The Northwest Seaport Alliance, the business operating entity consisting of the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma, has issued a list of seven tips to help its tenants and customer deal with the peak shipping season this summer and early fall.
The tips offered are:
- Utilize extended gate hours. The NWSA is partnering with terminal operators to support extended gate hours during peak season. The Alliance recommends taking advantage of the additional hours of operation when highway and port traffic is light, allowing trucks to access gates quickly. A schedule of extended hours is available at www.nwseaportalliance.com.
- Adjust warehouse receiving hours. A number of local warehouse facilities in the Puget Sound region have extended their hours of operation during the traditional peak season to receive loads. This ensures they have cargo available to start the day shift and return empties in time to avoid additional per diem or demurrage charges.
- Communicate frequently with local chassis managers on your current and forecasted needs. Providing a forecast of your chassis needs can ensure availability when and where you need them.
- Return empty chassis’ as soon as possible, which ensures chassis are available for your next load.
- Review truck dispatch schedule to ensure your schedule is running as efficiently as possible.
- Make sure to keep all supply chain partners in your communication loop, and connect with your supply chain and transportation providers often. Information sharing can improve efficiencies, reduce costs and improve performance.
- Check the terminal status updates, cargo availability and booking status to avoid delays at the gate for your trucker. Trucker updates can be found at www. nwseaportalliance.com/terminal-updates.
More details about each individual tip is available at https://www.nwseaportalliance.com/sites/default/files/7peakseasontips_2016.pdf
