A complete picture of the status of ships expected in the port, when your containers /trailers are unloaded and when they depart the sea terminal on a single screen.
What has ECT communicated about the Export Customs document?
Subject: Export Customs document
Dear relation,
In the context of the new functionality for handling the Unloading/Loading list in Hinterland Container Notification (MCA), we would like to draw your attention to the following. There is no need to register an export customs document at ECT when the carrier delivers the container at the terminal. To our knowledge, this is different from APMT and RWG.
ECT will report a green status back to MCA for an export container, If everything is in order. Even in the case that there is no export customs document registered. A green status at ECT therefore does not say anything about the presence of this document. If you want to check the presence of the document, you can use the Portbase-MED screen. This information cannot be found via the MCA screen. We strongly recommend you to do this. To prevent that your container is not loaded on the deepsea vessel, because of the absence of an export document.
ECT is not liable for the proper transmission of this message.
No rights can be derived from the content of this message.
Having trouble capturing screenshots with the mouseover popups or so called tool tips showing?
Use the free Gadwin Printscreen: http://www.gadwin.com/printscreen/
The filter search field does not work. I cannot find visits or containers
The filter works in several ways. Always make sure you have selected the correct date range.
Do you use the search bar? Use at least 3 characters to find what you are looking for.
How can I move through the input fields quickly and effectively?
To quickly move through the date fields, fill in the first field (in full or in part) and then use tab to jump to the next field.
Date example: the system automatically grabs the complete date of the current month after you enter the day of the month (for example 15) and press tab on the keyboard.
What do the words Detached, Expected, In Operation, Completed mean?
The dashboard offers real-time insight into your handlings in 4 boxes:
Note: Not all terminals send gate-in/out information to MCA Road, in which case you can check the terminal's website for gate in/out information.
Is it possible to cancel a status request?
You can cancel the status request in the MCA web screen. However, no cancellation will be forwarded to the terminal.
On the terminal side, the status request expires as soon as a new status request or prenotification is submitted. Or if the term of the status request expires.
What seal number do you enter for a FLAT?
You may enter FLAT or TANK here.
How many characters are permitted in the seal number?
The seal number you enter in your prenotification must always be between two and fifteen positions long. Entering a longer number or only a single full stop or a single space is not permitted.
Which browsers are supported?
Common browsers including Microsoft Edge are generally supported. The preference for optimum use is Google Chrome. Internet Explorer, the Microsoft predecessor to Edge, is not supported (from October 31, 2021).
Why does it sometimes take so long before I get a response to my prenotification(s) from a terminal?
The speed with which status requests and prenotifications are answered depends on several factors. The sending and processing of status requests and prenotifications involves a series of actions by different parties. Things can sometimes go wrong at various points in that chain. The aim is to keep problems to a minimum.
Most prenotifications and status requests from carriers/operators are processed via the Portbase platform and sent to the terminal within seconds.
Nevertheless, sometimes malfunctions do occur, or there may be maintenance to the services. In that case, Portbase will get to work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. At status.portbase.com you can see the status of the various Portbase services. On that page you can also subscribe to notifications, so that you are always kept up to date. It is reassuring to know that the Portbase (PCS) system has an uptime of 99.8%.
Most terminals use an EDI connection. After EDI messages are received from Portbase, they must be read out processed in the terminal system, and finally a response message needs to be returned to Portbase. Delays may occur in all these steps – especially when demands on processing capacity are at their highest, for example on Friday afternoons. At peak times like this, large volumes of EDI messages are sent and delays can occur.
API links are the future and may represent an improvement in this regard. The first terminals are now working with API links.
Terminals can also unexpectedly run into malfunctions or require maintenance of their systems. In such cases, terminals will work to solve the issue as quickly as possible and will inform their customers and users themselves.
Hauliers can make use of a system link between their planning system (TMS) and the Portbase (PCS) system; delays or malfunctions can also occur in these systems.
System links via EDI will eventually be phased out. API is the future and offers much faster information transfer. Ask your software vendor about the options for working with API.
As we have seen, delays can occur at different times and in different steps in the process. Please contact the Portbase Service Desk if you have reason to believe you are experiencing an unusually long delay during prenotification. You can do so by calling +31 (0)88 625 25 25 or by e-mailing servicedesk@portbase.com