Event-based Billing in CTMS: Automate Charges, Streamline Revenue
From Yard Events to Invoices: How CTMS Automates Event-Based Billing
Manual billing buried in spreadsheets, full of errors and delays, is a thing of the past. CTMS turns every yard event— be it gate check-ins, stack moves, dwell time extensions, repairs, or reefer usage—into a real-time billing trigger. This means immediate revenue capture with pinpoint accuracy and zero guesswork.
Event-Based Billing Explained
CTMS treats yard activities as billing events. Every event type—gate entry, stacking, dwell, equipment maintenance, or refrigerated service— automatically maps to the correct charge using tiered dwell logic and multi-currency rate tables. The system handles pricing consistently and instantly, generating itemized invoices without manual intervention.
Tariff Structures & Tiered Pricing
CTMS supports complex tariff structures: tiered dwell rates, repair charges, and reefer usage fees—all configurable. Whether it’s short dwell (1–2 days) or longer stays (7+ days), the system applies the correct rate automatically. No manual calculations. Just accurate, repeatable billing.
Revenue Dashboards & Anomaly Detection
CTMS dashboards go beyond simple summaries. You can view income per container and service, monitor trends, and spot anomalies— such as missing charges or unexpectedly low rates—before they affect the bottom line. In essence, you see your revenue and can act if it looks “off.”
Integration: Accounting, EDI & Audit Trails
CTMS doesn’t work in isolation. Charges are pushed into your accounting or ERP system via API or EDI (e.g., CODECO or COARRI messages), synchronizing payment entries with operational events. Detailed audit logs capture who, when, and why each charge occurred, supporting compliance, customer disputes, and financial reviews.
Workflow: From Event to Invoice
- Event occurs (e.g., dwell exceeds threshold)
- CTMS applies the correct tariff
- Charge enters the invoice queue
- Invoice is automatically generated and dispatched
- Accounting system is updated in real time
Before vs After: Billing Efficiency
| Metric | Before (Manual) | After (Event-Based Billing) |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice Preparation Time | 2–3 days | Minutes post-event |
| Revenue Leakage | 5–10% | ~0% |
| Billing Disputes | Frequent | Rare |
Conclusion
Event-based billing transforms CTMS from a control system into a revenue engine. Automated, accurate, and auditable—this billing model ensures clear invoices, rapid cash flow, and full operational transparency. It’s the smarter way for terminals to manage both yard use and finances.
