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Thanks - I will have to reread that (because it is so complex).
How on Earth were things managed before computers (and GPS)?
I presume the box number was read and checked against a paper copy of the manifest, but how was the location registered (especially where the container was in a stack)?
This is complicated by the sheer quantity of containers carried by some ships.
I can understand that all containers destined to travel on a particular ship can be stacked in a block that will be cleared when the ship is loaded, but some will be for intermediate destinations so must be kept together (and accessible). Then, when the container is discharged (it would appear on a local manifest) it would have to be checked (manually originally, nowadays by computer).
Can you read the container number from your straddle? What about when it is dark? Do you have a 'ground operator' who can check the number for you?
Is the container number the 'key' to all movements (even though the computer keeps track of movements so will have some idea where the container will be at any moment?
You mention 'Yard moves' - are you told where to place the 'unwanted' containers - or is there sensing equipment that registers where you drop them?
You didn't mention RFID chips - are they not (yet) in use (I appreciate that there must be many millions of container boxes spread across the World) I wonder just how many?
Is there a comprehensive database of every container (so, given a number could you find any one?)? What detail would it return - ie just a port, or would it give the stack and height in that stack?
So many questions . . .
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