The Port of Long Beach’s comprehensive digital platform, the Supply Chain Information Highway, designed to expedite cargo deliveries nationwide, is receiving significant funding from the administation of Governor of California Gavin Newsom.
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has announced a US$7.8 million grant for the port’s data system.
This funding will support the development of various functions, including export and rail cargo visibility, user authentication and data security, data exchange between foreign ports, truck appointments, and several future project enhancements to improve operational efficiency and customer service.
“With six marine terminals at the Port of Long Beach now connecting to a beta version of the Supply Chain Information Highway, we’ve entered a crucial phase of development. We are grateful to the State of California and GO-Biz for their continued leadership in supporting data modernization to bolster the goods movement. This funding will be important as we roll out these new enhancements to increase cargo velocity and tighten coordination across modes of transportation,” stated Mario Cordero, CEO of Port of Long Beach.
Additionally, the Supply Chain Information Highway will enable stakeholders to make scheduling, planning, and operational decisions before cargo arrival, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of goods delivery.
“We’re very excited with how this product – free to registered users – will help the more than 200,000 shippers who use the Port of Long Beach better plan and move cargo. Thank you to Governor Newsom for his continued recognition of the role the state’s seaports play in enhancing the economy and creating good-paying jobs,” stated Bobby Olvera Jr., Harbor Commission President of Long Beach.
Moreover, this cloud-based system is expected to be compatible with similar data-sharing platforms across the maritime logistics industry, including major California ports, thereby supporting improved supply chain resilience, goods movement efficiency, emissions reductions, and economic competitiveness.
“As Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, I believe it is important to strive for innovative enhancements that will support jobs and help ensure the efficient movement of goods in California,” noted Lena Gonzalez, California State Senator.
She added, “I am pleased to see the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development allocating over US$7 million in state funding for the Supply Chain Information Highway digital platform. Given that the Port of Long Beach is part of the ninth-busiest port complex in the world, contributing to 1 in 20 jobs in Southern California and over 2.6 million jobs nationwide, this funding will not only improve goods access for Californians but also support our communities by strengthening our economic landscape.”
The Port of Long Beach has teamed up with leading tech firm UNCOMN, based in St. Louis, to develop the Supply Chain Information Highway. UNCOMN is working with Amazon Web Services to provide cloud services and hosting for the platform’s data.
In 2024, development will focus on three key operational platforms:
- Container Track and Trace: This feature will provide up-to-date information about the status of containers moving through the Port of Long Beach.
- Port Operations Dashboard: Users can review the operational metrics of the Port of Long Beach, accessible at www.polb.com/operations.
- Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO) Dashboard: BCOs can access detailed information about their containers, including arrival or departure status and terminal location.
