Via the Portbase Secure Chain, you can securely prenotify containers to sea terminals, inland terminals and depots, and nominate another haulier if necessary. With Hinterland Container Notification Road, you can see which containers have been assigned to you to prenotify and collect, and if necessary outsource those tasks to subcontractors.
With the advent of the Portbase Secure Chain, your cargo’s data is accessible only to parties who are actually authorised to view and use that information, by means of nomination and registration. You specify which partners you make responsible for the prenotification and collection of your cargo in HCN. You can also transfer this responsibility by nominating another haulier in the newly developed Shipments dashboard. As such, the service is part of the Portbase Secure Chain, an updated working method for sharing data with each other safely and securely in the Dutch ports. More information about the Portbase Secure Chain can be found here.
Hinterland Container Notification is used by hauliers.
For container, trailer and bulk cargo.
The services Notification Container Hinterland are available via web and API.
Using pre-generated status requests in MCA and adding B/L number (for Secure Chain releases)
As soon as you as a transport company are designated by a customer to transport a Secure Chain container, a status request is generated automatically. We recommend reusing it for the pre-notification at the terminal, so that it is directly linked to the correct Secure Chain B/L. In addition, the advantage of this is that you need to fill in less information, reducing the risk of errors and saving you time.
Have you already started a status request or pre-notification?
If you have already created a status request or pre-notification yourself, MCA will try to automatically link it to the Secure Chain. This is not always possible due to the complexity of some chains. Make sure you include the B/L number in your status request or pre-notification, so that it can be directly linked to the correct Secure Chain B/L. This will prevent problems and ensure smooth handling.
In brief:
Note:
ECT and Euromax cannot process updates. We therefore recommend that pre-notification to these terminals is only done once the status request is completely correct and green.
For inland operators and software providers with an MCA-API system link:
The new field consignmentNumber has been added to the existing handlingData object. For more details, check the and the API specifications in our Developer Portal.
Any problems?
Have you followed all these steps but are still experiencing problems? Please contact Portbase Customer .
In the dashboard it looks as follows:
In MCA Road:
In MCA Barge & Rail as follows:
Can I also process my export flow via the Portbase Secure Chain?
No, in the current phase, the Portbase Secure Chain is only in place for the import flow of containers.
Can I also see empty returns via the Portbase Secure Chain?
No, this data is not available in the Portbase Secure Chain in the current phase. This will follow in a later phase.
How do I request the cargo opening and closing and the ETA/ETD from APMII?
As an inland operator, you can request the cargo opening and closing and the ETA/ETD from APMII by manually linking a handling to a seagoing vessel. This can be done by entering the seagoing vessel that is carrying the container in the prenotification in the field below.
Please note! If there is a change to the seagoing vessel that is carrying your container, it will not be automatically updated! You must make this change manually yourself, otherwise incorrect information will be displayed for the relevant prenotification. You can change the seagoing vessel by clicking on 'Details' to the right of your prenotification and then clicking on 'Edit' at the top right of the screen.
However, for Secure Chain containers, the seagoing vessel is automatically added to the prenotification, as this information is included in the Secure Chain file.
What additional data has RWG started sharing via HCN Road in 2024?
RWG has started sharing the additional data below via HCN Road in 2024. The data is shared as soon as it is available to the terminal.
The additional RWG data is displayed at several locations within HCN Road.
* Please note! RWG states the following regarding the EDT: "“While RWG makes every effort to ensure that the Expected Discharge Time (“ETD”) is accurate and up to date, the ETD is an indication only. RWG is not responsible or liable for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions or for the consequences of the use of the ETD. The ETD is provided in its actual state, without guarantee of its completeness, accuracy and timeliness. Use of the ETD is at your own risk and RWG accepts no liability whatsoever in connection with such use.”
Where can I retrieve my billing statement?
Follow the steps below to retrieve your billing statement:
What are a commercial window, cargo opening, and cargo closing?
Commercial Window: time span within which a container may be collected from the terminal/depot.
By specifying the expected collection time of the means of transport (ETA) in the status request or pre-notification, the terminal/depot will communicate the specific date and time information in response. For containers to be collected, this is listed as the Commercial Window. If the ETA falls outside the time specified in the commercial window, the button next to Commercial Release will turn red in the pre-notification.
For containers that are to be delivered, this is listed as Cargo Opening/Closing. If the ETA falls before the Cargo Opening or after the Cargo Closing, the button next to Cargo Opening will turn red in the pre-notification.
See which terminals support this functionality here.
Should you encounter any issues regarding the Commercial Window or Cargo Opening/Closing in relation to your intended transport planning, then please contact the client of your transport order.
How can I reuse my original pre-notification?
From 1 July 2022, the price of the service Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) will be:
€10,98
Monthly fee
€0.38
Per pre-notification of a full container
Status requests, updates and empty containers
This is because, within HCN, each prenotification is given a unique label that Portbase uses to identify the transaction. You can change, cancel and resubmit this prenotification with its unique label at any time without restrictions. As long as you continue to use the same original prenotification, you will only pay a single transaction fee of €0.35*.
Example: You cancel the original prenotification (unique label A) and then start a completely new second prenotification (unique label B) for the same container. There are then two unique labels and two transactions fees of €0.35. So wherever possible, use the original prenotification and avoid unnecessary costs!
*Exceptions
Portbase is working on a solution to enable updates to prenotifications. This will allow you to avoid unnecessary transactions. We will inform you as soon as this solution is available.
Which terminal supports which HCN functionality?
View the support per modality below.
I can’t find what I am looking for with the search bar.
Using the search bar? Use at least three characters to start a search. Note that the dashboard shows only status requests and/or prenotifications with an ETA from 00:00h today to one year in the future. If you are looking for a status request or prenotification from further in the past, please click on 'Search older results' at the bottom of the page.
Click here for more information about the search function.
Where can I find the history of the message exchange between my organisation and the terminal?
If you want to view the message exchange that has taken place between your organisation and the terminal for a particular handling, click on 'Details' to the right of the handling in question. In the screen that now opens, you will see the 'History' tab in the upper left corner, next to the 'Details tab. Here you can see all the messaging that has taken place.
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.
Can I still modify my container details/time slot if the status is ‘In operation’?
Unfortunately, you can no longer edit the container data if the container is 'In operation'.
I would like to amend the ETA; where and how can I do that?
If the ETA of a truck changes, you can change the ETA of the corresponding visit in the dashboard. To do so, click on 'Actions' to the right of the visit in question and then on 'Update visit'. Here you can amend the 'ETA date' and 'ETA time'. Then click on 'Update visit' at the bottom right of the screen to save the change.
Please note: ECT Delta and Euromax do not support changes. For those terminals, you can only cancel the notification and reuse it for a new prenotification.
For which (inland)terminals and depots do I require a TAR code?
The other terminals (CLDN Distriport, Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax, Hutchison Ports ECT Delta) do not use TAR codes.
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).
As the haulier, can I nominate another haulier before the commercial release is issued?
Yes, you can track the container(s) in HCN well before the ship's ETA. You can then also inform the subcontractor by linking them to your shipment. The chain will not become active until the commercial release is issued.
The prenotification can also be made before the commercial release, but there is an exception for ECT's terminal, because it cannot process updates.
I am the haulier for one or more containers. How can I nominate another haulier?
Select the container(s) you want to assign to another haulier by checking the box to the left of the container line. The Forward button then appears at the bottom of the page. By clicking on it, you can choose which organisation you want to prenotify and transport the selected container(s).
Important! You can select multiple containers at once, but you can only nominate one haulier per forward.
I am the nominated haulier for my container but I am not able to select another haulier to nominate them.
If your haulier is not known in HCN, you cannot select them to nominate them for the Inland operator role. The haulier must first register with Portbase and then choose (one of) the services HCN Road, Rail or Barge. This is how you step into the Portbase Secure Chain.
Should this block further processing of the current container, you have two options:
Important! At most terminals, prenotification by your haulier is mandatory. In time, the option of collecting a container with a PIN code will be withdrawn due to its susceptibility to fraud.
Do I also need to give the other nominated haulier a transport order for this shipment?
Yes; in this phase, the Portbase Secure Chain is only concerned with collecting containers without a PIN code. Other information required for transport must be shared with the haulier outside the PCS. When downloading container information, you can see what information is available within the PCS and HCN.
How can I revoke the nomination for a container?
The party that made the nomination can also revoke the nomination. They can do so for one or more containers. To do this, click on the selection box(es) for the appropriate container(s) and click the Cancel shipment button. The nomination has now been revoked for the selected container(s) and there is no longer an active haulier. You can now nominate another haulier.
Important! If you revoke the nomination of a subcontractor, it is important to revoke the transport order first to avoid unnecessary charges.
I see that I am no longer the nominated haulier for a container; how is this possible?
Your customer has revoked your nomination and chosen another haulier for the container(s). You can tell that this is the case because the container is visible in the Handlings dashboard but is no longer visible in Shipments.
If a transport order exists in your own TMS but there is no registration in the PCS, it is no longer valid.
The customer should always inform the haulier of the cancellation or removal of a container in order to avoid a cargo mismatch, because the haulier may have already initiated transport to collect the container.
I see that the validity of the commercial release has expired, now what?
Contact the carrier, or your client, for a new commercial release or renewal. The client can also see in his own overview that the commercial release is no longer active or has been given a red status.
Your chain may have already been fully prepared, and this chain is still active at this point. Only without the commercial release your inland operator cannot remove the container. If the carrier resend the commercial exemption, this automatically restores your already prepared chain and your inland operator can submit the pre-notification.
I have been nominated as the haulier and I can see the container under the Shipments tab and under Handling. What should I do?
All containers are listed under the Handlings tab. Under the Shipments tab, you see only the containers assigned to you via the Portbase Secure Chain by means of nomination. What you do next depends on your situation:
I am the nominated haulier and I want to register a subcontractor for the prenotification and collection of the container(s). What should I do?
You now have two options, depending on your situation:
By means of these actions, your haulier is added to the Portbase Secure Chain and all CargoCards linked to this organisation will be recognised. Failure to do this will result in the haulier being denied access to the terminal. If the commercial release has been issued, you can submit the prenotification.
I am the nominated haulier, but no commercial release is available in the status request yet. Why is that?
This means that the commercial release has not yet been issued. The status of a container can be requested even if the commercial release has not been issued yet.
My prenotification has been accepted but circumstances prevent me from picking up the container myself. Can someone else take over my prenotification?
Yes, they can. Depending on the terminal, you will need to update the prenotification or cancel it completely and resubmit it. When updating or cancelling, you can nominate the appropriate haulier for prenotification and transport.
What are the peak hours and off-peak hours at RWG?
Peak hours are from 06:00 am to 5:59 pm. Off-peak hours are from 06:00 pm to 05:59 am. The surcharge applies Monday through Friday. There is no surcharge for time slots on public holidays that fall on a working day (e.g. Whit Monday). Click here for more information.
What if I can’t book a time slot?
Make sure the checkmark is displayed in the Secure Logistics XS-ID portal. If it is and you still can't book a time slot, contact RWG's Customer Service at customerservice@rwg.nl. If not: as of 06:00 am on Monday 24 April 2023, it is no longer possible to book time slots if you do not have an account with Secure Logistics and you have not agreed to the terms and conditions.
Additional Information: EAN Number
If your EAN number is not (or no longer) active, in time you will no longer be able to use the Portbase service Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) or the features available within this service. An active EAN number is a requirement for the service HCN. Portbase is keen to ensure that you are able to continue to use the service HCN. They therefore kindly but urgently request that you provide them with your company information and your active EAN number. You can do that by filling out the changes form. When doing so, you can check the 'Service specific' option. On receipt, Portbase will verify the information and then contact you to discuss the next steps with you. Once the process is complete, you can continue to use the service HCN. Click here for more information
Who can I contact for questions about my payment or invoice?
For questions about payments, invoices and other finance-related questions, please contact Finance; Finance@Secure-Logistics.nl. For questions regarding details of the time slots, please contact RWG Customer Service at customerservice@rwg.nl. For general questions regarding the use of the XS Key, please contact the CSD; 010-4367777 / rwg@secure-logistics.nl.
Click here for more information.
I have an RCI number, but cannot access the terminal. How is that possible?
If you outsource a transport to another carrier (or use an agency worker), when creating a new prenotification you must indicate this in the 'Executing charter' field. You can also change an executing charter. Click here for more information.
I want to make use of RCI. Do I need to register somewhere?
No, that is not necessary. You will be notified as soon as ECT makes the RCI feature available to you.
I want to make use of RCI. Do I need to register somewhere?
No, that is not necessary. You will be notified as soon as ECT makes the RCI feature available to you.
Where can I find the RCI number?
As soon as ECT/Euromax responds to a pre-notification and assigns an RCI number, this is available in the TAR field, as you are also accustomed to from other terminals.
Where can I find the RCI number?
As soon as ECT/Euromax responds to a pre-notification and assigns an RCI number, this is available in the TAR field, as you are also accustomed to from other terminals.
Will I receive an RCI for a container for which a FIAT STORAGE is applicable?
Yes, this is possible.
Can I amend the executing charter without cancelling the prenotification?
Yes, you can. Click here for more information about amending the executing charter on a prenotification.
Can I amend the executing charter without cancelling the prenotification?
Yes, you can. Click here for more information about amending the executing charter on a prenotification.
Can I request an RCI if I want to collect an empty container with only a booking number?
No, this is not possible at this stage. In order to obtain an RCI, the container numbers must always be known. ECT is working on a solution to make this possible in the future. This means: the nomination of a container number by ECT on the basis of a booking number.
What was communicated during the introduction of RCI and to whom?
A news item was posted on the ECT website, a mailing was sent to current RCI users within the E-services and a service message was posted in the ECT app. Furthermore, a news item was posted on the website of Portbase, a mailing was sent to customers who use HCN Road and a message was posted in the service HCN Road.
Is it mandatory to enter a registration number?
No, this is not necessary. It may prove useful for your own administration and/or planning though.
What is a Remain on Truck container?
A Remain on Truck container is a container that remains on the truck when visiting the terminal. The Remain on Truck function only applies for Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and Euromax.
Which shipping companies are registered in HCN Road?
For a list of all shipping companies that are registered in the service HCN Road, including the SCAC and SMDG codes, click on the icon of the small figure at the top right of the dashboard. Then click on 'Reference data'. A new page now opens; you can download the list of shipping companies by clicking on 'Shipping companies'.
What has ECT communicated about the Export Customs document?
As of April 17 2023, ECT Delta and ECT Euromax terminals require an export document before the arrival of a container at the terminal. More information about this change at ECT Terminals can be found by clicking on this link.
Having trouble capturing screenshots with the mouse-over popups or so called tool tips showing?
Use the free tool Gadwin Printscreen.
It is also possible to directly e-mail statuses of selected handlings to an e-mail address.
View the Quick Start Guide under the ‘E-mail Notifications’ tab to see how this works.
Who do I need to contact for my Cargo Card?
If you encounter problems with your Cargo Card, your card has expired or you want to request a Cargo Card, you need to contact Secure Logistics. More information is available at: https://www.secure-logistics.nl.
My prenotification is not known to the terminal, even though I have created it in MCA/Portbase
You may have submitted your handling as a status request instead of a prenotification. When you make a status request, you are only requesting information about the status of a container. A status request is not linked to a visit, meaning that a final appointment has not yet been made to pick up/drop off a container at the terminal. For this reason, status requests are not known within a terminal's Terminal Operating System. By converting a status request into a prenotification, you make an actual appointment at the terminal for the container pick-up/drop-off.
Click here for more information about how to submit a handling as a status request or as a prenotification.
Click here for more information about how to convert a status request into a prenotification.
Why does the prenotification still have the status ‘Accepted’ even though the container has already been picked up/dropped off?
The Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and Euromax terminals do not send a confirmation that a container has left or entered the terminal. These are also known as gate-in/gate-out messages. This means that the handling status does not change to 'Finished' after a container has been picked up/dropped off; instead, the status remains 'Accepted'.
If the status of a handling remains 'Accepted' after pick-up/drop-off at a terminal other than Hutchison Ports ECT Delta and Euromax, please contact our Customer Service.
Why does Portbase say there is an embargo on the container when this is not visible at APM MVII?
If no document has been submitted, the container will always remain under a Customs embargo.
Once the document has been submitted and processed at APM MVII, the Customs embargo will be lifted.
Why am I getting a notification that my documents are not in order from the ECT Delta/Euromax terminal when they are in Portbase?
You can check on the ECT website whether they have the document or you can contact the Portbase Service Desk.
It may be that the ECT/Euromax terminal has sent a double APERAK (return message) to Portbase. As a result, they will not be processed in the correct order.
The Service Desk will then again submit a return message, which will solve the problem.
I have not received a TAR code, why is that?
If you have not received a TAR code for the following terminals, this may be because your pre-notification has been rejected, the system is experiencing a disruption or the terminal is closed.
Terminal APM Maasvlakte II
If there are no more available time slots available for the requested day, the pre-notification will be rejected. The error message shown is: THERE ARE NO APPOINTMENT OPENINGS AVAILABLE FOR THE ENTERED DATE.
You can resubmit the pre-notification with a new desired time on a different day. In short, no time slot will be issued on a different day than the one requested.
I have received an error message. What does this mean?
Pin doesn’t match or is expired, contact line operator.
The release does not match or has expired. Please contact the shipping line for assistance in this matter.
CDM – Customs document missing
If you receive the rejection ‘CDM blockade, DD.’ from the terminal, please consult your freight forwarder/importer to verify whether the terminal in question corresponds with the terminal selected by you. If this is the case, then please contact the Portbase Service Desk for a solution.
Rejection RUB25 – Booking is full
Please contact the shipping line to have the booking increased.
Rejection ORN – Booking is unknown
The acceptance order has not been submitted by the shipping line or you have submitted a wrong acceptance number. If you receive this error message, your best option is to check the acceptance number. If you are certain that this number is correct, then please contact the shipping line. They can check whether the acceptance order has been sent to the terminal. If all of the above proves correct, the container number may have been entered incorrectly.
BLA – Order (for line) not found, contact line operator
Please contact the shipping line. You have probably selected a different shipping line than the one known at the terminal.
BLT – Blocked by terminal
This is a general notification that states that the container cannot be collected or delivered. If the response message contains no additional data, you can contact the terminal for further information.
COR – Container not released
The shipping line has not yet commercially released the container.
BCO – Before cargo opening
This is the earliest possible moment on which an Export container may be delivered to the terminal (usually x days before the arrival of the ship).
ORN – the shipping company has not submitted the acceptance order, or you have entered an incorrect acceptance number
When this error message is displayed, the best thing to do is double-check the acceptance number. If you are absolutely certain this number is correct, you should contact the shipping company. They can verify for you whether or not the acceptance order has been submitted to the terminal.
If all of the aspects listed above are correct, it might be that the container number has been incorrectly entered in the Portbase system.
RUB20 – The booking number you submitted is registered in the terminal system as belonging to another shipping company
If you receive this error message, it is important to check which shipping company’s name is on the booking/release. If you do not know, the best thing for you to do is contact the client and/or the shipping company.
DUP – I did a pre-notification but now I'm getting a DUP error. What does this mean?
If your pre-notification is rejected for the reason: ‘DUP’ (duplicate), that means that a pre-notification with this container number and booking number already exists in the Hutchison Ports ECT Delta / Euromax terminal system. This other, existing pre-notification may have been created by you or by another party. It is also possible that the container has been pre-notified for a barge, train or seagoing vessel.
If you have created the pre-notification yourself, you will be able to look it up in the service Hinterland Container Notification. To find the pre-notification, enter the container number in question into the filter field and adjust the date. If you are unable to locate the pre-notification, contact the terminal and ask how (and from whom) they received the pre-notification.
If you find an earlier pre-notification that contains an error and is meant for an ECT terminal, you should cancel it. To do so, click the tick mark at the start of the line to select, then click ‘Delete’ at the bottom of the screen. Please wait a few minutes for the terminal to process the cancellation. You will then need to submit the new pre-notification (the one that was rejected with the DUP message) once more.
This time it should be processed as usual. If not, and it is once again rejected with a DUP message, the pre-notification has probably not been fully erased from the terminal’s system just yet. In that case, contact the terminal and work with them to solve the problem.
Hutchison Ports ECT Delta: +31 181-278088 / CustomerService@ect.nl
Hutchison Ports ECT Euromax: +31 181-377200 (02 / 03) / balie.euromax@ect.nl
Rotterdam Short Sea Terminals: applicatiebeheer@rstbv.nl
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 involve 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.
Port Community System (PCS)
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%.
Terminal Operating Systems (TOS)
Most terminals use an EDI connection. After EDI messages are received from Portbase, they must be read out and 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.
Transport Management Systems (TMS)
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.
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 emailing our Customer Service.
I have not received any response to my pre-notification; what should I do?
In the event you submitted a pre-notification more than (roughly) 30 minutes ago, and you have not yet received a response, the best thing for you to do is check MyPortbase or status.portbase.com to see if a disruption or delay is in effect. Another option is to contact the Portbase Service Desk.
How far in advance must I submit a pre-notification in order to receive a suitable truck time slot?
Whether or not you are assigned a suitable truck time slot depends on how busy the terminal is at that time. It’s best to reserve a time slot as far in advance as possible. Because the entire capacity is continuously available, we expect that time slots will be easily obtained. During peak periods, however, it is possible for there to be several hour’s difference between the desired time slot and the time slot assigned to you.
My prenotification is shown as provisionally accepted (QQQ) and/or the handling is shown in grey, what does this mean?
If the handling status is grey and question marks are displayed, this means that the prenotification/status request has been processed and the terminal will update the handling status, unless you have cancelled the prenotification. In the handling status, you will see the code QQQ.
If your notification is shown as provisionally accepted (QQQ), this may have 2 causes:
