Appointment Template Examples

Template Examples for Automated Appointment Scheduling

Below are common use cases demonstrating how appointment templates can be configured to align with operational goals such as avoiding fees, ensuring timely deliveries, or meeting terminal deadlines.

Example 1: Avoiding Storage Fees (Relative to Last Free Day)

Why it matters:
Storage fees begin accumulating if a container remains at the port beyond the Last Free Day (LFD). Booking appointments before this deadline helps avoid unnecessary charges.

Template Configuration:

• Click + Add to create a new template.

• Template Name: Avoid Storage Fees – Pickups Before LFD

• Appointment Type: Pick Up Apt.

• Move Type: Import

• Timing Preferences: Relative to Last Free Day

• Day Preferences: Set booking for 1 Day Before LFD (adjust as needed).

• Enable Fallback Booking for flexibility.

• Click Save Template.

Expected Outcome:
The system automatically schedules pickup appointments one day prior to the LFD to help prevent storage charges.

Example 2: Ensuring Timely Deliveries (Relative to Delivery Appointment)

Why it matters:
Aligning pickup appointments with scheduled deliveries ensures on-time arrivals and improves service reliability.

Template Configuration:

• Click + Add to create a new template.

• Template Name: Timed Pickups for On-Time Deliveries

• Appointment Type: Pick Up Apt.

• Move Type: Import or Export

• Timing Preferences: Relative to Delivery Apt

• Day Preferences: Set booking for 2 Days Before Delivery

• Time Preferences: 6 AM – 9 AM

• Enable Priority Booking

• Click Save Template

Expected Outcome:
Pickups are automatically booked in advance to ensure containers are delivered on schedule.

Example 3: Avoiding Per Diem Charges (Relative to Per Diem LFD)

Why it matters:
Per diem fees begin once leased containers are kept beyond their allowed free period. Timely returns prevent these charges.

Template Configuration:

• Click + Add to create a new template.

• Template Name: Return Containers Before Per Diem Fees

• Appointment Type: Return Apt.

• Move Type: Import or Export

• Timing Preferences: Relative to Per Diem LFD

• Day Preferences: Set booking for On LFD

• Enable Fallback Booking

• Click Save Template

Expected Outcome:
Return appointments are scheduled before per diem charges begin, avoiding penalties.

Example 4: Meeting Export Cutoff Times (Relative to Cut Off)

Why it matters:
Terminals enforce strict cutoff times. Missing these windows can result in containers being excluded from vessel loading.

Template Configuration:

• Click + Add to create a new template.

• Template Name: Export Cutoff

• Appointment Type: Pick Up Apt.

• Move Type: Export

• Timing Preferences: Relative to Cut Off

• Time Preferences: 6 AM – 12 PM

• Enable Priority Booking

• Click Save Template

Expected Outcome:
Appointments are booked early enough to ensure timely delivery to terminals before cutoff deadlines.

Example 5: Priority Scheduling (First Available Appointment)

Why it matters:
When speed is critical, securing the earliest available appointment ensures the fastest possible pickup or return.

Template Configuration:

• Click + Add to create a new template.

• Template Name: Priority Scheduling

• Appointment Type: Pick Up Apt.

• Move Type: Import or Export

• Timing Preferences: First Available Appointment

• Enable Priority Booking

• Click Save Template

Expected Outcome:
The system schedules the earliest available appointment to minimize delays.

Summary of Use Cases