Recognized as the Port’s most advanced automated terminal, the Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) was the recipient of an October U.S. Department of Transportation grant worth $30.1 million. The terminal will use the funding to purchase about 60 emission-free yard tractors in service of its goal of reaching net zero emissions across its infrastructure, vehicles and equipment by 2030.
LBCT boasts the largest container cranes in North America, capable of moving up to four containers at a time with 90-percent automation.
LBCT sees between 250 to 400 longshoremen on any given shift, depending on container volume.
A battery center for large equipment allows machine operators to exchange used batteries, which power eight to 12 hours of work, for new ones within five minutes.
LBCT houses more cranes than any other terminal, and machinery maintenance has become a hiring priority. The terminal has hired 130 ILWU longshoremen mechanics to service the equipment.
One-quarter mile of operations behind a fence are entirely automated, and only technicians programming the machines are allowed into the zone, protecting workers from injury and enhancing efficiency.
LBCT regulates the flow of truck traffic by scheduling pickups and dropoffs by appointment. Trucks are digitally identified by RFID chips and virtual imaging software, triggering the cranes to fetch their containers.