ATI to blacklist TABS slot sellers, buyers

• Asian Terminals Inc is blacklisting persons who book TABS slots and spread rumors that all spaces are taken so they can sell their spots

• The South Harbor operator warns legitimate port-users buying such slots will also be blacklisted

• Operator looking to delete edit facility of TABS so slot bookings can’t be revised   

Asian Terminals Inc. is cracking down on persons who book drop-off slots for empty containers in the Port of Manila and then spread rumors that the slots are full so they can sell their reservations to Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) users.

Port stakeholders who buy slots will be blacklisted, too, as coddlers of the malpractice, ATI said in marketing circular no 0722-023 issued on July 11.

The port operator is going further by looking to remove the edit facility of TABS to block attempts to revise slot bookings for the purpose of selling the reserved slots.

TABS is an online system which schedules the withdrawal and delivery of containerized cargoes at the international ports of Manila.

ATI, which operates the Port of Manila in South Harbor, said it is taking the actions in response to reports and concerns about such a malpractice reaching its attention.

The port operator said an initial review of the system showed an unusually high number of revisions on empty container bookings.

“[That] scenario is concerning as revisions are exceptions that should rarely happen rather than become a practice, as in the case of unscrupulous parties that intentionally game the system to sell slots,” the circular said.

The circular said that “coincidentally, the revisions were made at a period when concerns on selling of slot came about.”

ATI said further investigation found such individuals or groups engaging in the illegal activity.  It cited SMS messages and posts on social media that proved earlier reports about touting of TABS slots.

“We take this opportunity to reiterate that there are enough empty slots for the community to avail of,” ATI said.

ATI said the previous allegations that there were not enough slots for empty return were rumors spread by unscrupulous parties to induce the need to buy slots.

“We are now taking action and are regularly identifying users with unusually high number of revisions and will blacklist all those caught doing this practice,” ATI said.

The port operator warned all its stakeholders not to patronize those who offer empty slots for sale as by doing so, they may also be blacklisted for patronizing such behavior. It encouraged TABS users to report any and all illegal transactions.

“The edit facility in the TABS is a privilege given by the terminal to benefit the users for flexibility. However, its misuse will be detrimental to the industry,” ATI said.

The company said it is now reviewing to eliminate the edit facility in TABS, “a difficult decision” that it is taking for the good of the community.