GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Slot Charter Agreement
A slot charter agreement allows a carrier or non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) to market liner capacity without owning ships: the slot charterer secures a contractually defined number of container slots on an operating carrier's vessel for an agreed number of sailings or a set period, paying a fixed rate per slot per voyage.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://www.bimco.org
Category
Logistics concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
118
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
A slot charter agreement allows a carrier or non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) to market liner capacity without owning ships: the slot charterer secures a contractually defined number of container slots on an operating carrier's vessel for an agreed number of sailings or a set period, paying a fixed rate per slot per voyage. The operating carrier retains full command and nautical responsibility for the vessel, while the slot charterer issues its own bills of lading and acts as an independent carrier toward its customers. This distinguishes slot charter from time or voyage charter, where an entire vessel is engaged. The arrangement suits regional carriers and NVOCCs seeking a scheduled service offering without the capital commitment of owning tonnage.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.