“Peel Off” program speeds flow of cargo through port

A new program that expedites cargo by streamlining container moves is speeding up operations at the Port of Los Angeles CA. Launched February 25, 2015, the “Peel Off” program has added a new operational model to the port to clear the current backlog of containers and improve the flow of cargo going forward.
“We have found an efficient way to get containers to their destination that is beginning to pay off,” said Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles executive director. “We’re acting on our pledge to our customers to harmonize the supply chain and make it work better—permanently.”
The port teamed with stevedoring company The Pasha Group, harbor trucking firm Total Transportation Services Inc (TTSI), several marine container terminal operators, and a group of major retailers to create the program. This program involves “peeling off” containers of high-volume customers to a near-dock yard where they are sorted for destination to inland distribution centers.
“The trucks are doing exactly what everyone needs them to do: make more turns every day,” said Vic La Rosa, TTSI president and chief executive officer. “This single step eliminates multiple inefficient moves so cargo flows faster and more reliably.”
Under “Peel Off,” import containers loaded with goods belonging to high-volume shippers are stacked together in a block upon arrival at the port. The terminals expedite TTSI trucks through their gates to retrieve the containers and deliver them to the near-dock yard less than a mile away, where they are sorted. The same trucks loop back to the terminals for the next inbound container. The trucks keep boxes moving by delivering outbound containers on the return leg.
The “Peel Off” yard is at Navy Way and Reeves Avenue on port property and is open six days a week from 7 am to 3 am. Currently, 17 acres are available for staging up to 500 containers. As demand grows, the facility can operate 24/7 and accommodate up to 650 containers.
International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) workers handle all gate and terminal operations at the “Peel Off” yard.
Cargo owners can move their containers through the “Peel Off” yard in less than 48 hours and make those trips at night during off-peak traffic hours. TTSI has leased 250 chassis to ensure containers are on wheels and ready to roll. The parties are also coordinating their efforts with the new interchangeable chassis pool launched March 1 in the harbor complex.
“Peel Off” also offers clean air benefits by reducing truck trips, gate waits, and idling. All trucks calling at the near-dock yard remain subject to the port’s Clean Truck Program requirements.
Planning for “Peel Off” preceded the recent congestion problems that surfaced at all West Coast ports, but the program is already helping to clear the backlog of cargo in Los Angeles. The program is open to all container terminals and may be expanded to other locations in the port.
Access www.portla.org for further details.