PortDispatch

With real time container data, owners, trucks, and port managers can see where their containers are and how to get to them.
With real time user data, PortDispatch would be able to capture positions and routes of internal port traffic.
Different Users have different needs, and they can search based on their individual needs
These ARE the containers you were looking for!
Watch out! Traffic! Rerouting.....

Inspiration

Our team came to this hackathon on a whim. After the sponsors presented us with a quick introduction to this world of international trade, it was clear none of us had any experience or any significant understanding of how our world's trade really worked. However, the challenges they currently face very much resonated with us, and we wanted to help in the only we know how, and that's to build an app.

What it does

Our app breaks down raw container data provided by the port and visually presents it in a consumer friendly format based on who's using the app. If you're an owner, then we'll simply show you the status of your container. If you're a port manager doing a quick inspection, then you can quickly check what containers are in that yard. And finally the truckers, the backbone of this massive trade industry. Truckers will be able to get the fastest, safest, and most efficient route based on real time data from the port. Now, whether they're cruising down alone down Route 80, or in a sea of colorful containers, they'll have the same safe, calculated routes so they can focus on the road.

How We built it

We built our app for iOS with a Django/Python, High Availability PostgreSQL Cluster, and Sendgrid backend. This allows us to freely import and process massive amounts of data while presenting it in the comfortable and familiar iOS format for the consumers.

Challenges We ran into

We knew that the data coming in would be very raw and only a tiny scrap compared to what's really out there right now. We did our best to do things in a generic and scalable way. Ideally, with raw data and accurate routes of ports, we would be able to offer the best experience for consumers.

Accomplishments that We're proud of

We're very proud of the efforts our team put in and the overall concept of the app. We know its not terribly flashy or trendy, but we truly believe that we can solve a very real problem that affects millions of workers everyday.

What We learned

We essentially learned everything we now know of how the shipping world works and that this is only the surface. We learned of brand new opportunities and challenges that our technology skills would be able to meet.

What's next for PortDispatch

PortDispatch would look to integrate and process real-time port data and as well as internal routes and safety protocols. We would look to not only use trucker data and appointment schedules to creating new pathing routes but also allow port managers to effectively dispatch and regulate their internal traffic.