leading to overall more efficient flows of cargo. The Port of Los Angeles, which neighbors the Port of Long Beach, is already using the Port Optimizer, and Long Beach has seen its success. At Los Angeles, it increased visibility from two days to two weeks. “GE Transportation has already been working with the Port of Los Angeles at one of its terminals, and this was an opportunity to see even closer up how that technology works,” explains Peterson. “The goal is for the terminal operators and the Port to be able to gather enough information about the Port Optimizer to better understand how it works, and if it can improve operations.”

This is only a two to three month test period, and will take place at Total Terminals International and Long Beach Container Terminal. As a result, Peterson doesn't expect to see any significant impact on cargo volumes. “We do not expect the pilot project to impact port activity this year,” he says, adding, “it is only a two-to-three month trial at just some of the Port terminals. This is more about having the chance for port partners to observe the use of the technology.”