Update:
Washington United Terminals is experiencing some difficulties with the new appointment system. They will be delaying the launch until possibly Feb. 8.
Tech support will be there Monday to help work through the issues.
If you have set an appointment please try to keep it so they can further test the system. If you do not yet have one please come to WUT as usual. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during the launch of this system.
Original post:
Washington United Terminals will be implementing an appointment system in early February. Trucking companies can register at: www.uswut.com. Program details will be sent by email. Register for the distribution list by writing to: logistics@uswut.com .
Appointments can begin being scheduled Feb. 1 for pick up Feb. 6.
Common Questions
Q: For trucks without an appointment - will they have to sit and wait in the queuing lanes until those with appointments have in-gated?
A: Yes. We will have specific lanes for appointments only, those lanes will have priority. Everyone will stage in the staging lanes together, those with appointments will get priority help once at the main terminal.
Q: Is there a time limit to make them wait before allowing them to proceed in the gate?
A: If a trucker has an appointment, no. If trucker does not have an appointment they will be required to wait until those with appointments are helped.
Q: Is there a penalty for canceled appointments?
A: Not initially but we could implement one if we have repeat offenders.
Q: Is there a maximum number of appointments given out per hour, per day?
A: Yes, there is a maximum per hour per RTG (Rubber Tire Gantry- used to deliver out import loads) and then per trucking company so that one company cannot use all the appointments.
Q: If running late for an appointment is there any leeway?
A: Yes, we will be able to work that into the system for appointments set at certain times of the day. Late day appointments will have less leeway due to gate operating times.
Q: What is the window the trucker has to pull containers. Are the appointment set then there is a “window” of 15-30 before and after the appointment time?
A: The program allows us to set the leeway. It will be based on projected/historical flow and adjusted as needed.
Q: Will there be enough appointments per day to get loads out?
A: Yes, we will adjust the appointments as needed but feel having an idea of who is coming in when will help us better hire equipment to keep things flowing smoothly.
Q: How many appointments are available during a shift? How was that determined?
A: It is determined using historical data and yard volumes.
Q: How early can appointments be made?
A: 1) Appointments can be made once a container has discharged the vessel but not before, same day appointments are not accepted without WUT approval.
2) They can be made anytime within the free time.The purpose of the system is to hire labor accordingly. If a driver shows up that does not have an appointment and yard flow allows we will let them in.
3) Otherwise, they will have to remain staged until yard flow allows for additional trucks.
Q: Do you have to wait until showing “available” before you can make an appointment?
A: Yes
Q: When can truckers request appointments? How far in advance?
A: Once a container is on dock appointments can be set. System has no constraint on far in advance provided container is on terminal. However, if trucker waits until free time runs out it will be on demurrage hold and they won’t be able to set an appointment. See 9a above.
Q: Are the appointment only needed for imports or exports as well?
A: Imports grounded in RTG run only. Not needed for Import Reefers, Hazards or OOG.
Q: Do Customs containers require an appointment to pick up?
A: No, they are special handled and do not require an appointment as they will not show as available through the appointment system or website.
Q: Sometimes container show as available, and then they become unavailable. How will this be handled if an appointment has been made?
A: If an area is put on hold (or a container), WUT’s logistic department will receive an email and will then reach out to the trucking company to let them know the container has been put on hold.