LYTTELTON Port Company has extended their agreement with 1-Stop Connections after the implementation of the logistics software provider’s vehicle booking system.
1-Stop Connections said the 1-Stop Vehicle Booking System had contributed to the port’s growth and had created valuable efficiency gains.
The new agreement will assist LPC as it nears completion of the first stage of its $85 million expansion.
As the largest port in New Zealand’s South Island, it handles around 50% of the volume that moves through the region, including 70% of imports.
The eastern development is expected to be completed next year and will increase the port’s total capacity from 530,000 TEUs to 620,000 TEUs annually.
LPC head of landside and inland ports Sean Bradley said the VBS is a key element of the overall operation.
“We’ve been experiencing significant growth over the last ten years and we expect that to increase further as we expand,” Mr Bradley said.
“From my experience, both here and in Australia, I think it’s crucial to any operation that they have a vehicle booking system, because ultimately your shipping and your berth productivity is only going to be as good as your landside operation.
“The visibility it provides has been really crucial for us, and we’re really pleased with it.”
With more than 600 staff, LCP also operates two inland terminals. The company uses the VBS to allocate labour at the terminals, forecast ship capacity per hour, and provide visibility of movement through the depot.
Prior to the implementation of the VBS, LPC was experiencing truck queues with wait times as long as three hours.
They said the new system has allowed them to “smooth out the peaks and troughs” and achieve a more consistent turn time for transporters.
Mr Bradley said the renewed agreement will allow the port to capitalise on efficiency gains and continue to provide more visibility for the landside operation within the yard and with ship operations.
1-Stop Connections chief customer officer Chris Harnett said the new agreement is an exciting step forward for the partnership.
He noted LPC was the first company to use 1-Stop’s VBS solution to capture the full container life cycle from terminal to container park and beyond.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the results LPC has received from 1-Stop’s solution and look forward to expanding across New Zealand with them,” he said.
“The continuation of the partnership is the next logical step to continue to deliver a technology solution that extends into all areas of the supply chain, but more importantly create efficiencies for all parties.”
