GE Transportation Partners with Port of Los Angeles to Enhance Cargo Visibility Using GE Predix IoT

In a groundbreaking pilot, GE Transportation is teaming with the Port of Los Angeles to leverage its GE Predix platform, delivering unprecedented cargo visibility and streamlining the entire port logistics chain.

Data Collaboration to Ease U.S. Cargo Congestion

Gene Seroka, Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles: "Consumer spending drives our economy, and U.S. companies demand predictable, reliable supply chains. The winter of 2014‑15 exposed a critical bottleneck—congestion that nearly collapsed every node in the maritime network. That crisis proved the urgency of collaboration and transparent information sharing among shippers, terminal operators, and transportation providers."

Seroka highlighted that the port’s role as a convener was pivotal in gathering stakeholders for user discovery sessions and focus groups, ultimately leading to the partnership with GE Transportation.

From 2‑Day to 2‑Week Advance Visibility

Jamie Miller, CEO, GE Transportation: "When an ocean vessel approaches, railroads, trucking firms, and the port itself typically receive ship manifests only two days prior to arrival. Our goal is to shift that window to roughly two weeks ahead, providing the entire ecosystem with actionable insight."

By integrating port data with transport providers’ feeds, the pilot aims to reduce dwell times, speed approvals, and increase throughput—crucial outcomes in a capital‑intensive environment where better equipment planning and scheduling translate directly into higher productivity.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles: "Less handling of each container cuts emissions, aligning with our 11‑year environmental stewardship plan. More efficient throughput also translates into more jobs—currently 1 in 12 Angelenos is employed by the port—supporting Mayor Eric Garcetti’s vision for regional growth."

Unlocking the Supply‑Chain Data Potential

Jamie Miller, GE Transportation: "Ports are natural conveners, hosting myriad shippers and operators each with distinct data systems. By enabling secure, partitioned data sharing, we can unlock new capacities and streamline the entire supply chain."

Seroka noted that over 240,000 unique cargo owners pass through the port annually, underscoring the value of a unified data strategy to serve a massive stakeholder base.

Bridging Customs and Industry Data

Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles: "Our historic automated customs system, launched in 2002, offers a model for non‑proprietary data sharing. A triangular partnership with GE and customs could further close gaps in handoffs across the supply chain.”

Implications for the Nation’s Ports

Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles: "Positive feedback from federal committees and the Secretary of Commerce underscores the national importance of this initiative. By digitizing the supply chain, we set a precedent for other U.S. ports to adopt tailored best practices and boost global trade competitiveness.”

ReadWrite’s conversation with Miller and Seroka concluded with a shared vision: a smarter, more efficient maritime ecosystem powered by predictive data and seamless collaboration.