FECR adds automated gate system at container facility; Tiger Cool Express installs Shurstad as vice chair

Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) recently deployed an automated gate system to streamline the flow of equipment at its Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) adjacent to Port Everglades in Hollywood, Fla.
 
The system uses optical character recognition technologies designed to automatically identify trailers, containers, chassis and semi-trucks entering and exiting the facility. Cameras capture high-resolution images of truck license plates and identification stenciling on trailers, containers and chassis. A bank of computer servers then process the images in real time with optical character recognition technology, query FECR's operating and billing systems for matching waybills, and transfer the results to drivers at self-service kiosk screens positioned at each gate.

The system results in faster processing times, higher levels of security and no need for any back up at the gate, said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Steven Cernak in a press release. In addition, the gate automation reduces delays, increases capacity and provides improved visibility that supports overall yard efficiency at the ICTF, FECR officials said.

"When we made the decision to invest in our state-of-the-art ICTF facility, our primary goal was to increase intermodal capacity while facilitating the efficient flow of both domestic and international goods. The automated gate system is just one aspect of the ICTF design that helps our customers and channel partners streamline their transportation processes," said FECR President and CEO James Hertwig.

Meanwhile, intermodal service provider Tiger Cool Express L.L.C. has appointed C. Thomas Shurstad vice chairman. He also has been named an operating partner of Tiger Infrastructure Partners, the private equity firm that funded Tiger Cool Express.

In addition, Shurstad will continue to serve as an advisor to Tiger Cool Express and participate in the company's sales and administrative support activities.

During his more than 40-year transportation career, Shurstad has served as president of Ironhorse Transportation and Logistics L.L.C., president of Pacer International, president of the Belt Railway Co. of Chicago, chief operating officer of KTMB Malaysian Railroad, president of the Terminal Railroad of St. Louis, vice president of network operations and intermodal for Southern Pacific Railroad, VP of domestic-western region for American President Lines and assistant VP of operations for the Burlington Northern Railroad.

"Shurstad was a member of the original managing group of Tiger Cool Express and has a long history in freight transportation," said Tiger Cool Express Chief Executive Officer Thomas Finkbiner. "His knowledge of the intermodal industry is a welcome addition to this new position."

Formed in September 2013, Tiger Cool Express provides temperature-controlled intermodal equipment and manages long-haul intermodal freight transportation for produce, protein and foodstuffs.