How to Schedule and Manage an APM Terminal Appointment

What an APM terminal appointment is and why you need one

An APM terminal appointment is a reserved time slot to pick up or drop off a shipping container at an APM Terminals facility. APM Terminals operates container ports and inland terminals across North America, and nearly all of them require you to book a slot before you arrive with your truck. Without a confirmed appointment, you will not be allowed to enter the terminal, and your driver may be turned away at the gate.

The appointment system exists to manage truck traffic and prevent long queues at the terminal entrance. It also helps APM plan labour and equipment for loading and unloading. When you book, you are reserving a specific time window — usually two hours — during which your truck can enter the facility and complete the container transaction.

Whether you are a trucking company, a freight broker, or a shipper arranging your own transport, you will interact with APM's booking system directly or through a logistics partner. The process is straightforward once you know what information you need and which terminal you are using.

Key Takeaways

• APM Terminals requires a booked appointment before your truck enters the facility; arriving without one will result in being turned away at the gate.
• You can book appointments through APM's online portal, by phone, or through a freight broker or logistics provider who books on your behalf.
• You will need the container number, your truck details, the pickup or drop-off location, and your preferred time window before you can reserve a slot.
• Appointment slots typically run in two-hour windows during terminal operating hours, which vary by location and may include evening or weekend shifts.
• Cancelling or rescheduling more than a few hours before your slot is important, because unused appointments block capacity for other drivers.

How to book an APM terminal appointment online

Most APM Terminals locations use an online booking portal accessible through the APM Terminals website. You will need to create an account or log in with existing credentials. The portal varies slightly by terminal, but the basic steps are the same across locations.

Start by selecting your terminal from the list of APM facilities. Enter the container number you are picking up or dropping off, your truck's license plate and dimensions, and the date and time window you prefer. The system will show available slots in real time. Once you select a time, you will receive a confirmation number via email. Print this confirmation or save it on your phone — you will need to show it at the gate.

If you do not have online access or prefer to book by phone, call the terminal directly. The phone number is listed on the APM Terminals website under your specific location. Have your container number, truck details, and preferred dates ready when you call.

What information you need before booking

Gather these details before you open the booking system or dial the terminal. Missing information will slow you down and may prevent you from completing the reservation.

Container details: The container number (a unique alphanumeric code on the box itself), the size (20-foot or 40-foot), and whether it is a pickup or drop-off. If you are picking up an import container, you may also need the bill of lading number.

Truck information: Your truck's license plate, the carrier name (if you are a driver for a company), and the truck's dimensions and weight capacity. Some terminals ask for the driver's name and phone number as well.

Timing: Your preferred date and time window. Terminals operate on different schedules — some run 24 hours, others close at night or on weekends. Check your terminal's hours before you book.

Destination or origin: Where the container is going or coming from. This helps the terminal route your truck to the correct loading dock.

Understanding appointment windows and terminal hours

APM Terminals appointments are not exact times — they are time windows, usually two hours long. If your appointment is 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., you can arrive any time within that window. Arriving early or late outside the window may result in being turned away or charged a fee.

Terminal operating hours vary by location. Some major ports operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Others close in the evening or on Sundays. Check the specific terminal's schedule on the APM Terminals website or call ahead. If you need an appointment outside standard hours, ask whether extended or weekend slots are available — they may carry a surcharge.

Peak times (usually mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays) fill up faster than early morning or evening slots. If you have flexibility, booking an off-peak appointment can reduce your wait time at the gate and may be easier to reschedule if plans change.

What happens when you arrive at the terminal

Drive to the terminal gate and have your confirmation number ready. The gate agent will scan your truck's license plate and pull up your appointment in the system. They will verify that you are within your time window and that your truck details match the reservation. If everything is correct, you will be directed to the appropriate dock or staging area.

The actual loading or unloading of the container usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the terminal's workload and equipment availability. You are not required to stay in your truck during this time, but you must remain on the terminal grounds. Once the container is loaded or unloaded, the dock worker will signal you to proceed to the exit gate, where you will be checked out of the system.

If you arrive outside your appointment window, the gate agent may refuse entry or charge a late fee. If you arrive significantly early (more than 30 minutes before your window), you may be asked to wait in a holding area or return at the correct time.

Cancelling or rescheduling your appointment

If your plans change, cancel or reschedule as soon as possible through the online portal or by calling the terminal. Most APM Terminals allow free cancellations or changes up to a few hours before your appointment. After that window closes, you may be charged a no-show fee, which varies by terminal but typically ranges from $50 to $150.

No-show fees apply if you book an appointment and do not arrive or cancel in time. Some terminals waive the fee if you reschedule within a set period, but do not assume this — check your terminal's policy. If you know you will be late, call the terminal immediately and ask whether you can keep your slot or reschedule without penalty.

Repeated no-shows or late cancellations can affect your account status and may result in restrictions on future bookings. If you work with a freight broker or carrier, they may also charge you for the missed appointment.

Common issues and how to avoid them

Wrong container number: Double-check the container number before you book. A single digit error will cause a mismatch at the gate and you will be turned away. Verify the number on your bill of lading or shipping documents.

Truck dimensions do not match the dock: Some terminals have size restrictions for certain docks. If your truck is too large for the assigned dock, you may be redirected or asked to reschedule. Provide accurate truck dimensions when you book.

Arriving outside your time window: Set a phone reminder for 30 minutes before your appointment window opens. Traffic and delays are common, so leave extra time. If you are running late, call the terminal and ask whether they can hold your slot.

Forgetting your confirmation number: Save your confirmation email or take a screenshot. If you lose it, call the terminal with your truck's license plate and container number and they can look up your appointment.

Booking at the wrong terminal: APM operates multiple terminals in the same city or region. Verify the correct terminal name and address before you book. Showing up at the wrong location will waste time and may result in a missed appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else's truck?

Yes, if you are a broker or dispatcher. You will need the truck's license plate and the driver's contact information. The driver should have a copy of the confirmation number before they arrive at the terminal. Some terminals require the truck owner or authorized company representative to be listed on the account.

What if my container is not ready for pickup yet?

Do not book an appointment until the container is confirmed ready. If you book early and the container is delayed, you will either miss your appointment or have to reschedule and potentially pay a fee. Contact the shipper or warehouse to confirm the container is staged and ready before you reserve your slot.

Do I need an appointment if I am just dropping off an empty container?

Yes. Empty container drop-offs require an appointment just like loaded pickups. Book the appointment the same way and provide the container number. The terminal needs to know when to expect you so they can allocate space and labour.

What if the terminal is fully booked?

If no slots are available in your preferred time window, try booking earlier in the morning, late afternoon, or on a different day. If the terminal is consistently full, contact them by phone to ask about waitlist options or extended hours. Some terminals can accommodate urgent requests if you explain the situation.

Can I book multiple containers in one appointment?

This depends on the terminal. Some allow multiple containers per appointment if they are being picked up or dropped off at the same time. Others require a separate appointment for each container. Check with your specific terminal or ask when you book. If you are unsure, book separate appointments to avoid delays at the gate.