When you discharge over half a million autos every year, every scratch counts – especially when the cost of each repair is over $1,000. That’s why when we recognized the need to improve safety, reduce cargo damage and increase efficiency in our auto operations; we had no problem thinking outside the trailer.

We assembled a team that designed a state-of-the-art mobile Training Center to do just that. Our auto operations in Southern California use more labor on a ship-by- ship basis than any other operation in the United States; more than 150 longshore workers can be assigned to drive autos off the ship in a single eight hour shift. With over 15,000 longshore workers in the Long Beach/Los Angeles area, a worker may only be dispatched to work an auto operation a few times per year and needs to be updated each time on specific auto handling requirements. At the beginning of every shift, each driver is required to visit the training center - whether it is to watch a video about a specific vehicle they will be handling that day, pick up a brochure with safety information or read a training message with important information specific to that vessel or customer. SSA Marine’s Training Center handles it all.

In conjunction with SSA Marine’s concern for the environment, the mobile Training Center utilizes solar-assisted power to operate its systems. This concept mirrors Toyota’s commitment to the environment regarding hybrid technology which merges dual energy sources.

With these tools and practices we immediately reduced the damage claims frequency calculation of 0.08 to 0.06 and expect to continue the reduction. Calculate the results and add in awards like the Toyota Logistics Services First Annual Logistic Service Award for Distinction in Quality Service and Performance. You can see why we are the industry leader in innovative ideas and operate at more ports than any other company in the world.