The Northwest Seaport Alliance relaunched a mobile application to help speed the flow of cargo along local freight corridors, reduce idling-related air emissions and save fuel.

DrayQ^TM is designed to give truck drivers real-time information about wait times in and around marine cargo terminals and traffic camera views at the touch of a fingertip.

Drivers can use the app to determine the best time to enter a terminal and reduce the time spent in traffic, which helps reduce air emissions from idling and saves fuel. For dispatchers or shippers, it helps to optimize schedules and improve customer expectations.

When DrayQ first launched in October, drivers expressed concerns that the wait times listed weren’t accurate enough. Wait times are determined when the driver’s smartphone reporting GPS data passes readers set in the streets leading to the terminal entry and within the terminal boundaries so that specific times within areas of a terminal yard can be monitored and recorded.

To address the accuracy concerns, we added more readers. As more truck drivers use the app, the data will become more reliable.

This is one of several tools in the NWSA’s truck management program to support the goals of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy and its Clean Truck Program.

The NWSA is committed to exploring emerging technologies that help drive best-in-class service delivery to make the gateway the easiest with which to do business. The alliance welcomes other truck management systems and emerging technology solutions. Considerations may be sent to tms@nwseaportalliance.com.

"We continue to seek innovative ways that technology can help us speed our operations, save our customers time and money and reduce port-related emissions," said Dustin Stoker, the NWSA’s chief operations officer. "Our Operations Service Center engages regularly with supply chain stakeholders to anticipate changing needs."

DrayQ was designed specifically for, and in partnership with, the port industry to align with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Connected Vehicle Freight Advanced Traveler Information System (FRATIS) architecture and StrongPorts initiative.

The app is available for free download for both iOS and Android smart phones and tablets.