Design and Development of a New Web Platform for the Management of Physical Flows and Customs Documents at Port Terminals

<i>Background</i>: Telematization is essential for improving port efficiency by reducing dwell times and simplifying document management. Currently, only a few ports use informatic document management tools like the Port Community System (PCS), and customs documents are produced and shared in paper format. This results in long port dwell times. <i>Methods</i>: A platform was developed to allow sharing of documents among port actors. The platform shares export documents of each given shipment between export and import port actors; moreover, it serves as a document management platform for ports lacking PCS. In addition, the platform helps in reorganizing the shipment in case of disruptions. <i>Results</i>: The platform has global validity as it allows users to share documents among all port actors worldwide. The platform is formed by the following menus: “Path”, which provides the intermodal freight path; “Shipment”, which allows one to create or change shipment data; “Send notify” to send notifies in case of disruptions; “PMIS and PCS”, which redirects to these platforms of ports involved in the project; and “Documents”, which allows one to upload and share customs documents at the global level. <i>Conclusions</i>: The app contributes to speeding up port operations by reducing dwell times, assists in managing shipment disruptions, and enhances intermodality in freight transportation.