Turnaround Time From Gate In to Gate Out for Container Retrieval

How long does it take from entering the gate to leaving the gate when collecting a container?

In the logistics industry, port operations are one of the important links in goods transportation. For enterprises and individuals engaged in import and export trade, understanding the container collection process is crucial as it directly affects the efficiency of cargo delivery and cost control. So, how long does it actually take from entering the gate to leaving the gate when collecting a container? This article will provide you with a detailed answer based on practical cases and industry news.

First, we need to clarify that container collection refers to the process where truck drivers go to the dock to pick up empty or loaded containers. This process usually includes reservation, entering the gate, picking up the container, loading if necessary, and returning the container to the dock. Entering the gate refers to the vehicle entering the dock area for identity verification and obtaining relevant documents; while leaving the gate is the process of exiting the dock after completing all operations. Although this process seems simple, it actually involves coordination among multiple departments, so the time it takes can be influenced by various factors.

According to recent reports from a well-known shipping media, under normal circumstances, if everything goes smoothly, the time from entering the gate to leaving the gate is approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, during peak hours or in case of special situations, this time may significantly increase. For example, at the beginning of this year, Shanghai Port experienced vessel delays due to weather conditions, which led to congestion at the docks. Many truck drivers reported waiting times exceeding two or three hours, or even longer. Such situations not only increase operating costs but may also affect subsequent supply chain arrangements.

So, what causes such delays? Industry insiders analyze that there are mainly the following reasons

Firstly, insufficient dock infrastructure. With the continuous growth of global trade volume, some older docks struggle to meet the increasing throughput demands. Especially in some developing countries and regions, due to limited financial investment, the expansion speed of docks cannot keep up with business expansion, leading to resource shortages.

Secondly, low levels of informatization. Although digital transformation has become the mainstream trend in port development in recent years, many small and medium-sized docks have yet to achieve full coverage of information systems. This means that dispatch personnel cannot real-time grasp key data such as the status of equipment within the yard and the location of vehicles, thus affecting overall operational efficiency.

Thirdly, human factor interference. For instance, some drivers lack professional training and are unfamiliar with the collection process, easily making operational mistakes; or individual staff members may have negative attitudes, failing to handle emergencies in a timely manner, further exacerbating congestion.

Facing these challenges, major port operators are actively taking measures to address them. For example, Singapore places great emphasis on smart port construction, introducing artificial intelligence algorithms to optimize route planning and utilizing IoT technology to strengthen monitoring management, reducing the average container collection time to around 45 minutes. To alleviate peak period pressure, the Singapore Port Group has also introduced a reservation service for container collection, allowing customers to pre-book time slots and effectively dispersingand car flow.

Looking domestically, China's main coastal ports are also accelerating their transformation and upgrading steps. For instance, Ningbo Zhoushan Port has vigorously promoted paperless office models, reducing the paper document transmission process; at the same time, it has established a unified information platform, achieving seamless integration between all parties involved. Statistics show that since implementing these reform measures, the overall operational efficiency of the port has improved by about 20%.

In summary, the time required from entering the gate to leaving the gate is not fixed, but rather a result of multiple factors. For enterprises, reasonably planning the container collection schedule and choosing the right time to go to the dock are crucial. For departments, they should increase investment in port infrastructure, promote technological innovation applications, and continuously improve service levels to better serve the overall economic and social development. In the future, with more intelligent means applied, we can expect a more efficient and convenient container collection experience.