1. Before the ship arrives
Your forwarder or the shipping line will give you a vessel ETA. Share it with your transport company early so they can plan around slot availability and your receiving capacity.
2. Release and clearance
A container can only be collected once it has been released by the shipping line (freight paid, delivery order issued) and cleared by customs and biosecurity. Holds or inspections can delay collection.
3. VBS slots
Trucks collect containers using time slots booked through the terminal’s Vehicle Booking System (VBS). Slot availability varies, especially around peak vessel arrivals — another reason to book early.
4. Storage free time
Each terminal allows a period of free storage after the container is available. After that, storage charges apply per day. Check the free time for your container and plan delivery before it runs out.
5. Delivery: skel or sideloader?
- Skel (on-truck) — you unload from a dock or with a forklift while the truck waits.
- Sideloader — the container is placed on the ground and you unpack in your own time.
6. Detention and empty return
The shipping line allows a number of free days to return the empty container. After that, detention is charged. The empty goes back to the park nominated on the release, which may need its own booking.
7. Port and terminal charges
Terminals charge access fees and some other charges on each container movement. These are usually passed through by the transport company and should be itemised on your invoice.
Checklist for importers
- Vessel ETA and container number
- Delivery order / release and customs clearance
- Delivery address, receiving hours and site contact
- Skel or sideloader decision
- Empty park and return date