The new driver application makes manual paperwork obsolete
Australian Container Freight Services (ACFS) has implemented new e-Gate technology across all its empty container facilities today.
The new Driver@Containerchain application aims at promoting efficiency and reducing time spent manually hiring and releasing containers.
Drivers of trucks using the new technology will be able to enter the ACFS container facilities via designated green lanes and without having to exit the vehicles to process paperwork, unlike those not using the e-Gate application.
Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) says the initiative will shave significant time off the physical process of hiring and de-hiring containers.
“No longer will drivers have to report to an office with paper delivery orders,” director Gerard Langes says.
“CTAA encourages those remaining few shipping lines to implement full EDI [electronic data interchange] so transport companies can get fully onboard with e-Gate.”
As a result of this change, ACFS has become the only empty container park operator across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to switch to 100 per cent e-Gate access technology.
This is yet another good news for the company that recently settled a major dispute with Asciano in its favour.
Part of the dispute, which threatened to delay the $9 billion sale of Asciano, involved ACFS Port Logistics demanding a total stake in its joint venture (JV) with Asciano subsidiary Patrick.
The firm demanded an agreement to transfer Asciano’s interests to ACFS owners Arthur and Terry Tzaneros.
The JV, which was launched last year, involved rebranding Patrick Empty Container Parks as ACFS e-Depots and extending the opening hours of all container parks across the country to 24 hours a day, five days a week.
The move was followed by operational improvements that allowed a 24/7 service for maintenance and repair for shipping containers.
ACFS e-Depot GM Erica Gilcrist says such improvements have benefits for the entire transport sector.
“These unique significant industry advances are assisting transport operators, shipping companies, importers and exporters in the supply chain” Gilcrist says.