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How to View the Cargo Opening Time

Cargo opening time indicates when a container becomes available for pickup or delivery at the destination. Enabling this column on your dashboard helps you plan logistics operations more efficiently by knowing exactly when cargo is accessible.

Overview​

Cargo opening time enables you to:

  • Plan pickups accurately - Know when containers are available
  • Coordinate with warehouses - Schedule receiving based on actual availability
  • Reduce detention charges - Pick up containers promptly when available
  • Improve customer service - Provide accurate availability information
  • Optimize transportation - Schedule trucks for when cargo is actually ready
What is Cargo Opening Time?

Cargo opening time is the date and time when a container becomes available for pickup or when cargo is released for delivery. This may be after:

  • Customs clearance completion
  • Terminal gate-out authorization
  • Payment of charges
  • Documentation finalization
  • Release authorization from authorities

Enabling Cargo Opening Time​

Follow these steps to add the cargo opening time column to your dashboard:

Step 1: Access the Dashboard​

  1. Log in to your Dockflow account
  2. Navigate to the Dashboard section
    • Usually the main landing page
    • Or click "Dashboard" in navigation menu
  3. Ensure you're viewing the dashboard with your shipment list
Dashboard vs. Tradeflow Details

This guide covers adding cargo opening time to your main dashboard view. If you want to see it in individual tradeflow details, the field may already be visible there, depending on your configuration.

Step 2: Navigate to Views Section​

  1. Locate the Views selector on your dashboard
    • Typically at top of shipment list
    • May show current view name (e.g., "All Shipments")
    • Look for dropdown or view management button
  2. Click on the view controls or settings icon

Step 3: Select Edit Columns​

  1. Find the Edit Columns button or option
    • May appear in a dropdown menu
    • Could be a gear icon or pencil icon
    • Look for "Customize Columns" or similar
  2. Click Edit Columns
  3. A column selection interface will appear

Column editor shows:

  • List of all available columns (checkboxes)
  • Currently selected columns (checked)
  • Search function to find specific columns
  • Options to reorder columns

Step 4: Search for Cargo Opening​

Rather than scrolling through all available columns:

  1. Locate the search bar in the column selector
  2. Type "Cargo Opening" into the search field
  3. The list will filter to show only matching columns
  4. You should see "Cargo Opening" or "Cargo Opening Time" appear

Search tips:

  • Try variations: "Cargo", "Opening", "Opening Time"
  • Search is usually case-insensitive
  • Partial matches may work (e.g., "Cargo" finds all cargo-related columns)
Can't Find It?

If "Cargo Opening" doesn't appear in search results, it may be named differently in your version:

  • "Cargo Availability"
  • "Container Available Time"
  • "Release Time"
  • "Pickup Available"

Try these alternative search terms.

Step 5: Enable the Column​

  1. Find the checkbox next to "Cargo Opening" in the search results
  2. Check the box to enable the column
  3. The column is now selected and will appear in your dashboard

Optional: Add related columns While you're in the column selector, consider adding:

  • Full Gate Out POD - When container left terminal
  • Customs Cleared - Customs clearance status
  • Dwell Time: Destination - How long at destination
  • Delivered - Final delivery status

These complementary columns provide fuller context around cargo availability.

Step 6: Apply Changes​

  1. Review your selected columns
  2. Optionally rearrange column order (drag and drop)
  3. Click Apply or Save button
  4. The column selector closes
  5. Your dashboard reloads with the new column
Column Order

The cargo opening time column may initially appear at the end of your column list. You can reorder columns later by editing again and dragging to your preferred position.

Verifying the Column Appears​

Immediate Verification​

After applying changes:

  1. Scan the dashboard header - Look for "Cargo Opening" column title
  2. Check for data - Some rows should show dates/times if cargo is open
  3. Verify position - Column should be visible without scrolling (if possible)
Column May Be Off-Screen

If your dashboard has many columns, "Cargo Opening" might require horizontal scrolling to see. Consider removing less important columns or reordering to bring it into immediate view.

Adjusting Column Arrangement​

If the column appears but isn't conveniently located:

  1. Return to Edit Columns
  2. In the column list, drag "Cargo Opening" to your preferred position
  3. Place it near other time-related columns (ETA, ATA, Delivered)
  4. Click Apply
  5. Column moves to new position

Recommended placement: Place "Cargo Opening" near:

  • ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
  • ATA (Actual Time of Arrival)
  • Full Gate Out POD
  • Delivered date

This groups timing information for easy comparison.

Understanding Cargo Opening Time Data​

What the Data Shows​

Populated values:

  • Date and time (e.g., "2026-01-28 14:30")
  • Indicates cargo is available for pickup
  • Based on terminal, carrier, or customs data

Empty/blank values:

  • No data available yet
  • Cargo not yet available
  • Container hasn't arrived
  • Release not yet authorized

Data Sources​

Cargo opening time comes from:

  • Terminal systems - Most common and accurate
  • Carrier data - Release notifications
  • Customs systems - Clearance completion
  • Manual entry - User-updated if needed

Interpreting the Time​

Before ATA (Actual Arrival):

  • Field typically blank
  • May show estimated opening time
  • Subject to change

After ATA, before opening:

  • Awaiting customs clearance
  • Waiting for documentation
  • Terminal processing pending

After opening time:

  • Cargo is available for pickup
  • Charges may be due
  • Detention/demurrage clock may be running
Planning Buffer Time

Even when cargo opening time is shown, allow buffer time for:

  • Payment processing
  • Equipment availability (chassis, trucks)
  • Traffic and terminal queues
  • Unexpected delays

Using Cargo Opening Time​

Operational Planning​

Pickup scheduling:

  1. Filter dashboard to show shipments with cargo opening times
  2. Sort by cargo opening time
  3. Schedule pickups in order of availability
  4. Contact terminal to confirm before dispatching

Resource allocation:

  1. View cargo opening times for the week
  2. Allocate trucks and drivers based on actual availability
  3. Optimize routes for multiple pickups
  4. Reduce idle time and detention

Customer communication:

  1. Export cargo opening times
  2. Notify customers when cargo is ready
  3. Provide accurate pickup windows
  4. Reduce customer inquiries

Creating Focused Views​

"Ready for Pickup" view:

  1. Create new view: "Ready for Pickup"
  2. Add filter: Cargo Opening Time is not blank
  3. Add filter: Delivered = No (not yet picked up)
  4. Sort by: Cargo Opening Time (oldest first)
  5. Columns: Container, B/L, Cargo Opening Time, Dwell Time, Location

Purpose: Shows all containers currently available for pickup, prioritized by how long they've been waiting.

"Upcoming Availability" view:

  1. Create new view: "Upcoming Availability"
  2. Add filter: ETA within next 7 days
  3. Add filter: Active = Yes
  4. Columns: Container, B/L, ETA, Cargo Opening Time (if available), Destination
  5. Sort by: ETA

Purpose: Shows shipments arriving soon and when they'll be available.

Automation Integration​

Set up automations based on cargo opening time:

Example 1: Pickup reminder

Trigger: Cargo Opening Time is set
Action: Send notification to logistics team
Email: "Container [Number] available for pickup at [Location]"

Example 2: Detention warning

Trigger: Time-based (daily at 8 AM)
Condition: Cargo Opening Time > 3 days ago AND Delivered = No
Action: Set flag "Detention Risk" + Email operations manager

Example 3: Customer notification

Trigger: Cargo Opening Time is set
Condition: Customer = [VIP Customer List]
Action: Send email to customer contact
Email: "Your shipment is ready for pickup"

Troubleshooting​

Column Doesn't Display After Enabling​

If cargo opening time doesn't appear after applying changes:

Solution 1: Refresh the page

  • Press F5 or click browser refresh button
  • Force the page to reload
  • Check if column appears after reload

Solution 2: Clear browser cache

  • Clear cached data for Dockflow site
  • Close and reopen browser
  • Log back in
  • Check dashboard

Solution 3: Log out and log back in

  • Click logout
  • Close browser completely
  • Open browser and log back in
  • Navigate to dashboard

Solution 4: Try different view

  • Switch to a different dashboard view
  • Return to original view
  • Column may appear after view switch

Solution 5: Contact support

  • If none of above work, issue may be technical
  • Email [email protected]
  • Provide details about what you tried
  • Include screenshot if possible

Column Shows But Has No Data​

If the column appears but all cells are empty:

Possible reasons:

  1. Data not yet available - Containers haven't reached cargo opening stage

    • Wait for arrivals and customs clearance
    • Check containers that have arrived to see if they populate

  2. Terminal doesn't provide data - Not all terminals share cargo opening times

    • Check if any containers show data
    • May need to manually enter or track elsewhere

  3. Permission issues - Account may lack access to this data field

    • Contact your account administrator
    • Verify your subscription includes this feature

  4. Data source not configured - Terminal integration may not be set up

    • Ask administrator about terminal API connections
    • May need to enable integration

Column Is in Inconvenient Location​

If the column is hard to see or too far right:

Solution: Reorder columns

  1. Go to Edit Columns
  2. Find "Cargo Opening" in the list
  3. Drag it to preferred position
  4. Place near other timing columns
  5. Click Apply

Solution: Remove less important columns

  1. Review current columns
  2. Identify columns you rarely use
  3. Uncheck those columns to remove them
  4. Creates more space for cargo opening time
  5. Reduces need for horizontal scrolling

Solution: Create dedicated view

  1. Create a new view specifically for pickup coordination
  2. Include only essential columns:
    • Container Number
    • B/L
    • Cargo Opening Time
    • Location
    • Dwell Time
    • Contact
  3. Name it "Pickup Coordination"
  4. Use this view for pickup planning

Best Practices​

Dashboard Optimization​

  1. Position strategically

    • Place near related timing columns
    • Ensure visible without scrolling if possible
    • Group with ATA, Gate Out, Delivered

  2. Combine with filters

    • Filter to show only relevant containers
    • Sort by cargo opening time
    • Create saved views for common scenarios

  3. Regular monitoring

    • Check daily for newly available cargo
    • Act promptly to avoid detention
    • Update pickup schedules as data changes

Workflow Integration​

  1. Daily review

    • Morning check of newly opened cargo
    • Update pickup schedule
    • Notify relevant teams

  2. Proactive communication

    • Alert warehouse when cargo is ready
    • Notify customers of availability
    • Coordinate with transportation providers

  3. Performance tracking

    • Measure time from cargo opening to pickup
    • Track detention and demurrage costs
    • Identify optimization opportunities

Data Management​

  1. Manual updates if needed

    • If system doesn't populate automatically, consider manual entry
    • Document source of manual data
    • Update promptly as information becomes available

  2. Verification

    • Confirm with terminal before dispatching trucks
    • Cargo opening time is estimated until verified
    • Account for processing time

  3. Historical analysis

    • Export historical cargo opening times
    • Analyze patterns by terminal or carrier
    • Use for future planning

Frequently Asked Questions​

Q: Why is cargo opening time blank for some containers? A: Cargo opening time may be blank if: the container hasn't arrived yet, customs clearance is pending, the terminal doesn't provide this data, or release hasn't been authorized.

Q: Is cargo opening time the same as ATA (Actual Time of Arrival)? A: No. ATA is when the vessel arrives at port. Cargo opening time is when the container becomes available for pickup, which is usually after arrival, discharge, and clearance.

Q: Can I manually set cargo opening time? A: Manual editing depends on your system configuration and permissions. Check container details for edit options, or contact support.

Q: How accurate is cargo opening time? A: Accuracy varies by data source. Terminal APIs are most accurate. Carrier estimates may be conservative. Always verify with terminal before dispatching.

Q: Will I be notified when cargo opening time is set? A: Not automatically, but you can set up automations to receive notifications when cargo opening times are populated. See Creating Automations.

Q: Does cargo opening time include all clearances (customs, agricultural, etc.)? A: Typically yes - cargo opening time should indicate all release requirements are met. However, confirm with terminal as practices vary.

Q: Can partners see cargo opening time? A: If you share tradeflows with partners and include the cargo opening time column in shared views, partners can see this information.

Q: What's the difference between cargo opening time and gate-out time? A: Cargo opening time is when cargo becomes available. Gate-out time is when the container actually exits the terminal gate. Gate-out occurs after cargo opening (and after pickup is scheduled).

Support​

Questions about cargo opening time?