SSA signs ContainerTrac for Oakland terminal positioning system

SSA signs ContainerTrac for Oakland terminal positioning system Emeryville-based asset tracking firm ContainerTrac Inc. has signed a deal with SSA Marine to provide a complete in-yard container positioning system for the International Container Terminal at the Port of Oakland.
   Set to begin deployment this spring, the system will enable Carrix-subsidiary SSA to track and locate tagged equipment within the 146-acre terminal. The system utilizes ContainerTrac's proprietary and patented Position Detection System technology to provide real-time cell-specific updates to a computer display system at the terminal.
   Part of the contract also calls for the ContainerTrac PDS system to be integrated with SSA's terminal operating system from Tideworks Technology.
   SSA Containers President Ed DeNike said the system would have a definite impact on improving operational efficiency at the terminal.
   'The ability to accurately capture the placement and movement of containers in our seaport locations is increasingly important, especially with ever-growing volumes and our ongoing commitment to port security,' DeNike said. 'ContainerTrac has presented a unique and innovative solution that can deliver cost effective results in the field, and we're excited to begin our migration to its PDS.'
   ContainerTrac estimates the PDS system could increase the flow-through for yard operators by 23 percent and it could enable current container yard density to increase from 4,000 containers per acre per year to more than 10,000 containers per acre per year by being able to more efficiently stack containers.
   The firm developed the wireless communication component of the PDS system in conjunction with partner Cisco Systems, which also allows for additional vehicle-based applications such as VoIP, video surveillance over IP, and other location-based services. The computing side of the system was developed in cooperation with Hewlett-Packard.