Automated Gate FAQs

There is a service desk that deals with hazardous cargo and some other issues however drivers may be asked to leave the terminal and resolve any issues using the VBS and App.

TCT2 is now a 24-hour operation. All other terminal opening times will remain the same.

The full terminal opening hours are shown below:

When a unit arrives with hazardous placards, or the unit is booked as hazardous, the Automated Gate will direct the driver to the Service Desk. The driver should then proceed directly to the service desk with the appropriate Dangerous Goods documentation (DGN). Our service desk clerks will will then check the DGN and verify that the placards and export booking match up – if everything is correct then we will process the transaction manually.

The driver will be asked at the out-gate kiosk if the unit is in an acceptable condition. If there is any significant damage to the unit then the driver should press ‘No’ and they will contacted by the Service Desk via VoIP and the damage can then be recorded in the Terminal Operating System. Any damage recorded will then print on the EIR.

VBS stands for Vehicle Booking System. It is a mandatory, truck appointment system to be used by all hauliers wishing to collect and/or deliver containers at PD Ports Teesport.

Yes, there is an app that is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play. We also have detailed instructions for using both versions of the App that can be downloaded from the following links:

• Android App Instructions 
• iOS App Instructions

A timeslot is for one hour and the truck may arrive two hours either side of the timeslot. So, for example, if the appointment was made for 13:00-14:00 the truck can arrived any time between 11:00 and 16:00.

Yes. The VBS will allow users to make appointments for any combination of units that will fit on a standard length trailer, so for example, it will allow the user to make an appointment to drop off two 20’ units and collect one 45’ unit.

You can either create one appointment for both units and instruct the driver to wait until the collection becomes available, or, make an appointment for the drop off and a separate appointment for the collection.

No, the booking number will be associated to the unit that is assigned to the appointment and will populate when the appointment is made. Drivers that go to TCT1 or the Riverside RoRo may be asked to supply the N4 Appointment Number from the VBS.

No.

Initially there are no costs associated with using the VBS.

Initially there will be no limit to the number of appointments made available.

Appointments can be made five days in advance although before an appointment can be made a valid unit booking and any relevant clearances have to have been granted.

There is currently no restriction on when an appointment can be made. For example, you could select the 12:00-13:00 timeslot and make an appointment at 13:50.

If the truck arrives within two hours of the timeslot closing then nothing needs to be done. If the truck arrives later than two hours after the end of the timeslot then they will need to create a new appointment.

Yes, when making the appointment the data will be validated against the Terminal Operating System and any relevant errors will be displayed.

The first point of contact should be the shipper for help resolving issues with units not booked, wrong PIN, customs clearance, etc.

If you are still experiencing issues with the VBS then you can call one of our team on +44(0)1642 434312 who will be happy to assist or advise you on your issue.

No, a company can register as many users as they require.

If all of the details are not completed the appointment will remain in the VBS in the ‘require attention’ section. Appointments are only committed to the TOS once all relevant information has been submitted.

No.

Yes, instruction guides and videos are available here.

For trucks that have more than one appointment the Gate Operating System (GOS) will determine which appointment is the relevant one based on the unit loaded to the truck on arrival. If the appointments are all for collecting units only then the driver will be asked at the in-gate pedestal which unit they are collecting. Drivers that go to TCT1 or the Riverside RoRo may be asked to supply the N4 Appointment Number from the VBS.

Depending on the level of access granted the user will be able to complete different tasks on the VBS based on the table below:

*For company only
**Only for appointments assigned to driver
***For self only

EDO stands for Equipment Delivery Order and is the reference number required to collect an empty unit from storage. These numbers are provided by the line operator and contain details such as the size and grade required.

No, if some items fail but others are successful then the successful ones will be submitted to the confirmed bookings and you are only required to edit and resubmit the failed appointments.

Yes, you can search for as many unit as you need by typing a comma after each unit number.

The first point of contact for all issues should be the company that issued you with the job. They should be able to determine what the issue is, such as no PIN or no customs clearance, and how to resolve it.

T-State is the Transit State of the unit. This can be one of the following:

• Yard – The unit has arrived at the terminal and is currently in the compound
• Inbound – The unit is on its way to us and will be arriving soon
• Advised – The unit has been booked and will be arriving at some point in the future

No, this information can be obtained from the shipper.

Yes, new access cards will be distributed to all drivers to enable their access through the Automated Gate (AG).

The induction will be valid for 12-months. Once it has expired the driver will be required to complete another induction for their card to be re-activated.

The induction process takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.

A driver must complete their induction prior to being issued with a card. When they arrive at Teesport they should go directly to the pass office to have their card produced.

The induction can be completed online. It is accessible via PC and mobile devices here.

Once the induction is complete the driver can collect their pass from the pass office.