Inbound Logistics | July 2023

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to the Tacoma and Seattle seaports. Most intermodal inland ramp locations served and/or operated by the BNSF and Union Pacic railroads will be eligible for the incentive program including ramp locations in Minot, North Dakota; Pocatello, Idaho; Millersburg, Oregon; and Wallula, Washington.

Data Partnership In spring 2023, ve California

seaports—the Port of Los Angeles along with the ports of Long Beach, Oakland, Hueneme, and San Diego—signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the California Port Data Partnership alongside state and federal partners. The memorandum outlines an agreement among the ve ports to jointly advance computerized and cloud-based data interoperability (Interoperability is the ability of computer systems or software to exchange and jointly make use of information). The ports share a common goal: to support improved freight system resilience, goods movement efciency, emissions reduction, and economic competitiveness. The agreement “will create a greener, more transparent and more efcient supply chain, unlocking innovation in how cargo moves in California,” says California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. The partnership will serve as the

BMW Group operates a Vehicle Distribution Center at the Port of Galveston to handle and process imports.

basis of cooperation for $27 million in grant funds from the California Governor’s Ofce of Business and Economic Development for port data system development and emerging data aggregation and analysis efforts that support freight and supply chain resiliency. “Sharing vital shipping data will reduce delays and aid the entire goods movement industry from the docks to doorsteps,” says Mario Cordero, executive director of Port of Long Beach. “By working together, California’s ports can enable end-to-end visibility and connectivity across the supply chain.” Texas Pride A similar example of cooperation exists in Texas, where a strong and collaborative port system is vital to maintaining the state’s position as the

nation’s top exporter and importer by tonnage. The state’s 20 public ports handle more than 616 million tons of foreign and domestic cargo and represent 25% of the state’s GDP, according to the Texas Ports Association. “While our Texas ports may compete with each other for business, we also work together through the Port Authority Advisory Committee (PACC) to raise awareness with key decision-makers about the vital roles Texas ports play and our future needs,” says Rodger Rees, port director and CEO, Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston. “To meet demand and remain competitive with ports across the United States, Texas ports are investing heavily in upgrading their facilities,” Rees notes. The Port of Galveston is implementing a 20-year Strategic Master Plan that details more than $600 million in major capital and maintenance improvements to maximize port assets. Port capital projects include an internal roadway, a fourth cruise terminal, and expansion and improvements to the West Port Cargo Complex. These efforts, like those at ports large and small across the country, are in keeping with the shared mission of U.S. port ofcials to help improve supply chain reliability through increased port capacity and resilience. As Buttigieg says, the goal of port investment is to strengthen U.S. supply chains and position the nation for economic success. n

The Port of Galveston consists of the Galveston Ship Channel, the south side of Pelican Island, the north side of Galveston Island, and the entrance to Galveston Bay.

164 Inbound Logistics • July 2023