Crane OCR Truck Matching and Stowage Confirmation Explained
When a crane lifts a container, the terminal needs to know which container it is, which truck is under the spreader and where the box is going. Crane OCR with truck matching and stowage confirmation answers all three. This guide explains how the data is captured and how it flows to the terminal operating system.
Key takeaways
- Crane OCR reads the container number and ISO code as the box is lifted or landed.
- Truck matching identifies the vehicle under the crane so the correct job is released.
- Stowage confirmation records the position of each container on the vessel.
- Together they cut manual checks and keep the terminal system accurate in real time.
Capturing the container data
Cameras mounted on the crane read the container number and ISO code during the lift. The system also records the position of the crane and the spreader, so each read is tied to a move. Clear reads are sent to the terminal system without a person having to check each box. See quay crane OCR and recording every container at the berth for the berth side.
Matching the truck to the job
Truck matching identifies the vehicle under the crane, usually by reading a truck number or a tag. The terminal system can then release the work order to the right truck and driver, and confirm it when the lift is done. This reduces mix-ups and waiting.

Confirming stowage
Stowage confirmation records which container went into which bay, row and tier of the vessel, or which one was discharged. It can also give the crane operator clear job instructions on screen. The result is a more accurate stowage record and fewer corrections after the vessel sails.
| Function | What it does | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Container OCR | Reads number and ISO code | Fewer manual checks |
| Truck matching | Identifies the vehicle under the crane | Right job to the right truck |
| Stowage confirmation | Records position on the vessel | More accurate vessel plans |
| Operator display | Shows the job to the crane driver | Fewer instruction errors |

Connecting to the terminal system
The data must reach the terminal operating system (TOS) quickly and in a format it understands. See crane OCR integration with the TOS for the data flow, and how to choose a crane OCR supplier for what to ask.
Crane OCR matching with Suraj Informatics
Suraj Informatics provides crane OCR services for quay, RTG and RMG cranes, with data links to the terminal system and the GATIVRA platform.
Crane OCR truck matching: common questions
What is truck matching?
Identifying the truck under the crane so the right work order is released to the right vehicle.
What is stowage confirmation?
A record of the position where a container is loaded onto or discharged from a vessel.
Does crane OCR replace the TOS?
No. It captures data for the TOS and does not plan or control terminal operations.
Can the crane operator see the data?
Yes, a display can show the job and the container details so the operator sees the instruction clearly.
Talk to our crane OCR team
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