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Table 1 Key information sources for a TGS [Source: own composition based on interviews results]

From: Toward implementing a fully automated truck guidance system at a seaport: identifying the roles, costs and benefits of logistics stakeholders

Key information

Source

Truck information

ICT on-board providers offer ICT solutions for fleet management to the transport industry, including backend software and on-board units in trucks to locate and monitor in real time the status of the truck fleet. Based on interviews with these solutions providers, they show a clear interest in sharing at a certain cost their data to interested parties. Within this regard, a TGS that utilizes this kind of data is, from a technological and economic point of view, definitely feasible. Some examples of data the providers can share include:

• GPS data with the position of the vehicles

• Driving and resting times of the drivers

• Speed

• Current activity

Mapping/navigation software and traffic information

Many navigation software applications already exist and are used by millions of drivers worldwide. Some examples are: Tom-Tom, Waze, Google Maps, Flitsmeister, Garmin, etc.. Applications generate crowdsourced data that is sent to specific backend systems. This data can then be fused with other traffic information sources, such as floating-car data, road sensors or tolling booths. All this information is then fed into the algorithms that determine optimal routes and provide traffic information to the end user via user-friendly interfaces.

Traffic management systems and road authorities

For the traffic management, dynamic signalisation is deployed: lane signalisation above each lane and large text signs above and along the highways. The traffic measurements and steering of this signalisation is internally processed in different databases that are openly accessible.

Shippers/ maritime carriers/ agents/ forwarders/ consignees systems

Information from the shippers/forwarders could also be used by the TGS to have a better overview of planned transports. Information with regard to shipping orders can be predefined in central platforms so that shippers can reduce their cost by bundling their regular transportation needs with other shippers. In general, shippers, maritime carriers, agents, forwarders and consignees have their own information and thus are valuable sources of information in a supply chain. For example, real-time updates with regard to the expected delivery timing could be used by the TGS to optimize routing and planning.

Terminal/ port/depot data/ (pre-gate) parking lots

Trucking companies delivering/picking-up goods to/from the port of Antwerp lack an integrating platform to announce and book their visit at each terminal. In this regard, there is a range of working practices from first-come-first-served to an hourly-based time slot booking system. Due to lack of coordination, it is very difficult to plan cross-terminal follow-up tasks.

An integration via a single sign-on platform between the TGS and the terminal operating systems would be very beneficial within this respect.

Data from terminals, ports or (empty) depots is beneficial for the TGS, e.g.:

• Terminal slot data

• Queuing time at terminals

• Container availability

• Location of quay numbers

• Opening hours

  1. Source: own composition from desk research and interviews