The Port of Yokohama will introduce an on-chassis depot to level the number of incoming container trailers. The initiative aims to encourage bookings during off-peak hours at container terminals.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Kanto Regional Development Bureau unveiled the plan on Tuesday. The announcement came during a meeting on streamlining container transport at Yokohama Port using information and communication technology.
An on-chassis depot is a facility for temporarily storing chassis while they are loaded with containers. The port will link the depot with CONPAS, a port information system developed by MLIT’s Ports and Harbours Bureau.
The system will launch alongside a CONPAS-based booking program. The combination will promote off-peak bookings at container terminals.
Long waiting times for truck drivers at container terminals have become a social issue. Work is underway to introduce CONPAS and booking slots to equalize trailer arrivals at terminals.
The bureau expressed concerns about the booking program. In some cases, drivers may not secure bookings in their desired time slots. The on-chassis depot will serve as a facility to handle such situations, the bureau said.
