Marine container terminals at the California Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will require trucks to be equipped with TruckTags in order to gain access to the terminals beginning December 1, 2007, according to information from PierPASS Inc, a not-for-profit company created by marine terminal operators at the ports.
Trucks without TruckTags will be processed through exception handling, which may include being denied access or processing via a trouble ticket. Trucking companies that have already received tags should install the tags on their trucks now and register the tag numbers in the eModal TruckerCheck program, which will activate the truck in the system.
The TruckTag program is a proactive effort by marine terminal operators in Los Angeles and Long Beach to meet Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard guidelines requiring marine terminals to enhance their security measures. TruckTag uses RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to meet these heightened security requirements without hindering the efficient flow of cargo through the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.
Similar to E-ZPass and FasTrak automated systems, RFID tags installed on the truck’s driver-side rearview mirror are automatically read at marine terminal gate entrances using specialized scanning antennas that validate the security clearance of the truck. As part of the system, the truck driver’s commercial driver’s license is checked to verify they are authorized by their truck company to enter the port facility on their behalf.
Tag readers have been installed at most PierPASS member terminals in the two ports, and member terminals are working to have all gates equipped with tag readers by December.
PierPASS distributes the TruckTags through eModa.com, a database company that tracks trucking companies and drivers.