New York plans system for locating empty containers

New York plans system for locating empty containers    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said it is creating a computer system that will allow truckers to locate empty cargo containers outside the port rather than having to make an extra trip to a container terminal to get one.
   The port said it expects the “virtual container yard” to save truck operators time and money as well as reduce traffic and air pollution.
   The system, developed with eModal.com LLC of Irvine, Calif., will be launched in spring 2007. The ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland are using or experimenting with similar systems.
   “This system requires the cooperation of many partners, including ocean carriers serving our port and the trucking industry, if it is to be successful,” said Port Commerce Director Richard M. Larrabee. “We believe this program, combined with steps that already have been taken to expand the port’s rail capacity and to extend terminal gate hours, will allow us to improve the port’s productivity and efficiency.”
   Funding and operational support for the program will be provided by the port authority, the I-95 Corridor Coalition, the New York State Department of Transportation, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers and ocean carriers.