Outpost unveils new gate automation platform to improve efficiency for shippers and terminal operators

Outpost recently launched a gate automation platform to help shippers, fleets, and terminal operators across the U.S. improve their operations and reduce costs. The company, which operates more than 20 truck terminals and drop yards, invested significant resources into the development of this technology after training and testing it across more than 1 million gate events at its properties. 

The platform's technology enables drivers to enter and exit the yard without stopping while ensuring terminal operators capture all necessary data for operations and security compliance. It also includes AI voice agents at the gate that facilitate communication with the drivers and streamline entry processes. 

“We've done a lot of work to both tune and optimize the AI voice agent,” Greg Akselrod, Outpost CTO, told FleetOwner. “When an agent sounds natural, you get more conversation. [Truck drivers] are more likely to speak clearly and slowly.”

According to Outpost, this is the industry’s only vertically integrated gate automation solution consisting of software, hardware, civil planning, installation, and ongoing remote operations services. Deployments at most terminals are completed in as little as one week.

See also: Outpost expands national network with four new acquisitions

Key features of Outpost’s gate automation platform

• Multi-part vehicle identification: Detects vehicle type, make, model, color, trailer class, and fuel type. 
• ID and compliance recognition: Reads DOT and MC numbers, license plates, trailer and container IDs, chassis markings, hazmat placards, red tags, and company logos. 
• Damage and safety inspection: Detects dents, rust, scratches, broken lights, missing mud flaps, tire tread and sidewall issues, improper driver safety gear, and dashboard obstructions. 
• Security verification: Identifies seal presence, confirms driver identity through face-to-ID matching, validates license authenticity, and flags tractor-trailer misdispatches. 
• Situational awareness: Tracks equipment movement, speed, full stops, tailgates, and gate malfunctions. 
• Document and cargo intelligence: Extracts data from bills of lading and similar paperwork; detects trailer and container cargo. 
• Custom detection: Trains custom models for terminal-specific risks and SOP enforcement. 

What people are saying

“Outpost’s mission is to build the backbone of freight. Extending our technology footprint from our own properties to our customers’ terminals is the next logical step in achieving that mission,” Akselrod said. “By linking carrier terminals and drop yards into a single operational network, we’re enabling a new level of visibility and coordination across the freight ecosystem, turning the gate from a cost center into a strategic control point.”

“Outpost is taking the pain out of gate operations,” said Ryan Gass, VP of safety, terminal management, security, and facilities maintenance at Werner Enterprises. “Our drivers get through faster, our teams have better visibility, and our equipment is more secure. Using the platform at Outpost and our own terminals gives us cleaner data, faster terminal throughput, and a unified view of our fleet across Werner and Outpost sites. They’re setting a new standard for how all modern facilities should run.”