Load List and Bay Plan standard

Communication of container volumes and stowage details

The problem

Accurate information about container volumes and stowage details is vital to ensure efficient port operations. For terminals, this information is required for estimating the number of moves and how much equipment and manpower is needed for loading and discharging a ship’s cargo, as well as how the cargo needs to be handled. Without this information, terminals cannot plan port operations and resource usage accordingly, which can lead to longer dwell times and a lack of predictability. This creates service delays at port and inland, as well as other inefficiencies that decrease supply chain reliability, hinder effective decision making and ultimately disrupt business performance.  

The solution

DCSA Load List and Bay Plan Definitions establishes a guideline for the communication of container volumes and stowage details between VSA (vessel sharing agreement) partners, terminals and ports. The guideline includes standardised event definitions, a recommended version of EDI for message exchange and a messaging timeline. By aligning these aspects of data communication, the DCSA framework enables timely exchange of unambiguous cargo data. This provides carriers and terminals with information they need to maximise operational efficiency and optimise port call planning. Ultimately, this allows for faster and more predictable turnaround times which helps increase supply chain reliability, lower costs and improve decision making.   

Key benefits

Optimise your supply chain with DCSA's Load List and Bay Plan standard, this ensures safer, transparent and more reliable logistical processes

Help Shape the Future of Shipping Standards with DCSA+

Our standards are built in collaboration with industry leaders to ensure they are practical, scalable, and aligned with the real needs of the global supply chain. Through our DCSA+ shipping programme, your organization can partner up with DCSA and actively contribute to the development of standards like the electronic Bill of Lading and others that are transforming container shipping.

By joining DCSA+, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Collaborate directly with DCSA and fellow industry stakeholders
  • Co-develop solutions that support digital transformation and interoperability
  • Gain early insight into upcoming standards and influence their direction

If you're passionate about driving innovation in global trade, we want to hear from you.

Interested in adopting?

Whether you are a carrier, port, terminal, or solution provider, interested in implementing an API based on the Load List and Bay Plan definitions, please review the standard documentation or reach out to us for implementation support.

Meet the team

Contact us

Shape the future of container shipping with us. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with any questions or comments regarding the Load List and Bay Plan definitions.

Contact us

Contact us

Shape the future of container shipping with us. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with any questions or comments regarding the Load List and Bay Plan definitions.

Contact us

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