Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has announced the implementation of a project that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by optimizing truck routes to and from terminals located on Port of Montreal territory and reducing wait times through the use of its new Trucking PORTal Web-based application.
Relying on a combination of Bluetooth (very short-range communications technology), RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technologies and licence plate readers, information about truck entering, moving about and leaving port facilities is relayed in real time to drivers and dispatchers, resulting in a comprehensive view of the traffic, bottlenecks and wait times at the various terminals. This information is sent to drivers in real time by means of a mobile application that they download on their mobile device (from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store), or directly on their computer (from www.portmtltrucks.com). They use this information to plan their route to get to the Port and, while on Port territory, to optimize the time it takes them to deliver or pick up cargo.
More efficient truck routing results in reduced congestion and reduced wait times, which increase business productivity, and also results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to truckers being able to schedule pickups and deliveries with greater reliability.
“Port of Montreal is among the first ports in the world to offer its road transport partners an advanced real-time information system on truck traffic on its territory. We are constantly working to improve freight mobility, which is our trademark, and reduce our environmental footprint,” said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of Montreal Port Authority.
Transport Canada contributed $1.375 million toward the realization of the project.