September 9, 2009
The Government of Canada will provide the Montreal Port Authority with up to $9 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to build a common access portal for trucks.
The work is expected to improve operations at the port, where container shipments generate a substantial flow of truck traffic.
The port authority said a common entrance for all trucks with a series of automated security gates at the container terminals has several advantages including safety (drivers do not leave their trucks), speed (transactions are expedited), flow (the terminal receives notification the moment truck drivers log in, allowing the terminal to get ready for the delivery or pick-up) and security (all transactions as well as the truck driver’s ID are automatically recorded). Furthermore, shorter waiting times for trucks means fewer motor exhaust fumes due to idling, thereby reducing the environmental impact of port operations.
Specifically, the project, part of the Port of Montreal’s Vision 2020 strategic plan, involves the installation of 27 automated truck gate pedestals at Section 73 North, where truck drivers will carry out their transactions, and the renovation of terminal entrances to install automated control posts, cameras and computer equipment.
The project concept is a follows:
- Trucking companies electronically inform the terminals what containers they are delivering and picking up, and with which truck driver.
- The truck driver drives through a portal at the entrance to the port that, through optical scanning, automatically reads the container numbers and searches the terminal’s database for data on the delivery or pick-up.
- The truck driver then heads to a pedestal with a computer screen. There is no need to get out of the truck. After the truck driver provides identification, information on the transaction appears onscreen. The truck driver confirms or corrects the information. If there is a problem, assistance is available by intercom from a clerk. The truck driver and the container are also photographed.
- Once the transactions are confirmed, the terminal is advised of the truck driver’s presence and equipment is moved to provide the appropriate service. The truck driver receives a card confirming the transaction to be carried out, and where at the terminal the transfer should take place.
- The truck driver then drives to the terminal entrance where another pedestal rechecks both driver ID and the transaction card. The driver swipes the card and the security gate opens. The driver delivers the container to the specified location.
- At the exit, the driver ID, the container number and the transaction card are automatically verified without the driver having to get out of the truck. If everything is in order, the portal opens.
“The construction of a common portal will permit the Port of Montreal to improve the flow of truck traffic and increase its competitiveness,” said Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority. “In addition, by significantly decreasing the wait time of trucks, this system will reduce the environmental footprint of port activities.”
Ms. Vachon added that Montreal is an international port city and that all improvements to the port benefit the city, the region of Montreal and the country as a whole.
“The participation of the Government of Canada in this important infrastructure project is an investment in the future of the Port of Montreal and an example of our commitment to stimulate the economy,” said Lévis-Bellechasse MP Steven Blaney, who announced the government’s investment in the project.
The federal funding will come from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund pursuant to the signing of a contribution agreement with Montreal Port Authority. The port authority will assume the balance of the $18-million project.