API Connectivity
In response to in-depth customer and trucker interviews, FMS has developed an API option for external customers to connect with terminal systems for a variety of functions such as appointment pre-advice and container or booking availability.
If you are interested in establishing API connectivity with FMS, please contact truckingapi@fmslax.com and reference our API documentation.
The following a la carte services are available for purchase on the Blume website or through direct setup with FMS if desired: VIP Services API
Overview of the FMS Appointment Process
- Import containers are delivered to trucks with Rubber Tired Gantry Cranes (“RTG’s”)
- Each day, in separate day and night shifts, over 3000 appointments are generated by our HONE AI engine which predicts where each RTG will be during the course of a shift
- Boxes from the ship are discharged to long rows called stacks. Each row is about a half mile long and FMS uses 10 rows to manage the delivery of local boxes
- Much like mowing a lawn, the RTGs are most efficient when they can work in long rows moving in one direction. The RTGs start at one end of the stack and slowly move down the stack on the day shift moving slowly back on the night shift.
- Appointments are created based when the RTG will be in the area of the stack the container is located.
- Allocating appointments in this manner increases RTG production and reduces truck turn time for the trucker at the terminal.
Fenix Express
A fully automated appointment process to optimize truck turn times and minimize manual processing for CSR’s and dispatchers. Fenix Express service removes the hassle of continually searching for appointment slots after a container becomes available and instead automatically confirms and sends an available appointment for you while also sharing the confirmation with your drayage carrier. Appointments are created to ensure cargo departs prior to demurrage penalties.
Step 1
Upload your Fenix Express containers to your secured watchlist on the Blume website
Step 2
Indicate which containers you would like to apply the VIP Express Service to*
Step 3
Soon after the boxes discharge the ship and become available, advice will be sent through Blume advising you of your appointment time
Step 4
Charges are due at time of request**
Step 5
Prior to terminal arrival, Dray carrier will be required to enter truck license plate information into Blume’s site
*Appointment slots will be created no sooner than 24 hours after availability to allow your dray carrier time to plan the move
**Fenix Express allows customers to request a new appointment only once. No refunds will be granted if appointment time is missed
Fenix Preferred
The Fenix Preferred Service allows dynamic flexibility in the selection and rescheduling of appointment times ensuring your dray provider can easily manage the pickup. For critical shipments that require flexibility, our preferred service allows customers to select and/or modify specific appointment times that otherwise may not be available to other customers.
Step 1
Upload containers to your secured watchlist on the Blume website and select Fenix Preferred Service
Step 2
Charges are due once Fenix Preferred service is confirmed*
Step 3
Once the boxes discharge ship and are available, Blume will automatically notify you
Step 4
Customers/Dray Carriers will then be directed to FMS appointment platform to select ‘preferred’ appointment times
Step 5
Containers will be overridden and appointments will be made available within FMS appointment platform for each time the RTG is in the area of your containers
Step 6
Prior to pick up, dray carrier must enter license plate information into FMS appointment platform
Step 7
As an added bonus, should an appointment be missed by a dray carrier, containers are automatically processed again as overridden and dray carrier can reschedule with same flexibility
*For Fenix Preferred, once boxes are uploaded and overridden, no refunds will be granted. Fenix Preferred does have capacity limitations and service may not always be available
Fenix Priority
Our fastest delivery option that automatically has your boxes mounted on a chassis and available for pickup. For requests confirmed before vessel arrival, containers can be available within 6 hours of vessel discharge.* Additionally, requests are accepted for containers in the yard but please allow 24 hours for containers to be mounted and available for pickup.
Step 1
Upload containers to your secured watchlist on the Blume website and select Fenix Priority Service
Step 2
Charges are due once Fenix Priority service is confirmed**
Step 3
Once the boxes are mounted to a chassis, advice will be sent through Blume advising availability
Step 4
Customers/Dray Carriers will then be directed to FMS appointment platform to select appointment times (which for wheeled containers are widely available each day)
Step 5
As an added bonus, dray carriers can use Fenix Marine Services back gate (bobtail gate) for an even faster entry to the terminal
*Service delivery time may be impacted by holds and fees due (TMS, customs, etc)
**For Fenix Priority, once the ship begins to work, no refunds will be granted. Fenix Priority does have capacity limitations and service may not always be available