Constantly updated information as to goods' and materials' whereabouts can also lead to more effective decisions by suppliers, consumers, and transportation firms alike, and the use of the Internet and other telecommunications systems will lead to exactly this ability to update. Other applications for modern container tracking devices will continue to emerge as the technology becomes more refined. Tracking individual units is already possible, though expensive, but for sensitive and high-priced items this might already make fiscal sense. Security and efficiency will both continue to be improved by greater tracking abilities.

Video Intro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VBd7PB3rhk

This video provides an excellent yet brief version of the development of the railway, and specifically of the standardization of railway gauges, as it developed in England in the seventeenth century. This is something that is touched on only briefly in Chapter Three, towards the beginning of the section on railways, and it might seem to be of little importance to a discussion of modern rail transport and overall logistics, but in fact this simple and centuries-old story is actually fairly important to developing an understanding of certain issues in modern transportation logistics and rail systems. The issue of railway gauge standardization, as this video shows, was somewhat a matter of happenstance, and developed through simple conveniences. Modern standardization -- both that which is based on the standardized gauge of modern railways and those that have less to do with this measurement -- develop in somewhat similar ways, and though it might seem both quaint and fantastical to view the development of the standardized railroads as it is shown in this video, it is likely that future generations will look back on our developments with a similar attitude.

Due to the way developments unfold in this day and age, however, it is possible that this type of story won't really exist or survive. Stories of...

Understanding this will help managers and engineers take a real sense of pride in their work.
Port Administrator

One of the most effective things a port administrator can do to improve overall port efficiency and save costs is to consolidate and coordinate efforts with other ports in the area. This has proven effective for several ports in the Southern Californian area, and could also be effective for other ports that are located in relatively close proximity to each other. Efficiency can be greatly improved by distributing both incoming and outgoing freight through a network of ports operating in close proximity and with similar capabilities, even with fairly last minute changes in port deliveries based on current traffic and capacities. Rather than a backup in unloading at one port and a dearth of activity in another, allowing both ports (or, in more complex networks, three or more ports) to operate at their full and most efficient capacities by directing traffic towards the less-busy port can actually improve the cost-effectiveness of operations at both (or all) ports, increasing efficiency and profitability.

Other actions that port administrators can take to ensure that their operations are as cost-effective as possible include careful control and awareness of basic maintenance and upkeep of port properties and machinery. This ensures that the port will actually be able to operate at capacity and with minimal issues during operations, and is a simple yet often overlooked aspect of port operations. Dealing with maintenance issues after they create problems with operations can be quite costly, especially if any freight is damaged or impeded in its progress due to a lack of proper maintenance procedures; preventative care is far cheaper in the long-term.