Container handling trucks, such as terminal tractors and yard trucks, play a crucial role in the efficient operation of container terminals. These unique vehicles are essential for transporting containers from the berth (where the ships dock) to the yard (where the containers are stored) and, later, to intermodal transport via train or barge—and, of course, vice versa too.
So, why are they used for container transport?
Generally, container handling trucks are divided into internal and external trucks, each of which fulfils different roles within the logistics chain.
Internal trucks
Internal trucks, also called terminal tractors or yard trucks, are designed to move short distances within the confines of the container terminal. One of the main differences from ordinary trucks is their manoeuvrability, which is specially designed to navigate the narrow spaces within a terminal. Therefore they can make sharp turns and are, therefore, optimally suited for use in crowded environments.
External Trucks
Often referred to as dollies or container chassis trucks, these trucks transport containers over longer distances, typically from a terminal to external locations such as distribution centres, warehouses, or rail terminals.
Unlike internal trucks, external trucks comply with general road traffic regulations, so they have license plates, safety features and roadworthy designs that meet national and international standards. They are built for endurance and long-distance travel, which means comfortable driver cabins, fuel-efficient engines and advanced navigation systems.
Intertwining truck automation solutions with terminal operating systems (TOS) involves several key components and technologies that ensure seamless communication, efficient operation and improved overall terminal performance.
Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management
One of the most essential functions involves vehicle tracking and fleet management. Trucks are equipped with real-time tracking systems to provide accurate location data. This data is sent to the TOS, which uses it to assign tasks, optimize routes and monitor truck movements within the terminal. It can also be used to determine the location of containers that the truck is currently carrying.
Telematics Systems
Modern trucks have telematics devices that record various parameters, including speed, fuel consumption and tyre pressure. The automation solution passes this information to the TOS, where truck performance is monitored, maintenance is scheduled, and operational efficiency is analysed (see also: Fleet Telematics).
Task Management Systems
Dynamic task management systems are essential for optimizing truck operations. The TOS dynamically assigns tasks to each truck based on real-time data and operational priorities. The task is sent, completed by the car, confirmed to the TOS, and the next task can be submitted based on the latest data. This process ensures that operations can respond efficiently to changing conditions.
Automated Gate Systems
They help optimize terminal entry and exit processes. Technologies such as RFID, optical character recognition (OCR), and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) automatically capture truck and container data, which is then sent to the TOS for review and recording. OCR also has the advantage of identifying any damage to the container, making human inspection obsolete, which usually has to be done at the gate.
Maintenance and Diagnostics
Sensors and diagnostic tools continuously monitor the condition of the trucks and send the data they collect to the TOS. Based on this information, it can plan the necessary maintenance activities. This proactive approach reduces downtime and prevents minor problems from escalating into significant disruptions.
Data Analytics and Reporting
The information collected by the automation solution makes it easy to determine a range of KPIs, such as utilization, fuel efficiency, and turnaround time. Detailed reports provide insights for continuous improvements in operational efficiency.
Including External Trucks
Integrating external trucks into the existing processes and the TOS is straightforward. For instance, flexibly attaching and removing a tag can facilitate this.
The tag system operates seamlessly: An external truck arrives at the gate, where it is assigned a tag. The tag ID is then linked to the truck's license plate in the system. The truck driver attaches the tag to his vehicle, often using a hook on his side mirror, and the vehicle is seamlessly integrated into the system.
Of course, permanently installing the tag on the vehicle is also available. This makes sense, for example, when it comes to trucks that do nothing other than transport containers from the port to a warehouse not too far away and vice versa. The more often the gate has to be passed through, the more time can be saved if the tag is not attached and removed, and the truck can even be recognized automatically.
Like with internal trucks, it is possible to capture and record their position in real time and take advantage of the system's many functions, as the terminal wishes.
Operational Efficiency
Container handling trucks integrated into a TOS using automation solutions significantly increase operational efficiency. For example, task allocation can be optimized: the TOS dynamically assigns tasks to the most suitable (because closest) truck based on real-time data, ensuring precise and timely resource allocation.
This streamlines container flow and ensures well-coordinated processes with container handling equipment (CHE). This enables faster turnaround times when loading and unloading containers, which helps to reduce the time ships spend at berth.
Resource Optimisation
Through the efficient task allocation and monitoring of truck availability mentioned above, idle times can be minimised. The collection of real-time location data enables routes to be planned efficiently, which reduces both travel time and fuel consumption. In addition, wear and tear can also be reduced.
Enhanced Safety
Continuous monitoring and real-time alerts improve safety by far. This makes it possible to check whether safety protocols and guidelines are being followed. Automated systems can detect unsafe operations, such as excessive speed or improper handling, so that corrective measures can be initiated. The analysis of recorded incidents and so-called near misses enables the identification of actual and potential dangers that can then be contained.
Reduced Downtime
Another key benefit of integrating the trucks is that downtime can be reduced or avoided entirely. Predictive maintenance systems that evaluate the data collected by sensors can predict maintenance requirements so that proactive planning can be carried out. Problems can be identified early before they can develop into serious malfunctions.
Improved Decision Making
The wealth of data collected enables improved decision-making. Key performance indicators such as truck utilization, fuel efficiency, and turnaround time are continuously monitored and analysed. The reports and analyses provide operational insights, highlight trends and areas for improvement, and thus help terminal managers make informed decisions. This enables strategic planning to be successful and operational and infrastructure investments to be optimized. Regular analysis of operational data creates a cycle of continuous improvement (see also: PDS automation).
What Other Names Are There For Internal and External Trucks?
At the terminals, internal and external trucks are also known by other names. These terms are used in different regions and contexts. Still, they all refer to vehicles designed for the specific purpose of handling and transporting containers either within the terminal or to external locations.
Internal trucks
External trucks
What is an Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR)?
An Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR) is a document used in the logistics and shipping industry to record the transfer of responsibility for a shipping container between different parties. It describes the condition of the container at the time of exchange, including any damage, and is signed by both the supplying and receiving parties.
EIRs play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the handling of shipping containers:
They document the condition of the container at the time of transfer, helping to detect damage and identify whose responsibility the container was when it occurred. This enables greater operational efficiency on the one hand and faster dispute resolution on the other, as they are considered substantial evidence in cases of claims for damages or loss on the other.
EIRs are used by a wide range of stakeholders in the logistics chain, including shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and carriers. Each party involved in transferring a container reviews and signs the EIR to confirm the status and details of the exchange.
They generally contain the following information: Date and time of the exchange, details of the container (size, type, identification number), condition of the container, indication of any pre-existing damage, signatures of representatives of both the supplying and receiving parties,
location of the exchange, any relevant notes or special instructions.
EIRs can be created and managed manually or electronically. The latter are often integrated into TOS and can be accessed by relevant parties in real time. If a port's gates are equipped with OCR technology, the system can automatically capture the details of the container. This data is then used to generate an e-EIR, stored and managed electronically, ensuring accurate and efficient record-keeping.
Container handling trucks are essential for efficiently operating container terminals and over-the-road transport and play a central role in transporting containers between docks, storage yards, intermodal transport systems such as trains and barges, factories, and dealers.
The vehicle types are designed for various tasks, including the fast and efficient handling of large quantities of containers, the transport of two containers at the same time at the container terminal, and the transport of trucks over very long distances outside the port area.
Integrating both types—internal and external trucks—into a TOS offers huge advantages for operational efficiency and safety: improved routes, monitored consumption, and optimal order distribution according to the order in which the trucks arrive.
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Sources:
(1) https://www.container-xchange.com/blog/equipment-interchange-receipt/