Port of Oakland, Oakland, Calif., announced plans to launch a digital shipping platform to speed up global trade flows.

The online portal, called Oakland Portal and developed by Advent Intermodal Solutions LLC, Murray Hill, N.J., will provide a single window for cargo owners or freight haulers who want to:

• Receive personalized cargo status updates;
• Check ocean vessel schedules;
• Pay freight handling fees; or
• Make appointments to pick up containerized cargo.

“This is the next big thing in global trade,” says Eric Napralla, senior project administrator. "It’s a common platform – one place where everyone can go to more easily view and direct their shipments.”

Development of the portal is already underway and will roll out in phases. Advent’s eModal port community system is already used by every marine terminal operator in Oakland.

This platform will also enable shippers to better manage international supply chains. And, trucking companies will know exactly when and where to dispatch drivers for container pickup.

“They’ll only log in to the portal once,” Napralla says. “Then they can navigate the entire port with a few simple clicks.”