Congestion at port access points has become one of the main challenges facing logistics in Latin America. The growth of international trade, recent global disruptions, and structural weaknesses in infrastructure and connectivity have increased pressure on both ports and cities, affecting operational efficiency as well as urban coexistence.

According to Carlos Pascual, Commercial Director at Infoport, the combination of insufficient infrastructure, low levels of digitalization, and limited interoperability among stakeholders generates significant inefficiencies across the logistics chain. “Data fragmentation and the lack of integration among the different participants in the port ecosystem ultimately lead to longer operating times, higher costs, and reduced supply chain reliability,” he explained.

This challenge is compounded by the need to coordinate the many stakeholders involved in port activities, including terminal operators, trucking companies, customs agencies, port authorities, and public institutions. Carlos Pascual warned that without integration and collaboration mechanisms, these interactions can become a constant source of congestion and systemic inefficiency.

Digitalization and Automation of Port Access

In this context, the digitalization of port access points is emerging as a key tool for managing truck flows and reducing bottlenecks both within terminals and in surrounding urban areas. Pascual emphasized that digital management systems enable better coordination of cargo entry and exit processes, particularly through appointment scheduling solutions.

“Appointment systems allow transport operators to reserve time slots for cargo pick-up and delivery, helping terminals manage demand and allocate resources more efficiently,” he explained.

One example highlighted by Infoport is the Port of Valencia, where a system was implemented enabling stakeholders to provide advance information on land transport schedules through the Port Community System (PCS). This allowed truck arrivals at terminal gates to be distributed more evenly, reducing queues and dwell times within the terminals.

“The system made it possible to organize and plan inland transport in advance, regulating arrivals at terminal gates and reducing queues, while also simplifying operations and increasing productivity,” said Carlos Pascual.

Access automation has also delivered tangible results. At Valenciaport, vehicle and container recognition systems were integrated with customs processes, streamlining entry and exit controls. As a result, more than 90% of trucks currently use an express access system.

Beyond improving operational flows, digitalization is also enabling a shift toward more predictive management models. The use of real-time data, combined with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools, makes it possible to anticipate congestion episodes and adjust resource planning before access-related problems occur.

Up to 40% Reduction in Waiting Times

From an operational standpoint, Infoport maintains that these types of tools can reduce truck waiting and dwell times at terminals by as much as 40%. This not only improves the productivity of both terminals and transport fleets but also generates environmental and urban benefits.

“Reducing waiting times and unnecessary vehicle movements lowers greenhouse gas emissions, particularly by cutting truck idling periods,” stated Carlos Pascual.

The reduction of queues and congestion at port access points also contributes to improving port-city relations by mitigating impacts such as noise, pollution, and traffic saturation in urban areas located near port facilities.

Another key element is real-time traceability of cargo vehicles. According to Carlos Pascual, having accurate information about truck locations allows stakeholders to anticipate demand peaks and move from reactive traffic management toward predictive planning.

“Real-time traceability makes it possible to anticipate congestion risks at port access points and adjust terminal operations and resource planning well in advance,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Pascual believes that interoperability among systems, the use of artificial intelligence, and collaborative PCS-type platforms will drive the evolution of smart traffic management associated with ports across Latin America.

“The comprehensive digitalization of the logistics chain will be essential to improving efficiency, optimizing inland transport flows, and advancing toward more sustainable port operations,” he concluded.