Slot

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Last updated: 27 July 2026

Source: https://www.lotus-containers.com/en/container-slot-charter/

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Definition & Explanation

In ocean freight, a slot is a stowage position for one container on board a liner vessel; a ship's capacity is expressed as the number of slots measured in TEU. Shipping lines sell slots to freight forwarders and shippers via bookings, or make them available to other carriers under slot charter agreements – a common practice within alliances. Slot availability is a key market indicator: when vessel round voyage times lengthen, for example due to Cape Route diversions, the number of departures falls and slots become scarce, pushing up freight rates and booking lead times. Forwarders therefore monitor the slot situation continuously and book early in tight markets to secure capacity for their customers. In rail transport, a slot also refers to an allocated timetable path. Not to be confused with the airport slot in aviation, which is an allocated time window for take-off or landing at a coordinated airport.

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