Lesson 1Other control agencies: USDA/APHIS for agriculture, EPA/USCG for environmental controls, and local police/port security — inspection triggers and coordination mechanismsThis lesson explains roles of USDA, APHIS, EPA, USCG, and local security in port checks. It covers what triggers inspections, permits, environmental and safety reviews, and coordination with customs, terminals, and security.
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 planningThis lesson describes terminal operators' duties for stevedoring, yard planning, and gear upkeep. It looks at container, bulk, and Ro-Ro work, safety handling, and links 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)This lesson details how customs manage risks, collect duties, and control cargo. It explains arrival notices, targeting, inspections, holds, and electronic systems like ACE and AMS for data sharing 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 requirementsThis lesson explores how trucking firms move containers to and from terminals. It covers gate bookings, gate moves, documents, driver and vehicle rules, and handling delays, queues, and turn times.
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 proceduresThis lesson analyses how rail connects ports to inland areas. It covers rail timetables, yard switching, train building, and interfaces with cranes, conveyors, gates, including rules and data 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 carriersThis lesson covers how forwarders and NVOCCs arrange transport, group cargo, and handle papers. It explains bookings, house and master bills, customs links, and work with carriers, terminals, and shippers.
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 operatorsThis lesson explores how shipping lines plan vessel visits, request berths, submit cargo data, and work with terminals. It covers schedule keeping, cut-offs, and manifests for safety, billing, and rules.
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 oversightThis lesson outlines port authority powers, governance, and business ways. It explores landlord vs operator roles, fees, concessions, and oversight of safety, security, and environment.
Statutory mandates and governance structuresLandlord, tool, and operating port modelsTariff setting, port dues, and concession feesSafety, security, and emergency coordinationEnvironmental oversight and sustainability programs
