diff --git a/apps/edr-freight-api/src/modules/train-scheduling/train-scheduling.service.ts b/apps/edr-freight-api/src/modules/train-scheduling/train-scheduling.service.ts
index 00b1bf02a..b72194299 100644
--- a/apps/edr-freight-api/src/modules/train-scheduling/train-scheduling.service.ts
+++ b/apps/edr-freight-api/src/modules/train-scheduling/train-scheduling.service.ts
@@ -1073,11 +1073,16 @@ export class TrainSchedulingService {
         containerPlacements ?? [],
       );
 
+      // The link above puts these bookings on the train: they are SCHEDULED, not
+      // ELIGIBLE. Leaving them ELIGIBLE re-offers an allocated booking to the next
+      // batch fill, which unlinks it and frees its wagons on the next window cycle.
+      const scheduledAt = new Date();
       for (const booking of bookings) {
         await this.bookingsRepository.updateSchedulingFields(
           booking.id,
           {
-            schedulingStatus: SchedulingStatus.Eligible,
+            schedulingStatus: SchedulingStatus.Scheduled,
+            scheduledAt,
             wagonsRequired: sumWagonsRequired(booking),
           },
           manager,