Port of Virginia Blog

Appointment System Training Schedule Announced

Norfolk -- In preparation for the implementation of an appointment system at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) for motor carriers, The Port of Virginia is starting the process for training individuals who will be using the appointment system.

The appointment system will "go live" May 1 and help both the motor-carrier community and the port to better manage the flow of traffic in and out of NIT.

• The purpose of the training is to educate individuals who will use the E Modal appointment system on the creation, modification and cancellation of an appointment.

 

• The training will take place at the VIT Administration Building located at 1431 Terminal Blvd in Norfolk.

 

• The training will be done with both on-site personnel and via a WebEx address.

   

• To sign-up please call Kelly Taylor at 440-7155, each class shall have 30 participants and this will be on a first come, first served basis.

   

• Future training dates will be announced based on additional need.

   

• We are calling motor carriers today to assist with the registration process.

 

The training schedule for Wednesday, April 30, is as follows:

Session 1, 10:30 a.m.

To join the online meeting (sessions are also accessible via mobile devices).

1. Go to https://advent.webex.com/advent/j.php?MTID=m2bdb2aecd6c9a33fda79fc3860547a35.

2. If requested, enter your name and email address.

3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: 1234.

4. Click "join."

To join the audio conference call (US/Canada): 1-650-479-3208.

Access code: 803 264 564

Session 2, 5 p.m.

To join the online meeting (sessions are also accessible via mobile devices).

1. Go to https://advent.webex.com/advent/j.php?MTID=m53eceb581d7f623d2d9bee0011aaf7d4.

2. If requested, enter your name and email address.

3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: 1234.

4. Click "join."

To join the audio conference call (US/Canada): 1-650-479-3208.

Access code: 805 070 140.

The training schedule for Thursday, May 1, is as follows:

Session 1, 8 a.m.

To join the online meeting (sessions are also accessible via mobile devices).

1. Go to https://advent.webex.com/advent/j.php?MTID=mc7205a212adb27acd0b50557ecf41e04.

2. If requested, enter your name and email address.

3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: 1234.

4. Click "join."

To join the audio conference call (US/Canada): 1-650-479-3208.

Access code: 804 867 285.

Session 2, 5 p.m.

To join the online meeting (sessions are also accessible via mobile devices).

1. Go to https://advent.webex.com/advent/j.php?MTID=m449fe7da0c3a462bff5285ed7f7c747d.

2. If requested, enter your name and email address.

3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: 1234.

4. Click "join."

To join the audio conference call (US/Canada): 1-650-479-3208.

Access code: 809 188 362.

The training schedule for Friday, May 2, is as follows:

Session 1, 10:30 a.m.

To join the online meeting (sessions are also accessible via mobile devices).

1. Go to https://advent.webex.com/advent/j.php?MTID=mb3b0e08cb406d0f56a653d77c5657709.

2. If requested, enter your name and email address.

3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: 1234.

4. Click "join."

To join the audio conference call (US/Canada): 1-650-479-3208.

Access code: 805 586 330

NOTE: Should any issues, problems, or needed suggestion arise, please use the Motor Carrier Task Force email, at MCTF@vit.org to provide feedback.

Port, Pasha to Mark First Load of Export Vehicles

Norfolk – Officials from The Port of Virginia and Pasha Automotive Services will be at Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT) Monday (April 28) to ceremoniously mark the first vehicle exported via Portsmouth Marine Terminal for Pasha.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interested media members are welcome to attend Monday's ceremony; RSVP to Joe Harris at 757-683-2137 or jharris@portofvirginia.com as soon as you can. All those attending must have a valid, government-issued photo ID, there will be no exceptions. Also, please take into account the schedule may change based upon unforeseen changes to the vessel's sailing schedule.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The car carrying vessel Hoegh Bangkok is scheduled to arrive at PMT late Sunday evening and the loading of the cars – all Chrysler products – is scheduled to begin Monday. The vehicles will be driven onto the vessel by members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA).

During the course of Monday and Tuesday, 2,890 vehicles will be driven onto the Hoegh Bangkok and once loading is complete, the vessel is scheduled to depart Tuesday evening.

In March, The Port of Virginia announced that a portion of PMT will serve as a staging area for automobiles that Pasha will export to China. This is the first cargo to transit the marine terminal since it was closed in the winter of 2011.

"The immediate opportunity for PMT and the port is significant," said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "This is new business for the port, it puts a portion of PMT back into service and it creates opportunity for the ILA.

"We're going to deliver a high-level of service and our hope is that Pasha will consider a long-term agreement with us at PMT."

On March 30, a Norfolk Southern automotive train arrived at the rail carrier's Carolina Yard in Chesapeake carrying 700 Chrysler SUVs, manufactured near Toledo, Ohio.

The Port of Virginia collaborated with Pasha Automotive, Norfolk Southern, Chrysler Group LLC and Siem Car Carriers to create a short-term, six-month, memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Pasha and Virginia International Terminals, LLC.

Successful trial shipments could quickly generate additional volumes for Chrysler and other equipment manufacturers experiencing increasing volumes during this MOU period. The terms of the MOU are confidential.

March Cargo Volume Up 10.2%; Focus on Efficiency, Productivity Yields Positive Month

 Norfolk – Record-setting cargo volumes in March and monthly revenue that exceeded forecast are indicators that the corrective-action plan being implemented at The Port of Virginia’s (POV) is beginning to show results, said the port’s chief executive officer.

“It has been a very disciplined, team-oriented approach to stem the losses,” said John F. Reinhart, the CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “We had an operating profit of $150,000 in March; this is just one month and we need many more just like it and significantly better. Still, this is a beginning, something we can build upon, and reinforce the initiatives underway to rebuild The Port of Virginia. There remain significant systemic challenges that need to be corrected to reduce costs, improve services and velocity across the port.”

In March, cargo volume at the port grew 10.2 percent, an increase of 18,316 TEUs when compared with the same month last year. The month’s growth was led by imports, which increased by 12.8 percent (10,248 TEUs) when compared with last March.

There was also growth in breakbulk tonnage, 16.5 percent; rail containers, 5.3 percent; barge containers, 4.7 percent; and vehicle units, 27.9 percent.

“This strong volume growth in all categories was managed well across our operations,” Reinhart said. “We continue our efforts to build velocity through the port by increasing productivity and process improvements – the very disciplined effort that helped stem the losses and generate a small operating profit.”

Reinhart said one solid month is no reason to rest. He said the port has to focus on developing greater efficiencies in all facets of the cargo operation, and noted multiple steps taken to improve throughput and more coming this summer.

“We’re talking about a process of continual evaluation, corrective action, improvement, investment and adaption that will carry the port into the next decade,” Reinhart said. “It is this process that will put us on a sound financial course going forward, but there is a lot of hard work ahead of us to build sustainability.”

The port’s calendar year-to-date TEU volumes remain the highest in its history, with 544,629 TEUs having been moved. Fiscal year-to-date TEU volumes through March are also at record levels with 1,713,886 TEUs having been moved during the first three quarters of fiscal 2014.

Calendar year TEU totals, 2014 vs. 2013: 

• March 2014 = 197,834
• March 2013 = 179,518
• February 2014 = 179,524
• February 2013 = 169,390
• January 2014 = 167,272
• January 2013 = 158,766

 

Governor Appoints Five New Members to VPA Board

Norfolk -- Governor Terry McAuliffe today (April 17) announced five new members to the Virginia Port Authority's Board of Commissioners and asked the incoming members to act swiftly to improve The Port of Virginia's fiscal management and return it to profitability.

"The Port of Virginia is one of the Commonwealth's most important economic assets, and improving its performance is one of my top priorities," McAuliffe said. "This team of Virginia leaders has the right experience and vision to strengthen the port financially and put it on the path toward long-term, sustainable growth.

"I know they are just as eager as I am to work alongside the dedicated men and women of The Port Virginia to make it stronger and better prepared to succeed in a 21^st century economy."

The new members of the Virginia Port Authority Board of Commissioners are:

G. Robert Aston, Jr., Portsmouth

The chairman of the board and CEO of TowneBank, which he founded in 1998,  Bob Aston is a professional banker with 49 years of successful leadership in community banks and a super-regional bank, including 29 years' experience as  president and CEO.

Aston has a history of community service, which includes time as past director of Virginia International Terminals, LLC. Currently, he serves on a host of boards and foundations in the community including as the president and chairman of the Eastern Virginia Medical School Foundation and as a Fort Monroe Authority trustee. Aston is a graduate of the National Installment Lending School at the University of Oklahoma and the Graduate School of Retail Banking at the University of Virginia.

Alan Diamonstein, Newport News

Diamonstein is a former senior member of the Virginia House of Delegates and represented the Virginia Peninsula for more than 30 years during his time in office. As a partner in the Patten, Wornom, Hatten, Diamonstein law firm, he specializes in public policy issues and project finance, economic development law and real estate ventures.

He is a past member of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors, and has served as chairman of the internationally recognized Mariners' Museum in Newport News. During his time in office he served as the chairman of several key legislative committees, and was a budget conferee on the Appropriations Committee for many years. He is widely recognized for his support of Virginia's college and university system and the housing industry. He served on several Presidential Commissions and led the Virginia Housing Study Commission for more than 20 years.

Diamonstein attended the University of Virginia, and, after completing a tour with the U.S. Air Force, received his B.S. degree in commerce. He earned his law degree at the University of Virginia Law School. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Christopher Newport University and an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the College of William and Mary.

Gary T. McCollum, Virginia Beach

McCollum is the senior vice president and general manager for Cox Communications. He was appointed to oversee all Cox operations in Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia and Roanoke in February 2010.

McCollum joined Cox Communications in 1989 as a manager trainee in Hartford, Conn. In 2000, he was promoted to vice president and general manager of Cox's newly acquired Northern Virginia system. In 2006, Gary was promoted to lead the Cox Hampton Roads system and then led the consolidation of all locations into one Virginia operation.

McCollum served eight years on active duty as a military intelligence officer for the U.S. Army and is currently a major in the U.S. Army Reserves. During his active duty military career, he served with the elite U.S. Army Rangers.

He graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor's degree in Russian Studies and Political Science, and from the University of Connecticut with an MBA, where he concentrated on telecommunications. 

Val McWhorter, Fairfax

Val McWhorter is a founding partner of Smith, Patcher, McWhorter and has focused his practice in the area of Construction law for 30 years. His practice has included representing contractors in large, complex claims arising under federal, state, and local government contracts, as well as contracts between private parties.

McWhorter served on the Commission on Higher Education Board Appointments under Gov. Tim Kaine and on the State Council of Higher Education during the administration of Gov. L. Douglas Wilder. He is also a former member of the George Mason University Board of Visitors.

McWhorter received his bachelor and law degrees from Washington & Lee University.

John G. Milliken, Arlington

Milliken is a partner with the law firm Venable LLP, and is a former chairman of the Virginia Port Authority Board of Commissioners, a board that he served on from 2002-2011. He served as director of transition for former Gov. Mark R. Warner and then as Warner's secretary of transportation. In addition was a member of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

He served on the Arlington County Board from 1981 -1990 and was the chairman in 1984. In 2013, he co-chaired McAuliffe's transition committees on Commerce and Trade and Transportation.  

Milliken is a graduate of Haverford College and received his law degree from the University of Virginia.

Port Using EPA Grant to Purchase Hybrid Equipment

Norfolk -- The Port of Virginia received a $750,000 federal grant today that will be used toward the purchase of three pieces of low-emission, hybrid cargo-handling equipment, which will be the first of its kind on the US East Coast.

"We're going to phase-out some older machines that have come to the end of their usefulness and will eventually be headed to recycling," said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "The port is an economic engine and as part of that we have a responsibility to do business in an environmentally-sound fashion, where and when possible. This is an opportunity to act upon that."

The port is replacing a trio of aging, Tier 1 diesel-powered straddle carriers with Tier 4 diesel-electric shuttle carriers. At The Port of Virginia, straddle carriers are used at Norfolk International Terminals and shuttle carriers are used at APMT in Portsmouth, which is where the new machines will be deployed. The hybrid equipment was designed by Kalmar, a leading developer of container handling equipment.

(Through its "Tier" system, the federal government rates non-road diesel engines, with Tier 4 engines being the cleanest-running diesel engines available to industry. Tier 4 standards require that certain emissions be reduced by as much as 90 percent through the use of control technologies, including advanced exhaust-gas after treatment.)

The project cost is $3,423,000 and the port's portion is $2,673,000. The hybrid equipment will be part of the port's Green Operator program, or GO program, which is a voluntary truck replacement and vessel-fuel switching program.

"This effort further integrates our cargo handling sector into the GO program," Reinhart said. "It has been our policy for more than a decade to demonstrate and incorporate clean-diesel technology into our operation. This effort will produce immediate environmental improvements through reduction of emissions, fossil fuel consumption and noise from port operations."

Autos Bring Business Back to PMT; Cars Readied for Export

Norfolk -- Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT) is back in business.

This week, The Port of Virginia announced that a portion of PMT will serve as a temporary home – staging area -- for automobiles that will be exported to China. This is the first cargo to transit the marine terminal since it was closed in the winter of 2011.

"The immediate opportunity for PMT and the port is significant," said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "This is a good first step of providing a 'proof of concept' to bring business back to PMT. There is a lot of opportunity at PMT for the right users and this is one."

On March 30, a Norfolk Southern automotive train arrived at the rail carrier's Carolina Yard in Chesapeake carrying 700 Chrysler SUVs, manufactured near Toledo, Ohio. The vehicles were driven or transported from the rail yard to PMT by car carrier and vehicle convoy.

The Port of Virginia collaborated with Pasha Automotive, Norfolk Southern, Chrysler Group LLC and Siem Car Carriers to create a short-term, six-month, memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Pasha and Virginia International Terminals, LLC. If all goes well, this could be the basis for a longer term agreement, Reinhart said.

Following the first rail delivery in March, two-to-three additional vehicle trains are anticipated. Around April 25, a Siem vessel is scheduled to call PMT and an estimated 2,500 vehicles will be loaded. Labor from the International Longshoremen's Union will be used to drive the export vehicles onto the ship, generating new man hours for the union. This practice mirrors the port's import vehicle operations at Newport News Marine Terminal.

Successful trial shipments could quickly generate additional volumes for Chrysler and other equipment manufacturers experiencing increasing volumes during this MOU period.

"Our goal is to provide a very high level of service and give Pasha Automotive reason to consider a long-term agreement," Reinhart said.

The terms of the MOU are confidential.

Port Enacts Measures to Improve Truck Throughput

Norfolk – In its focused and ongoing effort to address the concerns of motor carriers and to become more operationally efficient, The Port of Virginia is taking a number of deliberate steps aimed at improving overall cargo velocity.

"An investment in technology and conveyance equipment, smarter allocation of manpower, reactivating mothballed equipment, extending hours at our gates and empty yards when and where needed and setting up various express-type lanes for motor carriers are either in operation or on their way," said John. F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "We are taking concrete steps to address some immediate concerns -- motor carrier-related issues are a priority – and building this foundation for the future. Over the long-term, these moves will help us better align our volumes with revenues and improve the overall flow of cargo across our terminals."

The immediate effort is focused on Norfolk International Terminals (NIT), a 693-acre facility that has more than a mile of wharf space, two transfer zones and the port's largest (on-dock) rail operation.

Last year, The Port of Virginia set a record in terms of TEU volume, but revenues did not correspond. It became apparent that an overall review of container conveyance systems and subsequent investment to address the recommended changes was needed there, Reinhart said.

Since the beginning of the year, the emphasis has been on improving the throughput of truck freight and the following steps have been taken, or a plan and accompanying deadline have been approved.

Improvements made to gate and transfer zones (NIT North/South): Feb. 3, 25

Express or PNG (Pop-and-Go) lanes at the transfer zones have been implemented to improve the velocity of dual transactions. The PNG lane is only for one-way export and empty container moves. These lanes handle 10 percent to 15 percent of transfer zone volume and the average transaction time is 30 minutes. In addition, gate hours have been expanded: 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. – noon on Saturdays.

Creation of the Motor Carrier Task Force (MCTF): March 5

The overall goal of the MCTF is to improve the throughput of truck freight while not compromising on safety. The task force consists of a 10-member steering committee and five working or segmentation groups that will focus on reducing turn times, cutting wait-time at the gates, chassis availability and regulating the daily flow of trucks to and from the terminals. Areas of emphasis include: the appointment system; on the terminal movement; reefers; chassis dynamics and empty yards; and the gate.

The task force is composed of representatives from the motor carrier community, service providers, the International Longshoremen's Association, ocean carriers, shippers and US Customs and Border Protection.

Testing of optical character recognition (OCR) portals: March 31

A portion of all container traffic, bare chassis and bobtails is being routed through NIT's inbound OCR portals (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) as a part of a test. The technology automatically identifies containers, chassis, and license plates associated with equipment and enables automatic gate processing functions.

It is expected that this test will help to transform the gate into a free-flowing process: processing should take about half the time it did prior to gate automation. It should also lead to reduced queuing and subsequent reductions in idling and emissions.

Implementation of an appointment system for motor carriers: May 1

The appointment system is focused on regulating the flow of trucks into NIT to reduce the "rush hour" effect and spread the gate moves more evenly throughout the day; operations will be able to set a number of available "reservations" per hour. The version being debuted May 1 will be an abbreviated version and be implemented only at NIT. A new appointment system that works with the N4 terminal operating system will be phased-in following full implementation of N4.

Introduction of "yard hustlers" into the rail operation: May 26

Thirty-two hustlers are being leased and delivered to NIT by May 26 and the effort will be to integrate them into operations at the Central Rail Yard (CRY) as soon as practically possible to optimize rail operations. Of equal importance is the fact that these pieces of equipment will allow for more efficient use of straddle carriers against the live gates.

(In addition, significant changes are being be made to the current CRY layout and there are changes being made to the programming technology to reflect new processes. As the N4 terminal operating system is implemented it will use GPS to locate and track containers.)

Implementation of N4 terminal-wide operating system: July 4

The N4 terminal operating system is the industry's most advanced technology and is now being used at 89 terminals globally. This system will replace a legacy system and allow for better operational visibility; equipment utilization in the yard; efficiency with gate processes; event monitoring; and inventory management. Moreover, N4's flexibility and adaptability allows for easy changes as operations and terminals evolve.

Additional measures taken since Feb. 10:

• New supervisory staffing at all operating areas: gate, transfer zone and rail operations.
• More labor is being ordered to work the expanded operating hours for straddle carrier operations and to train and straddle carrier drivers.
• Additional straddle carriers are being made ready to serve expanded operations.
• The frequency of maintenance of straddle carriers and other equipment is being increased to reduce downtime.
• Equipment that was in "mothball" status is being returned to use.
• Chassis are being repositioned daily, including weekends, to balance chassis on yards and in the terminals.
• Ocean carriers are collaborating with the port to add more chassis to the pool.
• Empty yard hours have been extended to match terminal hours on weekends.
• A pilot program was started in March to reduce the number of dead-lined chassis at the in-gate (APMT and empty yards included).