The information below is correct as at 11 November 2026.
Quick Reference - ASLPB
OptiBook Go-live: Saturday, 28th November
Key Change: The Container List screen now shows more detail on each container, including estimated discharge, container availability and export receival dates split by commodity. A new Notes field also lets you sort your containers. We’ve also added A-Double and B-Double chassis profiles to the Manifest screen.
Go-live and access
When does OptiBook go live? OptiBook goes live on Saturday, 28th November. Until then, continue booking as you do today. From the 28th November onwards, you must upload all your containers via the container list, and slots can be booked once you have a “ready” container.
Will there be system downtime during the cutover to OptiBook? Yes, the cutover will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday, 28th November. The system will be inaccessible between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Notifications will be posted on the VBS board and the OneStop website to inform users of the downtime.
Do I have to wait until the 28th to add my containers? No, you can add your containers now. Your containers will still be there when you log in on the 28th November and beyond.
What is the first vessel that will form part of this new booking process? To be confirmed. We will be sending out notifications via VBS once we have vessel schedules locked in.
Where can I get help? An OptiBook guide is available via the Help Desk at https://help.onestop.co/hc/en-us. To access all OptiBook content, ensure you are signed in (check the top right corner), then click on Product Help. If you have any issues, contact support.
OptiBook Booking rules and Container List functionality
How do I secure slots?
First, upload containers to your container list. When a container shows Status "Ready", it can be slotted. To book a ready container, select it via the checkbox, click "Book", and follow the booking steps.
Does the booking screen live update? The page refreshes periodically. For the most up-to-date container information, use the "refresh" icon at the top of the screen.
Do I need a container number to book?
- Imports: Yes. You will need a valid container that is in a “ready” status to book a slot.
- Exports: You may book with a container number or obtain a TBA Export slot.
What does "Ready" mean? "Ready" means the container is available to book.
- For imports: A container’s status changes to Ready once it has all the required details: vessel, commodity, size and a valid container availability date.
- For exports: The container is Ready only if the PRA is in the system.
What is the container availability date and how does it impact storage? Once OneStop receives a container availability timestamp from the terminal, the container becomes ready to book. You will see a different column that shows you the vessel storage start date.
What is the estimated discharge time? The terminal calculates the time they expect the container to be discharged, and sends this prior to discharge. This time is indicative only and is intended to help with planning, but is not guaranteed.
How often does the estimated discharge message update to OneStop? The terminal's operating system automatically updates the estimated discharge message from when the vessel is planned and in real-time while the vessel is working, up to every 15 minutes. When the terminal sends an update, OneStop displays the new time immediately.
If the container isn't Ready, can I still book it? No. If a container is not Ready, you cannot secure a booking, unless it is a TBA slot for an export.
Does a container need to be discharged to confirm it on a slot? No. You can book a slot as long as the container is deemed as “ready”. This does not always mean that it is discharged.
Can I book containers on hold? Yes, but you're responsible for managing the hold before manifest and 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.
Do I have to monitor containers and the ready status 24/7 from the container list page? No. You can add your containers before they're ready to book and use the "Notify Me" feature, which emails you as soon as the container becomes ready to book.
Why is there an error when I upload my container to the container list?
There could be two main reasons why there is an error when you upload your container to the container list.
- The container is already within your list and therefore a duplicate.
- The container is already in another carrier/transporter’s container list, which means you can no longer upload it to yours.
If those above are still not the reason, please reach out to OneStop Help Desk for further information.
Notifications
How do I get notified when my container is ready to book? Use the "Notify Me" feature on the Container List page. When you subscribe to notifications for a container, you'll receive an email as soon as that container becomes ready to book.
What triggers a notification? A notification is sent when a container moves from "Not Ready" to "Ready" status. This happens when the terminal provides a container availability date and OptiBook calculates the storage start time.
Do I need to monitor the Container List if I've set up notifications? No. Once you've added your containers and enabled "Notify Me", you'll be automatically notified via email when they're ready to book.
Slot drops and availability
Will slot drops apply daily as normal? Slot releases and slot drops will not change; however, with the OptiBook process, you will need a "ready" container before you can book a slot, so it isn't as applicable as it was before.
When are slots released? Slots are released as per currently based on carrier classes.
Once slot drops, can I book immediately? Not necessarily. You can only book slots when your containers are marked as "ready” for the OptiBook process. This means you must monitor your container list and book only when containers become available.
Will vessel availability dates change? No, vessel availability times remain the same.
Will peak season affect slot drops or slot availability? No, slot drops and availability are based on terminal productivity and working arrangements, not seasonal changes. OptiBook does not change the number of slots released, but it does change the booking mechanism to reduce slot hoarding and improve fairness.
TBA (exports only)
Do TBA slots exist for imports? No. Import slots require a ready container in your container list to be able to book a slot.
Do I need an import slot to book a TBA export slot? No, you do not require an import slot to book a TBA Export.
How do I confirm my TBA booking? To confirm your TBA slot, add the export container number to the container list, then attach the export to the slot via the Booking List. This must be done before the zone opens; otherwise, the slot will not be confirmed.
Do I get charged for unused TBA export slots? Yes, you will be charged a no-show fee if a TBA slot is booked but not used. You must add your container to the TBA slot before the zone opens. If you no longer need the slot, you must list it, and standard listing rules and fees will apply.
When do booked slots expire if not confirmed?
- TBA slots must be confirmed before the zone opens
- If a confirmed slot is cleared, you have 120 minutes to reconfirm it with a valid container
Manifesting
Is manifesting changing? No. The manifesting process stays the same. We’ve added new A-Double and B-Double chassis profile combinations so you can include those details in your manifest.
Storage and fees
When does storage start? Storage Framework does not change and will remain same as current.
System and support
What if container details aren't yet in OneStop (e.g. vessel delay)? You can still upload containers. Details will auto-update when the terminal sends them.
How long are my slots reserved when booking? When you add your first container in the booking window, a 2-minute timer starts. This timer is clearly visible as you complete your booking. You must confirm your booking before the timer expires to secure your slots.
What happens if the reservation timer runs out? If the timer expires before you confirm, the slots are released back into the pool, and you will need to start the booking process again.
What is the limit of the container list page? You can upload 500 containers each time and can have up to 4000 containers in your container list page.
Are duplicate container numbers allowed? No. Duplicates are automatically blocked from being added to the container list to avoid any confusion.