Carriers exchanging their DC loading and unloading slot times among themselves 

This type of engagement space is being investigated for trials in ports and DC’s. 

Typical current situation

Slot management at distribution centres is done to optimize the workflow in the distribution centre. Carriers are given static time slots at which they must deliver and/or collect goods. In case a slot is missed, a new slot can be hours or even days later. This results in inefficiency in the warehouse (i.e. idle time of workforce and capacity) and inefficiency at the carrier (i.e. long waits for a new slot or being extremely early to avoid missing a slot). Additionally, the carrier may receive a financial penalty for missing a slot.  

Engagement spaces alternative

Slot planning is created and coordinated by the operator of the DC. If carriers find out that they are going to be too early or too late, they can request an alternative slot. If a match can be created between two requests, then the slot times are interchanged. This costs the requesting carrier a token, and the carrier accepting the time change is granted a token, which they can use in similar future situations.