Gate In / Gate Out
Gate In and Gate Out refer to the recorded entry and exit of a container through the gate of a terminal or container depot. Gate in (gating in) is when a truck delivers a container into the facility; gate out is when a container leaves. Each event is logged with the container number, truck, time, and condition — often now via automated OCR gates.
These gate events are fundamental control and tracking points: they mark exactly when custody of the container changes and update its status in the terminal operating and tracking systems. Gate in/out data drives yard planning, the Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR) that records the box's condition at handover, and the timing that determines demurrage and detention. Efficient, accurate gate operations keep container flow moving and the records that everything downstream depends on correct.
The gate is where a container officially enters or leaves a facility — and that timestamp drives yard planning, condition records and the demurrage/detention clock. Slow or inaccurate gates cause truck queues and disputed charges. Getting gate in/out right is basic but essential to both throughput and clean container accounting.
What is recorded at gate in / gate out?
The container number, truck, date and time, and the box's condition — often captured automatically by OCR gate systems.
Why do gate events matter for demurrage?
They timestamp when a container entered or left the facility, which determines whether it stayed within its free time or incurred demurrage/detention.