Differences Cargo Controller & Cargo Release Manager

Only together we can make the container release process and hence the logistics chain more secure. The ‘key’ in the form of a PIN code disappears. Each party in the chain authorises the next party in the logistics chain. Only those authorised parties can perform actions and access confidential data.

Choose service

Use the decision tree to determine which solution is best suited to your situation.

Cargo Controller or Cargo Release Manager
The services Cargo Controller and Cargo Release Manager are part of the Secure Chain, a new process to safely and securely share data with each other in the Dutch ports. You need either Cargo Controller or Cargo Release Manager to enter the Secure Chain and control your chain(s).

With Cargo Controller you get real-time Track & Trace information. You have full control and insight into the cargo, to ensure it is handled correctly and proactively.

With Cargo Release Manager you can view basic cargo information and can direct your chain partners.

The overview below shows the differences between the two services:

* One-time connection fee per service, excl. VAT

**from 01/01/25, the fixed monthly fee is €76.88 and the cost per requested B/L is €0.42 for Cargo Controller.

Request the service
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Click here to register and request the Portbase service(s) of your choice.

Support pages

Here you will find practical information on how to expand and use Cargo Controller.

Here you will find practical information on how to use Cargo Release Manager.

The options within Cargo Release Manager are limited. The Secure Chain supports working ahead while the commercial release is not yet available. However, some additional features have not been made available within the Cargo Release Manager service as it is offered free of charge.

That in itself is not a problem, but it is good that you know what the consequences are and what options there are that you may want to use to work more effectively:

Cargo Release Manager:

When you have the role of Release-to Party, you are reactive to the commercial release and therefore slower than you can work ahead in Cargo Controller.
Tip: Registering a Trusted Cargo Director can help you with this, provided your forwarder uses Cargo Controller.

Cargo Controller gratis?

In Cargo Controller you have full insight into the B/L if a B/L is tracked prior to the commercial release, but this will be offset by transaction costs. However, an intermediate step is also possible: In Cargo Controller you can choose not to view additional cargo information, still work reactively to the commercial release, but automate the Trust Chain actions via API without transaction costs. This doesn't change the above scheme except that it no longer requires manual actions from your users.

For more information, read here how this works and contact our Sales department for the possibilities.

The options within Cargo Release Manager are limited. The Secure Chain supports working ahead while the commercial release is not yet available. However, some additional features have not been made available within the Cargo Release Manager service as it is offered free of charge.

That in itself is not a problem, but it is good that you know what the consequences are and what options there are that you may want to use to work more effectively:

Cargo Release Manager:

When you have the role of Release-to Party, you are reactive to the commercial release and therefore slower than you can work ahead in Cargo Controller.
Tip: Registering a Trusted Cargo Director can help you with this, provided your forwarder uses Cargo Controller.

Cargo Controller gratis?

In Cargo Controller you have full insight into the B/L if a B/L is tracked prior to the commercial release, but this will be offset by transaction costs. However, an intermediate step is also possible: In Cargo Controller you can choose not to view additional cargo information, still work reactively to the commercial release, but automate the Trust Chain actions via API without transaction costs. This doesn't change the above scheme except that it no longer requires manual actions from your users.

For more information, read here how this works and contact our Sales department for the possibilities.