Port Access: Virginia
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Virginia Port Receives Federal Grant to Bolster Development of Motor Carrier Reservation System
The Port of Virginia’s® focus on driving efficiency at its truck gates is being supported by the federal government through a specialized grant program aimed at using technology to reduce congestion.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced October 4 that the port will receive an Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment (ATCMTD) grant of $1.55 million. The money, with equal matching funds from the port, will be used to continue the development and phased implementation of a motor carrier reservation system at the port’s terminals.
John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, said the reservation would "allow us to meter the flow of traffic in and out of our terminals, level-out out the ‘rush hours’ and give us more control of the flow of cargo moving by truck." Furthermore, he said, "It benefits the motor carriers and trucking companies because they will be able to build their week, plan their moves and begin to develop more accurate forecasting for turn-times and volumes. It will also result in a safer work environment as we can plan the day and accurately forecast manpower needs."
The ATCMTD program funds technologies that are ready to be deployed to enhance existing traffic capacity for commuters and businesses. For more than two years, the port has been working with regional trucking firms in development of its reservation system. The system is being tested, but there is no deadline for implementation.
"We are building a reservation system that will be phased-in when we see need," Mr. Reinhart said. "It will be a methodical implementation that will be supported with communication, an education component and understanding of its benefits to customers, stakeholders and port users."
The Port of Virginia’s® focus on driving efficiency at its truck gates is being supported by the federal government through a specialized grant program aimed at using technology to reduce congestion.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced October 4 that the port will receive an Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment (ATCMTD) grant of $1.55 million. The money, with equal matching funds from the port, will be used to continue the development and phased implementation of a motor carrier reservation system at the port’s terminals.
John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, said the reservation would "allow us to meter the flow of traffic in and out of our terminals, level-out out the ‘rush hours’ and give us more control of the flow of cargo moving by truck." Furthermore, he said, "It benefits the motor carriers and trucking companies because they will be able to build their week, plan their moves and begin to develop more accurate forecasting for turn-times and volumes. It will also result in a safer work environment as we can plan the day and accurately forecast manpower needs."
The ATCMTD program funds technologies that are ready to be deployed to enhance existing traffic capacity for commuters and businesses. For more than two years, the port has been working with regional trucking firms in development of its reservation system. The system is being tested, but there is no deadline for implementation.
"We are building a reservation system that will be phased-in when we see need," Mr. Reinhart said. "It will be a methodical implementation that will be supported with communication, an education component and understanding of its benefits to customers, stakeholders and port users."
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