In consultation with you, we are working on improvements, solutions and innovations for hinterland transport. For future-proof container transport by road, water and rail. By sharing information with each other digitally, the Dutch port gets smarter.
The future of your logistics company and associated business activities
The position of the Dutch ports by ensuring that they remain leading and attractive
All additions to the service HCN coming from wishes have to fulfil 1 or more of the 5 focal point. These points can guarantee success within the entire chain.
Improve: Make services more user-friendly and further develop screens
Expand: Connect new (hinterland) terminals, depots and carriers to make pre-notification easier
Enhance: Ensure that data only needs to be entered once and that all the information you require is available within HCN
Innovate: Devise and build innovative functionalities with our partners
Trust: Increase digital security and strengthen the port process
In this interview, Iwan van der Wolf (Portbase) and Emile Hoogsteden (Port of Rotterdam) discuss the plans and the motivations behind Data Fuel for hinterland transport and the added value for the entire supply chain.
Yes, we are adding a lot in the near future, but HCN already offers a central platform for digital pre-notification of your containers and visits.
Smarter and more efficient planning and reducing screens for planners at transport companies. Reduce 15+ screens to 1 screen as much as possible.
Seamless sharing of container statuses with the customer and follow-up.
Client gets control of the container information. Start with a container file that is already growing from the sea booking.
In the coming years, we will look together at the next steps after these 3 programmes.
On the basis of the 5 focal points (see tab 1) we will continuously add new functionalities in the coming years . Below, you will find an overview of current and future functionalities.
The list was drawn up in collaboration with carriers and industry associations.
Improve User Experience
Expand the connections
Enhance by adding more info
Innovate with partners
Protect the entire chain
Standard Service MCA
1. Please de planner
2. Container Cockpit
3. Container Control
Yes, available
Ja, but…
No, not yet
| Functionality Name | Five Values | Functionality Explained | Added value | Road | Barge | Rail | Fase in project | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCN Web overview focus on exception management | | Handlings where action is required will be shown in the front overview | Less information on screen where no action is required | | | | | x | x | x |
| Status requests | | request container status info, without ETA appointment | Before ordering transport, already get necessary information and status on containers, less roaming on (terminal and carrier) internet sites required | |
| | | x | x | x |
| Combining containers per TAR/Slot | | Grouping of handlings per TAR | Clear overview by grouping (TAR) truck visits | | N/A | N/A | | x | ||
| Excel upload pre-notifications | | Bulk upload multiple containers and pre-notify directly | Time saver by uploading multiple handlings in one go, avoiding re-occuring manual handlings | | | | | x | x | x |
| Copy pre-notification | | Create a new notification by copying an existing pre-notifaction | Time saver by uploading multiple handlings in one go, avoiding re-occuring manual handlings | | | | | x | ||
| E-mail notifications | | Email trigger available if a pre-notification or visit is (not-)accepted, updated, cancelled or rejected | Get alerted if situations change on pre-notification or visit level. | | | | | x | x | x |
| E-mail container status from HCN to external party | | Send e-mail with container status directly from HCN | Time saver by sending containerstatus updates to collegues, customers etc. No need to cut and paste MCA screenshots anymore | | | | | x | x | x |
| Container update support for terminals that do not allow updates | | Not all terminals can process updates on pre-notified containers. HCN can automatically translate updates into cancellations and create messages that the terminals can process. | Time saver for web users. Reduction of costs and complexity for the in-house software systems of operators by centralising this feature in HCN | Expected Q4 2021 |
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| Improved grouping of containers for TAR/Slot | | Allows planners to easily save/pin containers across multiple search pages and selections | Time saver for road operators that work and plan containers from the MCA Road screens | Expected Q4 2021 | N/A | N/A | | |||
| Terminal alerting & notifications (soft errors) | | Terminals can send extra notifications and alerts to operators in addition to existing container statusses. Example: this container is meant for another quay causing ITT. | Extra information that will help optimize planning for the operators, forwarders and shippers |
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| Cargo Opening Time (COT) * | | Information field for Cargo ClosingTime, stating the first date and time when container can be delivered to the terminal | Time saver, get necessary information on container, less roaming on (terminal and carrier) internet sites required | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN ECT supports this for Barge | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Please the planner | |||
| Cargo Closing Time (CCT) * | | Information field for Cargo ClosingTime, stating the latest date and time when container needs to be in the terminal | Time saver, get necessary information on container, less roaming on (terminal and carrier) internet sites required | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN ECT supports this for Barge | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Please the planner | |||
| Commercial window (release expiration) * | | Information field for Commercial Release Window stating the begin and end date and time in which the container can be picked up at the terminal | Time saver, get necessary information on container, less roaming on (terminal and carrier) internet sites required | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN ECT supports this for Barge | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Please the planner | |||
| Released for modality* | | Indicates what modality the container is released for | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN ECT supports this for Barge | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Please the planner | ||||
| Estimated Time of Arrival of Import container * | | Information field stating estimated date and time when container will be discharged from the ship and available on the terminal | Time saver, get necessary information on container, less roaming on (terminal and carrier) internet sites required | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Please the planner | |||
| Vessel information* | | Information fields for Ship's name, IMO code, Voyage number, Estimated Time of Arrival, and Departure | Time saver, get necessary information on container, less roaming on (terminal and carrier) internet sites required | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN ECT supports this for Barge | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Please the planner | |||
| Block group | | The stack module at the terminal where the container is present or needs to be delivered | Allows planning of efficient truck visits + barometers. For rail it could also be used to optimize the terminal operation (only rail terminals that are aligned with the stack) | Expected in HCN Q4 2021. Terminals to provide the information. | Expected in HCN Q4 2021. Terminals to provide the information. | Please the planner | ||||
| Sizetype* | | The sizetype as registered in the systems of the terminal | Time saver for correcting mismatches with import containers | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Please the planner | |||
| Empties: Laden en lossen op richtlijn (te vertalen) | | allow prenotifications without container numbers for empties | automatically fill in container numbers for empties that are loaded or discharged | Available in HCN, terminal setting | Available in HCN, terminal setting | Available in HCN, terminal setting | Please the planner | |||
| Empties: sizetype matching on group level | | allow load / dicharge confirmation matching based on the archetype sizetype that the container belongs to | increase the number of matches that are loaded / dicharged so that container numbers can be automatically filled in | Expected Q4 2021 | Expected Q4 2021 | Expected Q4 2021 | Please the planner | |||
| Extended container info* | | Extra container information relevant for improved transport planning and handling. For example: humidity settings, generator, door open or not, reefer temperature settings, out of gauge dimensions | Time saver, get necessary information on container, less roaming on (terminal and carrier) internet sites required | Terminals and operators to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Terminals and operators to provide the information, feature available in HCN ECT supports this for Barge | Terminals and operators to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Please the planner | |||
| Extended sorting and filtering | | Be able to sort and filter on pre-notifications statusses | Less information on screen where no action is required | 1 | | | Please the planner | |||
| Nextlogic - HCN integration with Integral Planning | | Integral planning of barges within the port of Rotterdam | Optimize usage of operator and terminals equipment and resources, reduction of port congestion | | Please the planner | |||||
| Nextlogic - Load- and Discharge List | | Cut off when final barge loading/discharge list needs to be final in order for Nextlogic to plan the final barge call size | Accurate planning based on actual handlings. Optimize usage of operator and terminals equipment and resources, reduction of port congestion | | Please the planner | |||||
| Nextlogic - Minimum Call Size, BTM and Fixed Windows | | Accomodate visit information which is used in the current barge processes. | Accurate planning based on actual handlings. Optimize usage of operator and terminals equipment and resources, reduction of port congestion | | Please the planner | |||||
| Nextlogic - implementation | | Integral planning of barges within the port of Rotterdam | Optimize usage of operator and terminals equipment and resources, reduction of port congestion | Pilot start 4 okt 2021 | Please the planner | |||||
| Groeiprogramma Spoor - prenotify train visit | | pro-forma slots, ad-hoc requests, train reference number, service info operator | Time saver, information can be re-used for planing improvements and sharing information amongs logistic partners | Available in HCN, start pilot Q4 2021 | Please the planner | |||||
| Groeiprogramma Spoor - Train composition | | Estimated call size, wagonlist and containers, updates | Time saver, information can be re-used for planing improvements and sharing information amongs logistic partners | Terminals to provide the information, feature available in HCN | Please the planner | |||||
| Groeiprogramma Spoor - Terminal Operation info | | Updates, load- discharge and position confirmations | Time saver, get necessary information on rail, less roaming on terminal internet sites and communicationvia tel. or mail | Available in HCN, start pilot Q4 2021 | Please de planner | |||||
| ECT Remote Check-In (RCI)* | | Fastlane ticket, truckdrivers go directly to the terminal entrance and avoid truck-desk at ECT building 5 | Time saver, truckdrivers go directly to the terminal gate and avoid truck-desk at ECT building 5 | Expected Q4 2021 | Please the planner | |||||
| Back Up Road (new version) | | When MCA Road is down/offline a back up service should be available | Minimize idle time equipment in the port. New version allows linking multiple containers to 1 TAR (slot) | Expected Q1 2022 | Please the planner | |||||
| Port Alert - Dashboard disruptions and incident reporting | | Port Alert project by Port of Rotterdam, TLN and Portbase. Central dashboard for disruptions | Get informed about disruptions in the port of Rotterdam as soon as they happen, less roaming on internet sites, less subscriptions on terminal mailings, less angry truckdrivers | Under investigation | Under investigation | Under investigation | Please the planner | |||
| Port Alert - Terminal barometer | | Port Alert project by Port of Rotterdam, TLN and Portbase | Time saver, get necessary information on truck visits slots availability, less trial and error and less roaming on terminal internet sites required | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||||
| Port Alert - improved mobile support MCA | | Optimize basic HCN functions on mobile devices | Make it easier to pre-notify and check containerstatus info from the truck cabin | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||||
| Port Alert - e-Gate & truck app: the virtual waiting line | | For terminals without slots: a digital waiting line ticket based on geofencing | Dosage - less congestion | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||||
| Port Alert e-Gate & truck app: pull mechanism | | For slot terminals: spare capacity is utilized by 'pulling in' trucks that are in the proximity | Maximum utilization of capacity - less truck congestion | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||||
| Container Dossier - Executing haulier* | | Announce sub-contracting road haulier (charter) to terminal (needs to be supported by the terminal) | More secure manner to inform terminals which company is allowed to pick up the container | Expected 2022 | Container Cockpit | |||||
| Container Dossier - Basic authorization | | Simple authorization through B/L and equipment (forecast) by forwarder/cosignee | Security: only authorized operators can send in pre-notifications to terminal | Expected start pilots Q4 2021 | Expected start pilots Q4 2021 | Expected start pilots 2022 | Container Cockpit | |||
| Container Dossier - Basic integration import flow between cockpits operator and forwarder/consignee | | Integration of Portbase services for deepsea, inland transport and cargo (vessel notification, MLI, HCN and Cargo Controller) | Time saver: forwarders/consignees have access to the same containerstatus information as operators + all available track and trace events. Operators can organize containers around B/Ls and clients. Both parties have acces to same data so less communication back and forth | Expected start pilots Q4 2021 | Expected start pilots Q4 2021 | Expected start pilots 2022 | Container Cockpit | |||
| Containerdossier - commercial release pickup info | | Pickup reference and release party provided by the carrier | Time saver, allows statusrequests to be sent out automatically, saves communication back and forth with forwarder/consignee | Pilot start eind 2021, begin 2022 | Pilot start eind 2021, begin 2022 | Pilot start eind 2021, begin 2022 | Container Cockpit | |||
| Containerdossier - Commercial release return info | | Information regarding the return of the equipment provided by the carrier (acceptance reference + location) | Time saver, saves communication back and forth with forwarder/consignee | Under investigation | Under investigation | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||
| Containerdossier - basic integration export flow between cockpits operator and forwarder/shipper | | Integration of Portbase services for deepsea, inland transport and cargo (vessel notification, MLE, HCN and Cargo Controller Export) | Time saver: forwarders/consignees have access to the same containerstatus information as operators + all available track and trace events. Operators can organize containers around B/Ls and clients. Both parties have acces to same data so less communication back and forth | Expected 2022 | Expected 2022 | Expected 2022 | Container Cockpit | |||
| Containerdossier - transport order by operator | | allows for the registration of the container roundtrip: - pickup empty, loading en delivery for export - pickup, discharge en return empty for import | links the different moves in a roundtrip together, this allows for better planning overviews, tracking for clients, easily completing container numbers for the empties | Under investigation | Under investigation | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||
| Containerdossier - transport order by client | | registration of transport order by shipper/cosignee/forwarder | links the different moves in a roundtrip together, this allows for better planning overviews, tracking for clients, easily completing container numbers for the empties | Under investigation | Under investigation | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||
| Business Inteligence Solutions | | Reporting tools in HCN | Be able to get progress information on t.b.n. KPI's | Under investigation | Under investigation | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||
| Synchromodal set up HCN | | Be able to easily move pre-notifications between transport modalities road, barge and rail | Time saver, moving pre-notifications between transport modalities easily | Under investigation | Under investigation | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||
| Container and booking validator | | Check pre-notification information, such as carrier, number, sizetype, TARE weight etc, against other data sources, in order to limit mistakes and improve pre-notification correctness | Time saver, less error prone during issueing pre-notifications | Under investigation | Under investigation | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||
| Groeiprogramma spoor - track & trace Traction data (not-operated area) | | plan, progress, wagonlist and trainnumber | Time saver, get necessary information on rail, less roaming on terminal internet sites and communicationvia tel. or mail | Expected 2022 | Container Cockpit | |||||
| Groeiprogramma spoor - track & trace Rail Network Europe data (operated area) | | plan 24 hrs before slot, progress, trainnumber | Time saver, get necessary information on rail, less roaming on terminal internet sites and communicationvia tel. or mail | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||||
| Empties - Avantida integration | | Datasharing with Avantida network | facilitate a more seamless process for re-use and return of empties (desired return location) | Under investigation | Container Cockpit | |||||
| TradeLens integration | | sharing of essential data for inland planning from the tradelens network | Container Control | |||||||
| Cargo tracking system: Intra terminal transfer module | | Module that handles carrier container transfer orders between terminals. Covers both logistics and customs processes | Expected 2023 | Expected 2023 | Expected 2023 | Container Cockpit | ||||
| Containerdossier - integration with inland terminals | | gate moves and possibly last-mile track and trace | Expected 2022 | Expected 2022 | Expected 2022 | Container Cockpit | ||||
| Containerdossier - Demurrage and detention agreements | | The number of free days given by the carrier | Time saver, get necessary planning (priority) information on container, saves communication back and forth with forwarder/consignee | Expected 2023 | Expected 2023 | Expected 2023 | Container Control | |||
| Containerdossier - Carrier integration: Ocean transport booking | | up-to-date copy of the carrier booking | All inland parties have access to the carrier booking. Mutations in the booking that influence inland planning are instantly shared resulting in more reliable inland planning. | Expected 2023 | Expected 2023 | Expected 2023 | Container Control | |||
| Containerdossier - other enhancements | | extending the containerdossier further: MRN numbers + expiration dates, e-CMR, proof of delivery, etc | Time saver, instant sharing of data to all relevant parties within the inland container chain but also back towards deepsea terminals and carriers | Expected 2023 | Expected 2023 | Expected 2023 | Container Control | |||
| Containerdossier - full authorisation registers | | integration of market standards in PCS / HCN for authorisation and data sharing (iShare) | adoption of market standards makes data sharing scalable beyond Portbase. For example between different Port communities and inland networks (such as the Rhine network and corridors) | Under investigation | Under investigation | Under investigation | Container Control |
In your capacity as a carrier, the fees below will be applicable for your use of the service Hinterland Container Notification from 2022:
€10
Fixed price per month
€0.35
Per pre-notification of a full container
You do not pay for status requests, updating pre-notifications & empty containers
Experience shows that on average, a container requires 2 pre-notifications to complete a full journey. You pay for the use of the service HCN (submitting a pre-notification) and not per container.
All prices are exclusive of VAT. Portbase is a non-profit organisation. Have you already completed the online direct debit form? If not, please do so before January the 1st of January 2022 to continue using the service HCN.
With the most basic form of pre-notification, you submit a pre-notification for a container once (empty is free, a full container means payment). Experience shows that a container needs an average of 2 pre-notifications to complete a full journey.
Below, we will discuss a number of scenarios outlining how you can calculate the number of pre-notifications with a full container for your journey and the amount you will consequently need to pay.
In this flow, a pre-notification for a full container is submitted once via HCN. The pre-notified container will be collected or delivered at the agreed time. This is how the simplest flow involving 1 pre-notification works. This flow is the same for import and export.
There is a group of transporters who mainly transfer full containers from one terminal to another. Think of mounting a container at terminal RWG and next delivering it at, for example, ECT.
As a result, you need to pay a transaction at least twice.
An example of a cargo type can, among other things, be ‘Transhipment’, but also the diverting of seagoing vessels to a different terminal, as a result of which containers need to be transferred to a terminal of departure/arrival.
A group of transporters will sometimes arrange the transport via another terminal. This is common with containers that need to be transferred onto a train.
For these customers, the flow may look as follows:
In exceptional cases, a container may still need to be collected after it has been delivered to the terminal. For example, to add, remove or replace (reload) goods. In this case, you also pay for each full pre-notification.
In this scenario, a full container is pulled out, taken to a scanning location or Customs Control Shed (DCL) and returned to the terminal after the check.
This only applies to transport via a road outside of the terminal and by means of an external carrier.
Please note: If you are able to proceed straight to the final destination following a scan, you do not need to perform a 2nd pre-notification.
What will using HCN cost?
We charge a transaction fee of €0.35 per (full) container and a fixed subscription fee of €10 per month. The price lists will be officially sent out before October. Haven’t received anything yet? Please contact our sales team.
How is the advance amount (that I pay on a monthly basis) calculated?
In our systems, we looked at the number of full pre-notifications submitted to the terminal last year (from July to July). We next divided this total amount of pre-notifications by 12 to arrive at an average number of full pre-notifications per month. Multiply this number * €0.35 and you have the advance amount excluding the monthly subscription fee of €10.
Calculation example
7500 full pre-notifications per year
Divided by 12 = an average of 625 full pre-notifications per month
625 * €0.35 per pre-notification of a full container = a monthly amount of €218.75 per month
Total per month = €10 subscription costs excl. VAT and an advance payment of €218.75 excl. VAT
What you do not pay for and what has not been included in the calculation:
What happens if I exceed the advance amount? What happens if I use less?
In early 2022, you will receive a final settlement for the actual use of HCN for 2021. This means the settlement will take place at the beginning of the following year.
Have you submitted more full pre-notifications than calculated? Then you still need to pay the difference in number x €0.35.
Have you submitted fewer full pre-notifications than calculated? Then the difference in number * €0.35 will be refunded.
Why am I paying more than my colleague carrier? How did you arrive at this quote?
Everyone pays the same costs. There are fixed subscription costs and transaction costs per pre-notification of a full container.
Subscription costs: €10 per month excl. VAT
Transaction costs: €0.35 per submitted full pre-notification excl. VAT
Since each party transports different numbers of containers, the prices differ.
When calculating the advance amount, we looked at the full pre-notifications that you have submitted over the past year (from July to July). We next divided this total number of pre-notifications by 12 to arrive at an average number of full pre-notifications per month. Multiply this number * €0.35 and you have the advance amount excluding the monthly subscription fee of €10.
How are the charges invoiced?
We invoice the pre-calculated advances monthly (see quote). We settle the difference between what you have paid for and what you have actually used on an annual basis.
What if we forget to pay an invoice?
Since we work with direct debits, it is not possible to pay late. If a collection is not possible for any reason, we will send you a reminder, and later a demand for payment.
What if I disagree with an invoice – who should we contact and how does Portbase deal with such cases?
You can contact our sales team to discuss your concerns or questions.
Does Portbase invoice charges in the event of a disruption to its services?
Yes, charges are still invoiced. This is because, once the fault has been resolved, the containers will be prenotified to the terminals and then invoiced in accordance with the regular process
Is Portbase available 24/7 now that we, hauliers, are having to pay?
Not in all cases. As regards the current service provision, there will be no immediate change to availability at Portbase. Outside office hours, Portbase staff work on an on-call basis so that disruptions can be resolved.
You can see how the Portbase Service Desk works here.
Do hauliers need to prove their creditworthiness?
No, that is not necessary. We check the company details and the specified EAN number of the Cargo card.
I pay for the pre-notification of a full container, but what is a pre-notification? And what isn’t?
You pay when submitting a pre-notification (also known as ‘COPINO 9’). You can submit a pre-notification to the terminal via the HCN service if you intend to pick up or deliver a container. The terminal will schedule a moment with you to do this.
The following do not constitute pre-notifications
A status request, or ‘COPINO 13’, only gives you the status of your container(s), but that does not constitute a pre-notification. You can submit limitless status requests free of charge.
If you update an existing pre-notification (COPINO 5), you also do not pay any additional costs.
You do need to pay for a submitted full pre-notification that you cancel though. However, should you decide to resume this cancelled pre-notification, then you can reactivate this pre-notification and you will not be charged twice.
How many pre-notifications do I submit for each container? 1x, 2x or more?
With the most basic form of pre-notification, you submit a pre-notification for a container once (empty is free, a full container means payment). Experience shows that a container needs an average of 2 pre-notifications to complete a full journey.
Below, we will discuss a number of scenarios outlining how you can calculate the number of pre-notifications with a full container for your journey and the amount you will consequently need to pay.
In this flow, a pre-notification for a full container is submitted once via HCN. The pre-notified container will be collected or delivered at the agreed time. This is how the simplest flow involving 1 pre-notification works. This flow is the same for import and export.
There is a group of transporters who mainly transfer full containers from one terminal to another. Think of mounting a container at terminal RWG and next delivering it at, for example, ECT.
As a result, you need to pay a transaction at least twice.
An example of a cargo type can, among other things, be ‘Transhipment’, but also the diverting of seagoing vessels to a different terminal, as a result of which containers need to be transferred to a terminal of departure/arrival.
A group of transporters will sometimes arrange the transport via another terminal. This is common with containers that need to be transferred onto a train.
For these customers, the flow may look as follows:
In exceptional cases, a container may still need to be collected after it has been delivered to the terminal. For example, to add, remove or replace (reload) goods. In this case, you also pay for each full pre-notification.
In this scenario, a full container is pulled out, taken to a scanning location or Customs Control Shed (DCL) and returned to the terminal after the check.
This only applies to transport via a road outside of the terminal and by means of an external carrier.
Please note: If you are able to proceed straight to the final destination following a scan, you do not need to perform a 2nd pre-notification.
How does Portbase count the number of prenotifications? Do I pay double if I cancel?
Each prenotification is given a unique label in Portbase that we can recognise it by. This means you can change, cancel and resubmit a prenotification and still pay just one fee.
I would like more insight into my use of HCN. Is this possible?
No, not at the moment. In the current situation, we are considering the number of full pre-notifications over the previous year (July to July). Based on this, we calculate an amount that is to be paid in advance each month.
In early 2022, you will receive a final statement for the actual use of HCN for 2021.
Have you submitted more full pre-notifications than calculated?
Then you still need to pay the difference in number * €0.35.
Have you sent fewer full pre-notifications than calculated?
Then the difference in number * €0.35 will be refunded.
Insight into the future
Insight
We are exploring the possibilities of providing you with periodic insight into the number of pre-notifications.
Fee collection
Eventually, we will switch to an approach in which the fee we collect is based on the actual use of HCN on a monthly basis. This way, you will never pay too much or too little.
I keep reading that Portbase is starting ‘a hinterland programme’. What is meant by that?
Portbase once started with separate services for road transport, inland shipping and rail. These services mainly focused on the pre-declaration of cargo and visits to the terminals. The announced hinterland programme will broaden that focus. The service Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) functions as a multimodal data-sharing platform, specifically intended for smooth information exchange throughout the hinterland chain. Existing HCN functionalities will be expanded for this purpose and new HCN functionalities will be added.
What will the hinterland programme do for me in the short term?
HCN is being used by more and more terminals as a central entry point. Recently, RST was connected and it is expected that depots and inland terminals will soon follow. As a carrier, you will immediately reap the benefits of this. Moreover, in the coming months, new functionalities are planned which will ensure that information will become more centrally available. So that planners can just start planning again and don’t have to worry so much about all kinds of peripheral issues. The number of screens required will decrease, as will the number of necessary phone calls and manual work.
What can I expect from the hinterland programme in the longer term?
What we are working towards is broadening. Shipping companies and forwarding agents will also be involved in the hinterland programme, so that ultimately all links in the chain will be connected. The broadening will lead to better predictability. Where operational information has often been available only shortly beforehand, information will become available much earlier, so that it is actually possible to plan ahead. This will make it possible to organise port logistics and the hinterland chain much more efficiently in the future.
Why will only the carriers pay for HCN in the first place, besides the terminals?
A conscious decision was made to phase in the charging of the operational costs of HCN. This has largely to do with which functionalities will be developed and when. For the hauliers, new and improved functionalities will be introduced this year, but for the forwarders, for example, this will happen later.
Will the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Port of Amsterdam continue to invest in the hinterland?
As shareholders of Portbase, both port authorities have invested for years and will continue to invest in the hinterland. This includes smart, future-oriented services at the service of parties in the entire hinterland chain. An example of this is Data Fuel, on which Portbase, TLN and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are already working together. In time, this application will provide insight into disruptions and congestion, so planners can plan better and more efficiently in the port logistics and hinterland chain.
Are any depots connected to HCN yet?
We are in an advanced stage of discussion with depots such as: UWT, Kramer, DR Depots and Cetem about joining Portbase and HCN.
The plan is to connect the first depot next year. As a carrier, you can then start using it.
Our sales team will be happy to help. You can reach them via sales@portbase.com or 088 625 25 34.
