AI for Port Logistics | TMI Technology
Port Logistics

Gate queues, yard congestion, and vessel windows all happening at the same time.

Port logistics operations handle thousands of moves per day with split-second timing requirements. When a vessel arrival shifts two hours, the crane sequence, the ground transport queue, and the import appointments all need to move with it. Manual coordination doesn't scale to that problem.

The Problem

Port operations run at a speed and scale that manual systems can't keep up with.

Yard congestion, gate backup, and vessel delays compound each other. When the system can't see the full picture, every decision is reactive - and reactive decisions in a port create the next five problems.

01

Yard Congestion From Poor Container Positioning

Containers positioned for convenience rather than sequence create double-handling when vessels load. Every extra move is a crane cycle wasted, a truck waiting, and a vessel departure window that gets tighter. The container that's on top is never the one that loads first.

02

Gate Throughput Bottlenecks

When appointment scheduling doesn't match actual terminal capacity, trucks stack at the gate and wait. The terminal looks congested from outside even when the yard has capacity. The problem is information flow, not physical space.

03

Demurrage and Detention From Coordination Gaps

Import containers sit in the yard while importers arrange inland transport. Nobody tracks free time systematically, and by the time demurrage starts accruing, it's already too late to avoid the first charge. The container owner blames the terminal. The terminal has no record.

What TMI Builds

Six systems. One operating layer.

Built for port and terminal operations - yard management, gate scheduling, vessel coordination, and demurrage tracking on one platform.

01

Yard Position Optimization

Container positions tracked and planned against vessel load sequences. When a vessel booking changes, the system identifies which containers need to move before the vessel arrives - not after the crane is waiting.

02

Gate Appointment Management

Import and export truck appointments scheduled against real terminal capacity. When a vessel delay creates excess capacity on the import side, the system opens additional appointment windows automatically to prevent yard buildup.

03

Vessel Loading Sequence

Load plans built from vessel stability requirements, port rotation sequence, and weight distribution. Changes to cargo manifests updated against the sequence in real time so the crane team always works from current data.

04

Demurrage and Free Time Tracking

Every import container tracked against its free time clock from the moment it's discharged. Importers receive automatic notifications before free time expires. The data exists to dispute incorrect charges and to identify patterns in chronic late pickup customers.

05

Equipment Utilization Tracking

Crane cycles, terminal tractor moves, and reach stacker utilization tracked per shift. Idle time and productive time measured by piece of equipment. Maintenance triggers based on actual cycle counts rather than calendar intervals.

06

Customer and Carrier Portal

Importers, exporters, and truckers see container status, appointment availability, and documentation requirements without calling the terminal. Reduces inbound communication volume and creates a record of every notification sent to each party.

38%
Of container moves in a congested yard involve unnecessary repositioning
$185/day
Average demurrage rate when free time tracking is manual and incomplete
2.4x
Gate throughput improvement when appointments match actual terminal capacity
41%
Reduction in crane idle time when load sequences are built from real-time data
Get Started

Build the operating system your port logistics business needs.

Start with The Audit. One session to map your workflows, find the highest-leverage problems, and build your plan.