ECT introduces a Truck Capacity Management System

The system is intended to contribute to a smoother flow of trucks at ECT’s terminals. The significant peak congestion that the ECT terminals have been experiencing for some time cannot be improved without new measures that ensure a better distribution of truck traffic. Ultimately, the implementation of a TCMS is expected to result in more transparency, a reduction in (extreme) queues, and improved traffic safety on public roads near the terminal entrances. It is anticipated, however, that road volumes will remain high for the foreseeable future, even after TCMS has been introduced.

Time Slots

TCMS will operate with time slots of four hours during peak periods. Different slot durations will apply during off-peak periods (evenings and weekends). The time slots are configured as follows:

• Weekdays: 03:00 - 06:59, 07:00 - 10:59, 11:00 - 14:59, 15:00 - 18:59, 19:00 - 02:59 hours;
• Weekend: one time slot applies from Friday 19:00 through Monday 02:59 hours.

The time slots have been designed with a broad time window of four hours to maintain flexibility for road hauliers. Within each time slot, a maximum handling capacity will be made available. When submitting a pre-notification, the road haulier specifies a preferred Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) and, subject to available capacity, is assigned the time slot into which this ETA fits. When a time slot reaches its capacity limit, the system will automatically assign the next available time slot. Following the introduction period, further adjustments or optimizations may be implemented.

With regard to time slot allocation, the following currently applies:

• at ECT Delta, capacity will be allocated based on individual truck transfer zones (‘blokken’);
• at ECT Euromax, capacity will be allocated for the terminal as a whole;
• the Multi Purpose Stack (MPS) will have a dedicated capacity allocation at both terminals;
• on weekdays at 09:00, new time slots are automatically released, two days in advance with the weekend as an exception, because on Wednesday at 09:00, the slots for Friday including the weekend slot are released, on Thursday at 09:00 Monday is released and on Friday at 09:00 Tuesday is released.

Portbase Pre-notifications

The Portbase MCA Road process remains unchanged for road hauliers:

• the road haulier submits a pre-notification via Portbase MCA Road;
• a preferred Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is specified as part of the pre-notification process;
• the ECT system links this ETA to the first available time slot;
• a capacity barometer per timeslot is available at MyTerminal, enabling road hauliers to see which time slots still have capacity available.

ECT encourages multiple container handlings per visit, therefore, when multiple pre-notifications with different time slots are combined into a single visit, the time slot preferred by the road haulier will determine the time slot for all containers that become part of that single visit.

Rules

To ensure the system operates effectively, some basic rules will apply:

Arriving too early

Arrival of a truck before the assigned time slot is not permitted. However, the Security-In barrier will still open in order to prevent traffic jams and unsafe situations on public roads.

The driver will then have 30 minutes to correct the visit, for example if an incorrect TAR has been entered or if the driver entered the terminal using an unknown TAR. In all other cases, the driver must wait until the assigned time slot starts. A surcharge of €100 will be charged for “unauthorized entry” to the terminal. The pre-terminal waiting area of both terminals is intended only for drivers who have a valid appointment. During the introductory period, this surcharge will not be charged. It will, however, be shown on ECT’s monthly invoice together with the visit details, but without being charged.

No-show

If a visit cannot take place, the road haulier may amend or cancel the assigned time slot up until the start of that time slot. ECT will not remove incomplete visits, since a visit may still be completed administratively by the road haulier after the assigned time slot has started.

If a visit does not take place, is not amended in time or is cancelled during an active time slot, it will be charged as a ‘no-show’. This does not apply to the evening-night slot (19:00 - 02:59) nor to the weekend slot. During the introductory period, this €100 surcharge will not be invoiced either.

Rates

No new rates will be introduced for reserving a time slot. The existing rates, distribution surcharge and climate tariff, will remain applicable. These rates will not be increased in 2027. The same applies to the distribution premium for visits during off-peak periods.

Disruptions

In the event of serious operational disruptions, ECT may temporarily revert to the current operating procedure, under which the regular queue sequence (first in, first out) will again apply. Once the situation has been resolved, TCMS will be reactivated. Any such changes will be communicated in a timely manner via the ECT app and MyTerminal.

Planning

Preparations for the introduction of TCMS are currently well underway. ECT is coordinating extensively with trade association TLN-AZV.

At present, implementation is scheduled for the week of October 5th (week 41) at both terminals. During the introduction period, which is expected to last between one and three months, it will become clear whether any adjustments are required and, if so, what those adjustments should be.

More information

In the coming weeks, we will share updates on the rollout and the support available during the introduction period through our usual communication channels. For more information about TCMS, visit the MyTerminal Help Center.