Quick Reference
- Go-live: 13th October
- Slot drops: Daily drops Monday - Wednesday, 2 x drops Thursday and Friday (refer to slot drop table below)
- Advance window: 2 working days (refer to slot drop table below)
- Class limits (first 2 hours): B = 6 per zone, A = 4 per zone
- TBA export slots: Yes, 4 per zone per carrier
- Swaps: Like-for-like, in same shift only
- Mini SRO minimum: 20-25 containers
- Stack run minimum: 50 per vessel
Go-live and access
When does OptiBook go live?
OptiBook goes live on Monday 13 October. Up until then, you’ll continue booking as you do today. From the 13th, slots will need to be secured the Opti way – via valid containers in the container list.
Do I have to wait till the 13th to add my containers?
No, you can add your containers now. When you login on the 13th, and beyond they will still be there for you to add.
Will a PDF with step-by-step instructions be provided?
There is already an Optibook guide available via the Help Desk - https://help.onestop.co/hc/en-us. To access the Optibook content ensure you are signed in (check in the top right hand corner). And then, click on Product Help. If you have any issues, please contact support.
Slot drops and booking window
When are slots released?
The slot release process has changed to the following:
Slot Drop Day |
Slot drop time |
Days in advance |
Released Day |
|---|---|---|---|
Mon |
9:00 |
2 |
Wed |
Tue |
9:00 |
2 |
Thu |
Wed |
9:00 |
2 |
Fri |
Thursday |
9:00 |
2 |
Sat |
Thursday |
11:30 |
3 |
Sunday |
Friday |
9:00 |
3 |
Monday |
Friday |
1130 |
4 |
Tuesday |
Are carrier classes still in place?
Yes, for the first two hours after each drop:
- B class: 6 slots per zone
-
A class: 4 slots per zone
After that two-hour window, the limits are lifted.
Do unused slots drop back into the pool?
Yes, after 2 hours.
Booking rules
How do I secure slots?
To secure slots, first upload your container list. When a container is Status “ready”, this means that container can be slotted. To slot a ready container, simply select the container via the checkbox, select “Book” and then follow the booking steps. For more information, please refer to the video content and help guides provided.
Does the booking screen live update?
The page will refresh overtime, however for up to date container information there is a “refresh” icon at the top of the screen.
Do I need a container number to book?
- Imports: Yes. Containers must be in Ready status.
- Exports: You can secure slots via a TBA booking. This is for when you don’t yet have your container number.
What does “Ready” mean?
“Ready” means the container is available to book.
- For imports, this means the container is known to the terminal. It may or may not yet be discharged.
- For exports, the container is only Ready if the PRA is in the system.
If the container isn’t Ready, can I still book it?
No. If a container is not Ready, you won’t be able to secure a booking. Unless it is a TBA Slot.
Does a container need to be discharged to confirm it on a slot?
No. It just needs to be in Ready status.
Can I book containers on hold?
Yes, but you’re responsible for managing the hold before pickup.
Can I book multiple containers at once?
Yes. You can select multiple containers from the Container List and assign them individually in the same booking session.
Are duplicate container numbers allowed?
No. Duplicates are automatically blocked from being added to the container list.
Do I have to monitor containers from the container list page?
No. You can add your containers prior to being ready to book, and use the “Notify Me” feature.
If a container is uploaded by one carrier then reassigned to another, what happens?
Same as now. Contact DPW to assist you to identify which carrier has assigned the container.
Are all B-Class and A-Class carriers booking the same slots?
No. Whilst the drops will occur at the same time for all carriers, the pools for A and B class remain separate.
What is the limit of the container list page?
You can add up to 500 containers to the container list page
TBA (exports only)
How many TBA slots can I book?
Up to 4 TBA slots per zone, per carrier.
Do TBA slots exist for imports?
No. Import slots require a Ready container.
Do I need an import slot to book a TBA export slot?
No. Simply navigate to the booking window and select any drop off slots, regardless as to whether you have an import.
How do I confirm my TBA booking?
To confirm your TBA slot, you will need to add the container number to container list and then attach the export to the slot via the booking list. This will need to be done before the zone opens, otherwise the slot will not be confirmed.
Swaps and changes
Can I swap bookings?
Yes. The swap function allows you to swap like for like, same shift only.
If I replace a container on the same slot, am I charged twice?
No, you only pay once for that slot.
Manifesting
Is manifesting changing?
No, the core process is the same.
Storage and fees
When does storage start?
No change, same as current process.
Will there be leniency on slot fees during the transition?
Yes, for 30 days, though bookings must still comply with PBLIS standards and Customer Access and Terminal Agreement.
Are PBLIS fees still applied?
Yes.
Stack runs and mini SROs
What’s the minimum size for stack runs and mini SROs?
- Mini SROs: Minimum 20 containers.
- Full stack runs: Minimum 50 containers per vessel.
When to apply for a SRO?
All SRO need to be lodged 72 hours prior to vessel arriving. All containers assigned to SRO need to be added prior to vessel discharge
Do stack runs apply to exports?
Mini SR are for SRO purposes. SRI are available however need to advise business case and seek approval from Terminal (no changes to current procedure)
If I book a stack run, do I also add containers to the Container List?
No, use the Stack Run page only.
If containers are in the Container List and later moved to a stack run, should I remove them?
Yes. Containers can’t sit in both places.
Is there an Empty Return tab for DPW EMPTY POOL slots?
Yes.
System and support
Can the terminal still allocate slots if needed?
Yes. Contact pbt.transport@dpworld.com .
Will the total slots per zone increase with OptiBook?
No. Efficiency will come from stack runs and mini SROs freeing up capacity.
Can I save vessels like we do now?
Yes, on the Booking List page.
What if container details aren’t yet in 1-Stop (e.g. vessel delay)?
You can still upload. Details will auto-update when the terminal sends them.
What if I get a late notification (container already in storage)?
Add it as normal to the Container List and book. End customer will still be liable for storage – same as current procedure.