Class I freight railway setting the standard for industry leading intermodal operations in North America

Kalmar SmartPort Process Automation is now live across 15 intermodal terminals for a leading Class I freight railway customer in North America. This marks a significant milestone that reflects years of collaboration and a shared commitment to building smarter and more efficient rail operations, one intermodal terminal at a time. That hands-on, long-term partnership approach remains a key pillar of every Process Automation deployment — something the customer acknowledged following the most recent terminal rollout: 

“From the outset of the project, the team demonstrated a clear understanding of our operational priorities and consistently anchored their work to those objectives. The team always remained flexible and responsive, adapting quickly as requirements evolved while maintaining momentum and focus. Their collaborative style encouraged open dialogue and practical problem-solving, ultimately bringing the work together into a solution that delivers real operational value for us.”

From the outset of the project, the team demonstrated a clear understanding of our operational priorities and consistently anchored their work to those objectives.

The most recent successful deployment includes four of our SmartPort process automation solutions selected based on the operator's needs: SmartStack, SmartMap, SmartScreen and SmartTrack. These solutions have proved their value at the operator's multiple terminals across North American locations. “Our SmartPort Process Automation technology supports the customer's commitment to safer and more efficient operations. Their continued investment reflects a clear long-term vision, and we're proud to be the partner supporting them in making it a reality,” says Jean-Philippe Joassin, Director, Process Automation, Kalmar.

Their continued investment reflects a clear long-term vision, and we're proud to be the partner supporting them in making it a reality

While larger intermodal sites integrate SmartPort software with SmartPort hardware on terminal equipment, smaller sites leverage a software-only configuration to unlock core capabilities. Regardless of the deployment scale, the platform remains consistent, ensuring a unified experience and a standardized approach for the end user. 

“Whether the terminal uses a full setup with SmartPort hardware and software or a software-only configuration, the operator benefits from the same unified system. This consistency allows them to standardize processes, scale automation efficiently and support operations across their network”, says Albert So, Director, Projects & Product Management, Process Automation, Kalmar.

Whether the terminal uses a full setup with SmartPort hardware and software or a software-only configuration, the operator benefits from the same unified system. This consistency allows them to standardize processes, scale automation efficiently and support operations across their network

• SmartStack gives operators a real-time, accurate picture of every container in the terminal, and tracks and reports container moves, which reduces human error and improves safety of the operations. It provides a real-time, accurate inventory by sending the correct information to the TOS when a container is set or lifted. 
• SmartMap visualises equipment location and container routing across the yard, and is able to do this both in real time and historically. 
• SmartScreen then leverages this data further by streamlining job instructions for operators, providing relevant information of stacks and railcars, thereby, reducing unnecessary moves and improving operational efficiency.
• SmartTrack models each train down to the individual railcar and container level. The system automatically tracks and records every move conducted, giving the operator a clearer overview of the operations than before. 

Together these modules are providing the operator with greater visibility and control, ultimately leading to smarter and more efficient operations.

Jean-Philippe Joassin

Jean-Philippe Joassin has been with Kalmar since 2012 and leads the Process Automation business globally. Over the years, he has developed deep expertise in automation, including automation services and project delivery. In his current role as Director of Process Automation, Jean-Philippe leads a team dedicated to Kalmar Process Automation and the SmartPort solutions.

Albert So

Albert So has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on delivering high-impact solutions that drive real efficiencies for customers. In his current role as Director of Product Management & Projects, Process Automation, he works together with his team to bring Kalmar Process Automation solutions to market.