26-Apr-2004

Thamesport (London) Limited has further enhanced its reputation as the UK’s most technologically-advanced port with the recent introduction of an electronic vehicle pager system, aimed at reducing handling times for hauliers, and significantly increasing productivity and efficiency at the Port.

The pagers replace the swipe card system that was in place, and mean that hauliers no longer have to consult a display board in the lorry park for their booking slot.

Under the new system, hauliers are issued with an electronic pager on arrival at the Port. Each pager is fitted with a tag identifier, which is programmed with the relevant booking details (import/export container number) and vehicle registration, and is unique to the haulier.

David Gledhill, Chief Operating Officer of Thamesport, said:

“This new system represents a significant step forward in the way we deal with hauliers at Thamesport. Our continuing investment in the very latest technology now means that we are able to offer hauliers a significantly reduced transit time through the Port, and enables us to pass on the gains to our customers in the form of even better levels of service and productivity”.

Vehicles wait in a designated parking area until they are called to proceed to the gatehouse by the pager, which vibrates and makes a “beeping” sound when activated. The pager links into the Port’s host computer system, which determines the time slot for each haulier.

At the gatehouse, the haulier is required to hold the pager up to a tag reader situated next to the cab window, and the Port’s Security Officer confirms the booking details to the host computer system. A printout is produced, which allocates the haulier a collection/drop-off location within the Port. When the haulier takes the printout, the barrier is raised and the vehicle can proceed into the Port.

To exit the Port, the haulier reports to the out-gate and drops his pager into a collection chute. A tag reader within the chute confirms that the pager has been returned, and the exit barrier is then raised.

Thamesport is the UK’s only automated port, and utilises state-of-the-art technology to offer exceptionally fast and efficient container and cargo operations, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.