A tentative six-year contract between West Coast dock employers and the dockworkers' union could ease restrictions that have prevented the use of technology, such as scanners and other electronic equipment, which uses bar codes.

The agreement, announced on November 23, should lead to improved productivity, according to the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents terminal operators and ocean ship lines.

But some industry observers told Forkliftaction.com News the changes were too little to make West Coast ports competitive with European and Asian ports, which use robotics to move containers.

Members of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) will vote early next year on whether to ratify the contract. The ILWU represents 10,500 West Coast dockworkers.

West Coast ports handle shipments of about USD300 billion of goods annually, including automobiles, electronics, clothing and produce.