The Northwest Seaport Alliance, which includes the Port of Tacoma, will launch two new mobile applications early November to help speed the flow of containers through port facilities and along local freight corridors, reduce idling-related air emissions and save fuel.

DrayQTM aims to give truck drivers real-time information about wait times in and around marine cargo terminals, and DrayLinkTM will interconnect the drayage community to better dispatch, track and record container moves from pickup to delivery.

The apps were designed specifically for, and in partnership with, the port industry to align with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Connected Vehicle Freight Advanced Traveler Information System (FRATIS) architecture and StrongPorts initiative.

DrayQ is the first mobile app in the market to use Bluetooth technology to provide real-time estimates of drayage truck wait times at ports and terminals. The app also provides trend information and traffic camera views at the touch of a fingertip.

Drivers can use the app to determine the optimum time to enter a terminal and reduce the time spent in traffic, which helps reduce air emissions from idling and saves fuel. For dispatchers or shippers, it helps to optimize schedules and improve customer expectations.

The second app, DrayLink, is designed to help interconnect the drayage community by offering a single common operating tool for drivers, dispatchers, terminal operators and shippers to help move containers smarter.

Like DrayQ, DrayLink also provides real-time information on street and terminal wait times, but offers greater functionality using the power of Google Analytics, GPS data, and geofencing that enables users to track and record cargo moves and generate useful tailored reports.

DrayQ and DrayLink will be available early November for free download and available for both iOS and Android smart phones and tablets.

– Northwest Seaport Alliance