The Truck Dock Slot Booking (TDSB) system is a groundbreaking initiative that has transformed cargo handling efficiency at Changi Airport, one of the world’s busiest air freight hubs. Launched in August 2024, it is the largest cargo community initiative driving landside process optimization, involving Changi Airport Group, ground handlers SATS and dnata, over 330 freight forwarders and trucking companies, government agencies, and technology providers Nallian and CCN. By enabling digital scheduling of truck visits for cargo pick-up and drop-off, the TDSB system enhances predictability, minimizes congestion, optimizes resource allocation, and enables proactive and paperless validation of data - positively impacting sustainability.

Before implementing the TDSB system, trucks arrived unannounced, leading to inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks. Unpredictable truck arrivals caused significant peaks and idle times, ground handlers struggled with workforce planning, and long waiting times increased costs for all stakeholders.

The TDSB system was implemented community-wide in August 2024. The project started with export flows; the import phase will be launched in the first half of 2025. All stakeholders now adopt a unified approach to scheduling truck visits. Freight Forwarders and Trucking Companies reserve a time slot in view of the ground handler's available capacity. The system suggests time slot durations based on shipment details, improving scheduling accuracy. Shipment details are linked to the booking via integration with the back-end systems of the ground handlers. This way, handlers know in advance who will visit, when, and for which freight, which allows them to prepare in advance. In the system, all stakeholders have real-time visibility of the associated freight bookings and their status. In the future, for import shipments, pre-arrival announcements will allow for advanced security, identity, and payment checks, streamlining entry processes.

The system went live in August 2024, involving the ground handlers, forwarders and trucking companies. Almost 1,200 individuals were trained via roadshows, webinars, and classroom sessions, resulting in a 98% user adoption rate within the first month.

Implementing the Truck Dock Slot Booking (TDSB) system has had a transformative impact on cargo operations at Changi Airport.

Freight forwarders and trucking companies benefit from less waiting times, which reduces idle times and the associated fuel consumption and carbon emissions. It also increases safety on the grounds.