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I can't believe that to retrieve a container today, you still need to present the original document from the shipper. Surely, a simple database record at the p

I can't believe that to retrieve a container today, you still need to present the original document from the shipper. Surely, a simple database record at the port authorities office should suffice. Or a series of digitally signed transfers.

jerkstate 2y ago
You don’t anymore. There is something called Telex release that allows the carrier to release the cargo with an electronic copy of the bill of lading.
- thedogeye 2y ago
  In actuality a telex release is just an email that opts you out of the secure release process so once a container has been 'telex' released anyone with the BL number can go pick it up at the port.
razakel 2y ago
It's not a technical problem, it's a political one. You'd have to get every country in the world to agree on a central source of truth. Physical documents mean the port operators can point the finger at someone else in case of criminality.
- potato3732842 2y ago
  Ironically I think international is almost easier because when the DEA finds the CIA's coke in your container you can just kinda shrug and say "well that container got tamper seals applied when they loaded it in Mongolia and we can prove it" and they just kinda stop chasing there because it's not tractable to dig further until they've established a pattern or something. When everything is under one regulatory umbrella and it's actually tractable to pin it on someone then it turns into a giant bickering fest until someone takes it (this goes for all sorts of exceptions like damaged goods or whatever, not just crime). That said, there are tons of places in the economy where make-work is done and BS jobs exist to divide responsibility because the current regulatory situation (private more so than public, i.e. insurers, lenders, etc) all but demands it because if you make things hyper efficient with low labor your concentrate responsibility into few parties and are more likely to get left holding the bag when there's a mishap.
  - razakel 2y ago
    Much like illegal immigration, too many people benefit from the status quo, hence there is no real desire to actually do anything about it. As you said, it's all about passing the buck.

jerkstate 2y ago

You don’t anymore. There is something called Telex release that allows the carrier to release the cargo with an electronic copy of the bill of lading.

thedogeye 2y ago
In actuality a telex release is just an email that opts you out of the secure release process so once a container has been 'telex' released anyone with the BL number can go pick it up at the port.

razakel 2y ago

It's not a technical problem, it's a political one. You'd have to get every country in the world to agree on a central source of truth. Physical documents mean the port operators can point the finger at someone else in case of criminality.

potato3732842 2y ago
Ironically I think international is almost easier because when the DEA finds the CIA's coke in your container you can just kinda shrug and say "well that container got tamper seals applied when they loaded it in Mongolia and we can prove it" and they just kinda stop chasing there because it's not tractable to dig further until they've established a pattern or something. When everything is under one regulatory umbrella and it's actually tractable to pin it on someone then it turns into a giant bickering fest until someone takes it (this goes for all sorts of exceptions like damaged goods or whatever, not just crime). That said, there are tons of places in the economy where make-work is done and BS jobs exist to divide responsibility because the current regulatory situation (private more so than public, i.e. insurers, lenders, etc) all but demands it because if you make things hyper efficient with low labor your concentrate responsibility into few parties and are more likely to get left holding the bag when there's a mishap.
- razakel 2y ago
  Much like illegal immigration, too many people benefit from the status quo, hence there is no real desire to actually do anything about it. As you said, it's all about passing the buck.