Computerworld's Marc L. Songini reports that the Port of Oakland is using an RFID system from WhereNet Corp. to improve efficiency and security.

"WhereNet said that it is in the process of distributing RFID tags to trucking companies that ship material to Port of Oakland facilities," Songini writes. "The companies are self-installing the tags in the cabs of their vehicles, WhereNet said. The tags will be read by RFID readers as trucks enter the Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT), ensuring that all vehicles are identified and tracked while at the facility."

Participation is voluntary, but since the RFID system promises to speed up the process of checking trucks in, about 300 truckers have installed them so far. "Under the program, the RFID tag on a truck arriving at the OICT security check-in sends a signal to one the readers in the terminal, where its unique identity is checked against a trucking database to ensure that it is authorized for entry into the facility," Songini writes.

More here from RFID Journal ... more here from the San Francisco Chronicle ... and WhereNet's press release is here.