Upfront truck planning for predictable gate flow
While a VBS is often viewed as a tool to manage gate and yard traffic peaks, its capabilities go far beyond that. Camco’s truck app is more than just a visit appointment system — it provides a user-friendly interface that allows trucking companies and drivers to complete many gate processes before arriving at the terminal. In fact, many installations don’t even use time slot functionality. By handling multiple gate processes in advance, gate throughput increases significantly, and queuing typically occurs only when the yard cannot keep pace.
Deep integration with terminal systems
The VBS is tightly integrated with the Terminal Operating System (TOS) and Camco’s Gate Operating System (GOS). This integration resolves numerous potential issues before the truck arrives, streamlining the entire access process.
With extended TOS interfaces, this truck app can be even more tightly embedded into yard processes, helping optimize yard resources needed to handle external trucks.
Tailored implementation for every terminal
Setting up a truck app may seem straightforward — focused on time slot management — but in practice it is far more complex. Each terminal has unique requirements tied to its specific gate workflow, meaning there is no universal standard for implementation. As a result, all booking logic and process checks within the VBS must be tailored to each terminal’s needs.
Keeping customization under control
To minimize implementation costs and avoid excessive customization, Camco includes a “question flow system” within the VBS platform. This truck app, customized for each terminal, guides trucking companies through creating visit appointments and unit bookings, ensuring all terminal-specific requirements are met.
The question flow is developed collaboratively by Camco business analysts and the customer, and is implemented using as many standard components as possible to keep the system efficient and maintainable.
Camco VBS is a module of THE BRIDGE and provides both a web interface and a smartphone app.
How it works
Truck visit data is collected before arrival.
When the truck reaches the OCR portal:
- The driver or license plate is recognized
- A smartphone barcode can also be used as reference
- Booking information is retrieved instantly
- The kiosk workflow is pre-filled and nearly complete
Gate processing becomes faster, cleaner and far less dependent on manual input.
Operational impact
- Flattened or controlled peaks during busy hours
- Higher gate throughput with fewer interventions
- Fewer trouble tickets and exceptions
- Better predictability for yard and crane operations
VBS doesn’t replace the gate.
It removes uncertainty before the gate.
Mobile app for drivers
The VBS mobile truck app allows drivers to:
- Make, check and change appointments
- Complete missing information beforehand
- Receive alerts or instructions en route
- Receive yard routing directions
- Receive digital EIR
- Operate across multiple terminals
- Support ITT (Inter Terminal Transfer)
This reduces waiting times and prevents wasted trips.
Benefits for each stakeholder
Why it works
VBS does not introduce complexity.
As a truck app, it brings clarity and rhythm to the existing operation.
Pre-announcement → fewer decisions at the gate → smoother movement → lower friction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camco’s Vehicle Booking System (VBS)
VBS enables terminals to better manage in-and-out traffic volumes, reduce congestion and manual registrations at the gate, and minimise exception handling. This results in improved housekeeping, enhanced safety and security, better utilisation of terminal assets, and an overall more efficient logistics process.
Trucking companies benefit from reduced idle time, fewer rejected entries due to incorrect data, and better fleet coordination. VBS ensures TOS-validated booking accuracy, reduces wasted trips, and enables 24/7 access to booking status, improving operational efficiency and profitability.
Yes, Camco offers a free VBS mobile app that allows truck drivers to manage appointments on-the-go. Drivers can view their bookings, receive real-time alerts, and update missing details directly from their cabin. The app simplifies terminal access and reduces communication issues, enhancing convenience and productivity.
By collecting visit data upfront and linking it to the truck’s license plate or driver’s ID, VBS allows for near-complete automation of gate kiosk transactions. This significantly reduces waiting times, speeds up truck throughput, and enhances overall gate operation efficiency for terminals.
Camco’s Vehicle Booking System (VBS) is an intelligent truck appointment platform that connects terminals, trucking companies, and drivers. It enables terminals to schedule container pick-ups and drop-offs by assigning quotas and time slots, reducing gate congestion and improving traffic flow. Even without time slots, it serves as a robust preannouncement system that speeds up gate processing by collecting truck visit data in advance.
