Role of Warehouse in Unclogging Ports

Every member of the supply chain is taking action to contain this crisis. The warehouse is undoubtedly a crucial supply chain member—likewise, logistic providers, port authorities, local and federal agencies.

Congress is working on the bill to waive off the minimum trucking age from 21 years to 18 years. Local authorities are temporarily permitting additional container stacking to free up space and expedite the container movements. Similarly, port authorities are attempting to postpone the surcharge if the carriers pick up shipping units faster. In contrast, they penalize ocean carriers with a 100$ surcharge per day for containers that sit too long on marine terminals.

Another major hurdle in port congestion is attributed to the availability of containers and chassis. A recent Forbes article also claims that “Fewer than 1% of companies have in-person access for appointment/unloading reservation scheduling”. The increasing levels of supply chain inefficiencies of warehouse un-loading and labor scheduling require frequent rescheduling. Making this happen in today’s environment with voice-automated recordings and 8 AM-5 PM staffed scheduling hours makes this problematic. Supply chain leaders need to make facilities more available for unloading.

Business leaders need robust Appointment Scheduling Solutions to return containers and chassis to the ports on time.

The scalable Appointment Scheduling Solution involves:

1. Creating and implementing the solution that works for each warehouse setup like operating hours, dock setup, labor availability, locking loading/unloading equipment, product class, and any other critical parameters
2. Solution has to be flexible in booking or rebooking appointments by any business object (PO, Vendor ASN, Carrier ASN, Shipment) and by any party (supplier, carrier, vendor)
3. Integrating the Appointment Scheduling Solution with extended supply chain systems like Carrier Portal, Onboard Computers, Vendor Portals, Warehouse Management Solutions (WMS), Transportation Solutions for visibility and execution
4. Appointment scheduling logic must be unique as per facility or appointment type or customer or vendor or product lines per the warehouse operations or customer business. In case of unavailable docks, alternate slots must be suggested keeping drivers waiting time, unloading, labor availability in scope.
5. Above all, fast and agile solution that adapts when warehouse setup or processes change.

In conclusion, the warehouse plays a critical role in addressing the port congestion by giving truckers clear directions to warehouses to help them arrive on time and unload the goods on time by being efficient when the load shows up.