Shipper's New Dock Appointment Portal Proudly Offers One Available Slot: 3:17 a.m., a Tuesday in 2031
The system's launch email described the opening as 'flexible.' Drivers who click 'Request Another Time' are taken back to the login page.
A shipper's new online dock scheduling portal went live this week, and its developers say it is working exactly as designed.
The portal, which replaced a fax machine and a man named Gord, now lets carriers book unloading appointments around the clock. As of press time, it showed one opening: 3:17 a.m. on a Tuesday in March 2031.
"We are thrilled to offer our partners real-time visibility into our availability," read the launch email, which had been sent at 3:17 a.m. "Our availability is that one."
'Flexible'
The email called the slot "flexible," in that drivers may arrive anytime between 3:17 a.m. and 3:19 a.m.
Arriving at 3:20 a.m. will result in the appointment being cancelled, a $250 late fee, and the portal sending a polite automated note suggesting the carrier "consider rebooking for 2033."
Early arrival is also not permitted. Trucks that show up before the slot will be asked to wait in the yard, which the portal lists as "coming soon."
Request Another Time
Dispatchers report that clicking the "Request Another Time" button returns them to the login page. Logging back in shows a new banner: "Due to high demand, 2031 is now fully booked."
One fleet manager said he spent four hours on the portal and was eventually offered a slot in the past, which he accepted "because at least it's open."
Load ready now, of course
The shipper confirmed that the freight itself is ready for pickup today and must deliver by Friday.
The receiving warehouse, which uses the same portal, has advised drivers that its next opening is "to be determined by the portal," and that the portal will be unavailable this weekend for scheduled maintenance, which was booked through the portal.