The Port of Long Beach, a critical hub for cargo delivery across the US, is set to accelerate its Supply Chain Information Highway project thanks to a significant funding boost. Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration in California has announced a US$7.875 million (c. £6m) grant to support the port’s digital platform, aimed at enhancing the speed and efficiency of cargo deliveries nationwide.
The grant, provided by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), aims to enhance several key features of the Supply Chain Information Highway, including improved export and rail cargo visibility, advanced user authentication and data security, seamless data exchange between international ports, optimised truck appointments and various other project improvements. These developments are expected to streamline operational efficiency and enhance customer service.
Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, highlighted the importance of this phase of development: “With six marine terminals at the Port of Long Beach now connecting to a beta version of the Supply Chain Information Highway, we’ve entered a crucial phase of development. We are grateful to the State of California and GO-Biz for their continued leadership in supporting data modernisation to bolster goods movement. This funding will be important as we roll out these new enhancements to increase cargo velocity and tighten coordination across modes of transportation.”
The cloud-based system will reportedly enable stakeholders to make better scheduling, planning and operational decisions before cargo arrives, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective deliveries. It will be compatible with other data-sharing platforms across the maritime logistics industry, including those at major California ports, supporting enhanced supply chain resilience, goods movement efficiency, emission reductions and economic competitiveness.
Bobby Olvera Jr., president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential: “We’re very excited with how this product – free to registered users – will help the more than 200,000 shippers who use the Port of Long Beach better plan and move cargo. Thank you to Governor Newsom for his continued recognition of the role the state’s seaports play in enhancing the economy and creating good-paying jobs.”
Dee Dee Myers, GO-Biz director and senior advisor to Governor Newsom, emphasised the strategic importance of the project: “California’s ports are an essential link in the global supply chain and this first-of-its-kind, collaborative data system will help ensure they remain so. I want to thank Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero and the rest of his team for their leadership and ongoing participation in this effort.”
Senator Lena Gonzalez, chair of the Senate Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, applauded the funding allocation: “I believe it is important to strive for innovative enhancements that will support jobs and help ensure the efficient movement of goods in California. I am pleased to see the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development allocating over $7m in state funding for the Supply Chain Information Highway digital platform.”
The Supply Chain Information Highway is being developed in partnership with St. Louis-based tech firm UNCOMN, which is collaborating with Amazon Web Services to provide cloud services and hosting. In 2024, the project will reportedly focus on three operational platforms: a container track and trace feature, a port operations dashboard and a beneficial cargo owner dashboard.
