A comprehensive Port of Long Beach digital platform being designed to help speed cargo deliveries across the nation, the Supply Chain Information Highway, is getting an infusion of funding from Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration.
The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) announced a $7.875 million grant for the Port's data system. Funding is expected to help build out a variety of functions including export and rail cargo visibility, user authentication and data security, the exchange of data between foreign ports, truck appointments and a number of future project enhancements that will enhance operational efficiency and customer service.
The Supply Chain Information Highway will enable stakeholders to make scheduling, planning and operational decisions prior to cargo arrival, making the delivery of goods more efficient and cost-effective. The cloud-based system is anticipated to be compatible with similar data-sharing platforms across the maritime logistics industry, including at major California ports, supporting improved supply chain resilience, goods movement efficiency, emissions reductions, and economic competitiveness.
"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," said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. "We are grateful to the State of California and GO-Biz for their continued leadership in supporting data modernization to bolster 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."
"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," said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. "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."
"California's ports are an essential link in the global supply chain and this first-of-its-kind, collaborative data system will help ensure they remain so," said GO-Biz Director and Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom, Dee Dee Myers. "I want to thank Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero and the rest of his team for their leadership and ongoing participation in this effort."
For more information:
Port of Long Beach
415 W. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Tel.: +1 (562) 283-7000