Modernizing Cargo Allocation System for Enhanced Logistics Efficiency

The client uses a legacy cargo allocation system that lacks the capabilities to efficiently prioritize and distribute cargo containers across vessels, leading to suboptimal resource utilization, increased costs, and limited visibility into vessel and container statuses, particularly when integrating multimodal transportation options like rail and trucking.

A global logistics provider with extensive shipping operations, managing diverse transportation modes including marine, rail, and trucking, seeking to optimize cargo resource allocation and increase operational transparency.

• Develop an integrated, web-based cargo transportation platform that streamlines resource allocation to vessels based on capacity, priority, and demand forecasts.
• Incorporate AI and Machine Learning models to predict cargo demand and optimize scheduling quarterly.
• Enhance system visibility through real-time dashboards presenting vessel statuses, container tracking, and demand analytics.
• Facilitate multimodal transportation integration, including maritime, rail, and trucking logistics.
• Implement notification systems and robust data exchange mechanisms, including message brokers, to improve communication and operational responsiveness.
• Design an intuitive UI/UX that improves user engagement and operational efficiency.

• Cargo transportation request entry and evaluation module assessing vessel capacity, weight distribution, and demand priorities.
• A prioritization system for adjusting cargo booking priorities to optimize vessel utilization.
• Integration with external rail and trucking systems to provide full multimodal logistics support.
• Real-time, segmented dashboards displaying vessel status, container locations, booking details, demand forecasts, and financial metrics.
• Automated notifications for cargo space availability, system errors, and operational updates via email or system alerts.
• Data ingestion and exchange via message brokers (e.g., Kafka) for efficient communication across internal services.
• An improved, user-friendly UI/UX designed for operational teams and management.
• Automated unit testing processes for both frontend and backend components.

• Existing desktop or legacy platforms for data sourcing.
• Railway and trucking system integrations for multimodal logistics coordination.
• Notification and alert systems via email or messaging queues.
• Forecasting and AI model integration for demand prediction.
• Data exchange mechanisms via Kafka or equivalent middleware.

• System should support real-time data updates with minimal latency.
• Design for scalability to handle increasing cargo requests and data volume.
• High availability and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Secure data handling and user authentication to protect sensitive logistics information.
• Automated testing ensuring continuous deployment and minimal downtime.

The new cargo allocation platform aims to significantly improve resource utilization efficiency, reduce operational costs through smarter scheduling, and increase transparency with real-time dashboards. It is expected to enhance multimodal transportation coordination, leading to faster cargo turnaround and better service quality, ultimately driving a notable increase in operational cost-effectiveness and customer satisfaction.