Table 2 TGS functionalities [Source: own composition based on interviews results]

Data gathering

Collecting the GPS location data/travelling times from the trucks (directly from a Truck Guidance (TG) app or indirectly via on-board computers)

Collecting data from the infrastructure management authorities, navigation system providers and traffic information providers about road conditions, traffic jams or other incidents.

Collecting data from terminals about available slots, container availability, quay numbers or opening hours.

Collecting data from port, parking lots, gates, locks, bridges etc. about their status (e.g., queuing time, available space, bridge condition or opening hours).

Data processing

Analysing the traffic situation based on the collected data from different sources.

Handling the availability of slots, e.g., late arrival, new slots proposal.

Optimize pre-gate parking by indicating available spaces (via sensors and/or parking entry/exit data.

Information presentation and recommendation

Presenting in a user-friendly way the information towards the end-users of the system (truck driver, planner, terminal operator, port operator, forwarder or dispatcher), supporting different types of transport companies, with very heterogeneous ICT capabilities.

Forwarding trucks in an optimal way to the terminal/loading area taking into account available information (time slot, road conditions, etc.): via truck information.

Data Integration

Integrating with the transport planner Traffic Management System to optimize planning operations.

Integrating with terminal booking systems.

Integrating with parking lot booking system.

Integrating with other stakeholder systems.