Manila South Harbor operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) said it’s all systems go for the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS), the online system designed to keep the movement of goods flowing at Manila’s international trade gateways. The system goes live October 1.
A week leading up to its full implementation, ATI’s registered users are already booking port transactions online. This follows the extensive training sessions it rolled out with port users starting August and the successful TABS pilot test since early September.
The web-based system allows brokers, forwarders, importers/exporters and shipping line representatives to schedule the withdrawal and delivery of containers at Manila ports, including the Manila North Harbor, based on time zones spread throughout the 24-hour period. The system drives orderly flow of trucks on roads and greater operational predictability and efficiency at the terminal for a robust supply chain.
Developed by Australia’s 1-Stop Connections Pty Ltd., TABS is the same booking system used by DP World’s marine terminals in Australia.
READ: Online truck booking on dry run at Manila port
Using TABS is as simple as following three basic steps:- (1) logging-in using a secure username and password and uploading container details into TABS; (2) searching timeslots best suitable for the withdrawal or delivery of containers by dragging and dropping these onto specific time zones; and (3) confirming the booking. With an approved booking confirmation, the truck assigned by the consignee just has to show up at the terminal on the scheduled time to pick-up or deliver containers. Booking can be done in as little as five minutes.
To access the system, the user needs to register online by visiting http://1-stop.com.ph/ and complete the online enrollment sheet. For system activation, the broker needs to submit a copy of BIR Form 2303 to ATI. The form and other customer inquiries can be emailed to customersupport@asianterminals.com.ph.
READ: Online container booking system at Manila ports open for registration
Meanwhile, aside from TABS, ATI recently developed the country’s first mobile application for international containerized cargoes. Dubbed as Mobile Port, or simply MPort, ATI’s mobile application allows customers to access useful terminal information such as expected and actual time of vessel arrivals and departures, container track and trace, truck plate inquiry and cargo clearance notifications, among others on a real-time basis. The mobile app was developed in house and can be downloaded for free from Apple Store for Apple gadgets or Google Play for android devices.
Further, ATI has boosted its ePayment facility in partnership with Metrobank, Banco de Oro and Security Bank. Through ATI’s ePayment system, customers can conveniently pay arrastre, stevedoring and storage fees anytime, anywhere 24/7 using online computers, tablets or smartphones.
