Lesson 1Other control agencies: USDA/APHIS for agriculture, EPA/USCG for environmental controls, and local police/port security — inspection triggers and coordination mechanismsExplains roles of USDA, APHIS, EPA, USCG, and local security bodies in port oversight. Covers inspection triggers, permits, environmental and safety checks, and how these agencies coordinate with customs, terminals, and port security teams.
Agricultural inspections and USDA/APHIS requirementsEnvironmental controls and EPA port-related oversightUSCG safety, security, and vessel compliance checksLocal police and port security roles and authoritiesJoint inspections, referrals, and information sharingLesson 2Terminal operators: container, bulk, Ro-Ro — responsibilities for stevedoring, equipment maintenance, and yard planningDescribes terminal operators’ responsibilities for stevedoring, yard planning, and equipment. Examines container, bulk, and Ro-Ro operations, safety management, and how terminals interface with shipping lines, truckers, rail, and port authorities.
Container terminal processes and yard planningBulk and breakbulk terminal operating practicesRo-Ro terminal flows and vehicle handling controlsStevedoring labor, safety, and productivity metricsEquipment maintenance and availability managementLesson 3Customs and border agencies: arrival notifications, inspection regimes, holds, and electronic manifest systems (e.g., ACE/AMS)Details how customs and border agencies manage risk, collect duties, and control cargo flows. Explains arrival notices, targeting, inspections, holds, and how electronic manifest systems like ACE and AMS structure data exchange with carriers and terminals.
Arrival notifications and advance cargo information rulesRisk assessment, targeting, and inspection selectionTypes of inspections: document, non-intrusive, physicalCustoms holds, releases, and communication channelsACE, AMS, and other electronic manifest system basicsLesson 4Trucking companies and drayage operators: gate appointment systems, container pickup/delivery processes, and driver/vehicle requirementsExplores how trucking and drayage firms move containers and cargo to and from terminals. Covers gate appointment systems, gate moves, documentation, driver and vehicle requirements, and how delays, queues, and turn times are managed.
Gate appointment systems and slot managementIn-gate, out-gate, and trouble window processesDriver credentials, TWIC, and safety requirementsVehicle standards, chassis, and equipment checksTurn time monitoring and congestion mitigationLesson 5Rail operators and intermodal providers: rail scheduling, yard switching, interface with terminal cranes and conveyors, and interchange proceduresAnalyses how rail and intermodal providers connect ports to inland hubs. Covers rail scheduling, yard switching, train building, and how rail interfaces with cranes, conveyors, and gate systems, including interchange rules and data exchange needs.
Rail service patterns, windows, and train planningOn-dock rail yards, switching, and train assemblyInterface with cranes, conveyors, and loading tracksInterchange procedures and liability handover pointsRail documentation, waybills, and data integrationLesson 6Freight forwarders and NVOCCs: booking, documentation, consolidation, and coordination with customs and carriersCovers how freight forwarders and NVOCCs arrange transport, consolidate cargo, and manage documentation. Explains bookings, house and master bills, customs coordination, and how they interface with carriers, terminals, and shippers to keep cargo moving.
Role of forwarders vs. NVOCCs in port logisticsBooking cargo space and managing carrier allocationsHouse bills, master bills, and documentation flowsCargo consolidation, deconsolidation, and CFS workCoordination with customs brokers and carriersLesson 7Shipping lines and agents: vessel scheduling, berth requests, cargo manifesting, and coordination with terminal operatorsExplores how shipping lines and agents plan vessel calls, request berths, submit cargo data, and coordinate with terminals. Covers schedule reliability, cut-off times, and how accurate manifests support safety, billing, and regulatory compliance.
Vessel scheduling, rotation planning, and port selectionBerth window requests and communication with port controlCargo manifest preparation, VGM, and data qualityPre-arrival notices and regulatory documentation flowsCoordination with terminal on stowage and port stayLesson 8Port authority: statutory roles, asset owner vs. operator distinctions, fee setting, safety and environmental oversightOutlines port authority statutory powers, governance, and business models. Explores landlord vs. operator roles, tariff and fee setting, concession management, and how authorities oversee safety, security, and environmental performance in the port.
Statutory mandates and governance structuresLandlord, tool, and operating port modelsTariff setting, port dues, and concession feesSafety, security, and emergency coordinationEnvironmental oversight and sustainability programs
