VTA supports new vehicle booking system at Port of Melbourne, hoping it will lead to greater benefits for trucking
June 15, 2010
A new vehicle booking system to be introduced at the Port of Melbourne has the potential to usher in greater benefits for the trucking industry, according to the Victorian Transport Association.
Stevedore DP World will introduce the ‘1-Stop’ VBS platform at its West Swanson Terminal from July, bringing it in line with Patrick which already uses the system.
VTA Deputy CEO Neil Chambers says the association has been pushing for stevedores to use common technology for some time.
He says operators may soon be able to better organise slots at different terminals and run two-way loading because the stevedores will be operating on the same system.
Chambers says the VTA will begin advocating for DP World and Patrick to build a function into the 1-Stop system to improve information sharing between both stevedore terminals, back-loading opportunities and truck loading ratios.
“That’s the functionality we want,” Chambers says.
Operators currently need to log into Patrick’s and DP’s systems separately to organise bookings.
The VTA will also hold workshops later this month to help trucking operators understand DP World’s new system.
Sessions will run from June 21 to 23 ahead of the introduction of the ‘1-Stop’ platform, which will run alongside a new customer portal to replace the current e-PORTS system.
The free two-hour sessions, which will run in the morning and afternoon, will be held at VTA headquarters on Wirraway Drive at Fishermans Bend.
“The VTA is committed to working closely with DP World to ensure a smooth transition to the new VBS platform,” Chambers says.
All carriers registered with DP World using the port can attend the workshops by completing a registration form.