The Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) in the Philippines mandates advance booking before truck arrival at terminals, aiming to alleviate port congestion. By regulating truck flow, TABS enhances operational efficiency, reduces waiting times, and optimizes resource allocation. Its effectiveness lies in streamlining logistics, ensuring smoother cargo handling, and fostering a more sustainable supply chain ecosystem.
Importers and exporters know well how the final stages of importing to the Philippines go. You must ensure that your imported goods are cleared by customs, pay the applicable fees and charges, and deliver your imported goods to the final destination. However, importers cannot send delivery trucks and trailers to the Manila South Port and the Manila International Container Terminal area without first making a request. For these purposes, the importer must use the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS). Introduced in October 2015, the system is an electronic platform implemented at the Port of Manila, where most of the above-mentioned imports are imported.
About TABS
The TABS was created to maintain the flow of goods to Manila’s international trade gateway. More specifically, the online platform is the place for traders, shippers, importers/exporters and shippers to arrange shipping and delivery of containers from the Port of Manila to their location, 24/7. This will lead to a government ban on trucks, which will eventually reduce traffic to and from the road Minimize and reduce port traffic in those ports. According to its proponents, the Asian Terminals Inc.
On October 22, 2015: In a presentation at the Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia (PASIA) that TABS will benefit its stakeholders in terms of more efficient truck trips, leading to reduced cost; prioritization of cargo release and acceptance; and management of volumes, forecasting, and planning. Manila North Harbour Port Inc. CEO Richard Barclay said.
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TABS and the opposition
While TABS aims to streamline vehicle and cargo flow at ports, opposition from groups like Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc., Professional Customs Brokers Association of the Philippines, and Aduana Business Club persists. Despite acknowledging TABS’ potential to enhance import processes, these groups criticize its high cost to end users, deeming it unjustified. Traders and truckers using TABS complain of lengthy 24-hour waits at ports due to overlapping queues and flawed design frameworks, exacerbating traffic congestion and disrupting schedules.
TABS fucntionalities
The Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) in the Philippines presents various benefits. It aids in managing truck flow, alleviating congestion by scheduling arrivals and departures. TABS facilitates efficient resource allocation by enabling appointments for cargo pick-ups and deliveries, optimizing terminal resources such as loading docks and manpower. Moreover, it enhances logistics planning, reducing wait times and enhancing overall efficiency. Offering transparency into port operations, TABS allows stakeholders to monitor shipment status and plan accordingly, while ensuring compliance with regulations, thereby fostering a more orderly and secure port environment. In essence, TABS contributes to smoother port operations, quicker turnaround times, and a more dependable supply chain.
Nonetheless, this scenario results in delays and penalties for port entry. A two-hour delay incurs a fine of 1,625 pesos, while exceeding three hours accrues a penalty of P3,251. These expenses pose significant challenges for small enterprises and disrupt product deliveries. While TABS harbors positive intentions and objectives, enhancements are necessary to optimize customer service. Despite its flaws, the system holds potential for refinement to address logistical challenges effectively.
