diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress.config.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress.config.ts
index 4a3237e64..5a96460b8 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress.config.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress.config.ts
@@ -24,8 +24,15 @@ export default defineConfig({
     screenshotOnRunFailure: true,
     viewportWidth: 1440,
     viewportHeight: 900,
-    defaultCommandTimeout: 10000,
-    requestTimeout: 15000,
+    // Generous across the board: these journeys drive the batch engine, whose
+    // window transitions are settled by a 10s server tick, and a single step
+    // can wait on several of them. Two minutes is long enough that a real
+    // timeout means something is genuinely stuck rather than merely slow.
+    defaultCommandTimeout: 120000,
+    requestTimeout: 120000,
+    responseTimeout: 120000,
+    pageLoadTimeout: 120000,
+    taskTimeout: 120000,
     retries: { runMode: 1, openMode: 0 },
     env: {
       apiUrl: process.env.CYPRESS_API_URL ?? "http://localhost:3101",
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1-utils.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1-utils.ts
index 2bbb449ed..8bbde1013 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1-utils.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1-utils.ts
@@ -28,7 +28,11 @@
  */
 
 import {
+  acceptExport,
+  acceptOperation,
   apiPost,
+  bookContainers,
+  clearToOperationRequestPending,
   closeBookingWindow,
   db,
   dbSchedule,
@@ -64,15 +68,22 @@ export function escapeRegExp(value: string): string {
 /**
  * A Date as the unzoned "YYYY-MM-DDTHH:mm" wall-clock string that an
  * `<input type="datetime-local">` accepts (the create-schedule form's Departure
- * date field). The corridor departures are pinned to 12:00 EAT = 09:00 UTC, so
- * the wall-clock the operator types is the EAT one — the browser running the
- * test is UTC in CI and EAT on a local machine, and typing a UTC-rendered
- * string on an EAT machine would file the departure three hours early and land
- * it on the wrong booking day.
+ * date field).
+ *
+ * The value MUST be in the BROWSER's local zone, not EAT. The input carries no
+ * offset, so whatever is typed is read as local time and converted on submit —
+ * pre-shifting to EAT on a UTC browser files the departure three hours late,
+ * which put it outside dbSchedule's ±1h lookup window and made a successfully
+ * created schedule look like it had never been created at all.
+ *
+ * Built from the local getters rather than toISOString for exactly that reason.
  */
 export function localDateTime(d: Date): string {
-  const eat = new Date(d.getTime() + 3 * 3_600_000);
-  return eat.toISOString().slice(0, 16);
+  const pad = (n: number) => String(n).padStart(2, "0");
+  return (
+    `${d.getFullYear()}-${pad(d.getMonth() + 1)}-${pad(d.getDate())}` +
+    `T${pad(d.getHours())}:${pad(d.getMinutes())}`
+  );
 }
 
 /**
@@ -142,8 +153,8 @@ export function configureAndOpenSchedule(opts: {
 
   cy.loginBackoffice(opsStaff);
   cy.visit("/dashboard/operations/train-scheduling-v2");
-  cy.contains("button", "New schedule", { timeout: 30000 }).click();
-  cy.contains("Create train schedule", { timeout: 20000 }).should("be.visible");
+  cy.contains("button", "New schedule", { timeout: 120000 }).click();
+  cy.contains("Create train schedule", { timeout: 120000 }).should("be.visible");
 
   // Route options are composed by formatRouteLabel, which renders yard LABELS
   // ("Djibouti Port"), never codes — so resolve the label for this corridor.
@@ -160,7 +171,7 @@ export function configureAndOpenSchedule(opts: {
   // Option text is composed: "TRN-G1-1 — E2E Group-1 … · 53 wagons".
   cy.mantineSelect("Train", new RegExp(escapeRegExp(trainCode)));
   cy.get(".mantine-Modal-content").contains("button", "Create").click();
-  cy.get(".mantine-Modal-content", { timeout: 30000 }).should("not.exist");
+  cy.get(".mantine-Modal-content", { timeout: 120000 }).should("not.exist");
 
   expectCapacity(opts.departure, opts.wagons ?? G1_WAGONS);
   withSchedule(opts.departure, (s) => forceWindowOpen(s.id, opts.closesInMinutes ?? 45));
@@ -179,8 +190,8 @@ export function closeWindowAndRunBatch(departure: Date) {
 
   cy.loginBackoffice(opsStaff);
   withSchedule(departure, (s) => cy.visit(`/dashboard/operations/batch-board/${s.id}`));
-  cy.contains("Doc review", { timeout: 30000 }).should("exist");
-  cy.contains("button", "Doc review complete — run batch", { timeout: 20000 }).click();
+  cy.contains("Doc review", { timeout: 120000 }).should("exist");
+  cy.contains("button", "Doc review complete — run batch", { timeout: 120000 }).click();
 
   withSchedule(departure, (s) =>
     pollDb<ScheduleRow>(
@@ -212,12 +223,12 @@ export function expectBoard(
 ) {
   cy.loginBackoffice(opsStaff);
   withSchedule(departure, (s) => cy.visit(`/dashboard/operations/batch-board/${s.id}`));
-  cy.contains(/Priority Tracking/, { timeout: 30000 }).click();
-  cy.contains("Priority ranking", { timeout: 20000 }).should("be.visible");
+  cy.contains(/Priority Tracking/, { timeout: 120000 }).click();
+  cy.contains("Priority ranking", { timeout: 120000 }).should("be.visible");
 
   if (opts.inBatch !== undefined) {
     cy.contains(new RegExp(`In the batch\\s*\\(${opts.inBatch}\\)`), {
-      timeout: 20000,
+      timeout: 120000,
     }).should("exist");
   }
   if (opts.waiting !== undefined) {
@@ -309,6 +320,71 @@ export function expectVerdict(
   });
 }
 
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// booking → clearance gate → operations queue
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+/**
+ * Book containers and walk the booking all the way to the operations pool.
+ *
+ * EVERY contract booking is now born in the clearance gate — see
+ * contract-booking.service.ts:211, "EVERY contract booking clears per booking
+ * now — both contract kinds, both paths, intercity included". A booking is
+ * created in AWAITING_DOCUMENTS regardless of whether customs clearance is
+ * enabled, so calling `acceptOperation` straight after `bookContainers` always
+ * 409s with:
+ *
+ *   Cannot perform this action on status "AWAITING_DOCUMENTS".
+ *   Allowed: OPERATION_REQUEST_PENDING
+ *
+ * The gate is: upload a document → GL approves it → finalize → the customer
+ * proceeds with the shipment day. `clearToOperationRequestPending` runs that
+ * whole chain (the e2e seed configures no required documents, so one ad-hoc
+ * doc satisfies the 100%-approved rule).
+ *
+ * Use this instead of bookContainers + acceptOperation anywhere a booking has
+ * to reach the day pool.
+ */
+export function bookAndClear(opts: {
+  suffix: string;
+  runStamp: string;
+  isoSeed: number;
+  twenty?: number;
+  forty?: number;
+  scheduledDate: string;
+  vgmTons?: number;
+  /** EXPORT reserves on accept (FCFS) rather than entering the batch pool. */
+  mode?: "import" | "export";
+}) {
+  bookContainers({
+    suffix: opts.suffix,
+    runStamp: opts.runStamp,
+    isoSeed: opts.isoSeed,
+    twenty: opts.twenty,
+    forty: opts.forty,
+    scheduledDate: opts.scheduledDate,
+    vgmTons: opts.vgmTons,
+  });
+  clearToOperationRequestPending(opts.suffix, opts.scheduledDate);
+  if (opts.mode === "export") acceptExport(opts.suffix);
+  else acceptOperation(opts.suffix);
+}
+
+/**
+ * The clearance half alone, for a booking created some other way — e.g. the
+ * portal form (`bookContainersVisually`), which leaves the booking sitting in
+ * the same AWAITING_DOCUMENTS gate.
+ */
+export function clearAndAccept(opts: {
+  suffix: string;
+  scheduledDate: string;
+  mode?: "import" | "export";
+}) {
+  clearToOperationRequestPending(opts.suffix, opts.scheduledDate);
+  if (opts.mode === "export") acceptExport(opts.suffix);
+  else acceptOperation(opts.suffix);
+}
+
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // booking through the real portal form
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -349,52 +425,93 @@ export function bookContainersVisually(opts: {
   expect(twenty % 2, "20ft quantity must be even").to.eq(0);
 
   cy.visitPortal(`/contracts/${opts.contractId}/bookings/new`);
-  cy.contains("New Shipment Booking", { timeout: 30000 }).should("be.visible");
+  cy.contains("New Shipment Booking", { timeout: 120000 }).should("be.visible");
 
-  if (twenty) fillSizeQuantity("20ft", String(twenty));
-  if (forty) fillSizeQuantity("40ft", String(forty));
+  // BOTH size cards must be given a quantity, including the unused one.
+  //
+  // The form renders a ContainerLineEditor per size in the contract's cargo
+  // scope, and an untouched editor keeps one blank unit row. The zod schema
+  // requires a valid ISO number AND a VGM on EVERY unit row
+  // (new-shipment-form/schema.ts:39-50), so that blank row fails validation and
+  // handleSubmit aborts SILENTLY — no modal, no toast, no request. Typing 0
+  // truncates the card's units to none (syncUnits: `next.length = max(0, qty)`)
+  // and takes it out of validation.
+  fillSizeQuantity("20ft", String(twenty));
+  fillSizeQuantity("40ft", String(forty));
 
   // One ISO row per container, then the VGM on each.
+  //
+  // Scoped PER SIZE CARD, not globally: the form renders a ContainerLineEditor
+  // for every size in the contract's cargo scope, and an editor left at
+  // quantity 0 still renders one blank unit row. A global
+  // `input[placeholder*="MSCU"]` therefore counts the other card's row too —
+  // "Found 7, expected 6" — and the numbers land in the wrong card.
   const prefix = opts.isoPrefix ?? "MSCU";
-  cy.get('input[placeholder*="MSCU"]', { timeout: 20000 }).should("have.length", total);
-  for (let i = 0; i < total; i += 1) {
-    cy.get('input[placeholder*="MSCU"]')
-      .eq(i)
-      .clear({ force: true })
-      .type(`${prefix}${String(1_000_000 + i).slice(0, 7)}`, { force: true });
-  }
-  cy.get('input[placeholder*="24.5"]').each(($input) => {
-    cy.wrap($input)
-      .clear({ force: true })
-      .type(String(opts.vgmTons ?? 10), { force: true });
-  });
+  let unit = 0;
+  const fillUnits = (size: "20ft" | "40ft", count: number) => {
+    if (!count) return;
+    cy.contains(`${size} containers`, { timeout: 120000 })
+      .closest("div.rounded-xl")
+      .within(() => {
+        cy.get('input[placeholder*="MSCU"]', { timeout: 120000 }).should(
+          "have.length",
+          count,
+        );
+        for (let i = 0; i < count; i += 1) {
+          const iso = `${prefix}${String(1_000_000 + unit + i).slice(0, 7)}`;
+          cy.get('input[placeholder*="MSCU"]')
+            .eq(i)
+            .clear({ force: true })
+            .type(iso, { force: true });
+        }
+        cy.get('input[placeholder*="24.5"]').each(($input) => {
+          cy.wrap($input)
+            .clear({ force: true })
+            .type(String(opts.vgmTons ?? 10), { force: true });
+        });
+      })
+      .then(() => {
+        unit += count;
+      });
+  };
+  fillUnits("20ft", twenty);
+  fillUnits("40ft", forty);
 
   pickShipmentDay(opts.shipmentDay);
   cy.fillCargoDescription();
 
   cy.contains("button", "Review price & book").should("not.be.disabled").click();
-  cy.contains("Confirm shipment price", { timeout: 30000 }).should("be.visible");
+  cy.contains("Confirm shipment price", { timeout: 120000 }).should("be.visible");
   cy.contains("button", "Confirm & book").click();
-  cy.location("pathname", { timeout: 30000 }).should("match", /^\/bookings\/.+/);
+  cy.location("pathname", { timeout: 120000 }).should("match", /^\/bookings\/.+/);
 }
 
-/** One container-size line's quantity, addressed by its heading (see above). */
+/**
+ * One container-size line's quantity, addressed by its heading rather than by
+ * position — the cards render in CONTRACT-SCOPE order, not 20ft-then-40ft.
+ *
+ * A no-op when the contract does not scope this size, so callers can always
+ * set both (see the note about blank unit rows in bookContainersVisually).
+ */
 function fillSizeQuantity(size: "20ft" | "40ft", value: string) {
-  cy.contains(`${size} containers`, { timeout: 20000 })
-    .closest("div.rounded-xl")
-    .find('input[type="number"]')
-    .first()
-    .clear({ force: true })
-    .type(value, { force: true });
+  cy.get("body").then(($body) => {
+    if (!$body.text().includes(`${size} containers`)) return;
+    cy.contains(`${size} containers`, { timeout: 120000 })
+      .closest("div.rounded-xl")
+      .find('input[type="number"]')
+      .first()
+      .clear({ force: true })
+      .type(value, { force: true });
+  });
 }
 
 /** Pick a day on the Schedule card's inline, cargo-aware calendar. */
 function pickShipmentDay(day: Date) {
-  cy.contains(/available day/, { timeout: 30000 }).should("exist");
+  cy.contains(/available day/, { timeout: 120000 }).should("exist");
   // Day cells are plain buttons in a grid; only bookable days are enabled
   // (out-of-month duplicates and unscheduled days stay disabled).
   const eatDay = new Date(day.getTime() + 3 * 3_600_000).getUTCDate();
-  cy.get("button:not(:disabled)", { timeout: 20000 })
+  cy.get("button:not(:disabled)", { timeout: 120000 })
     .contains(new RegExp(`^${eatDay}$`))
     .click({ force: true });
 }
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g10_validation.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g10_validation.cy.ts
index a815f0174..56ec26c51 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g10_validation.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g10_validation.cy.ts
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ import {
 } from "./import-utils";
 import {
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectVerdict,
@@ -275,7 +276,7 @@ describe("G10·S40b: a re-priced booking parks with no capacity footprint", { re
 
     let isoSeed = 27_100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -283,7 +284,6 @@ describe("G10·S40b: a re-priced booking parks with no capacity footprint", { re
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
   });
 
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s1_expiry_promotes_waitlist.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s1_expiry_promotes_waitlist.cy.ts
index 7acf9563d..a74955a91 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s1_expiry_promotes_waitlist.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s1_expiry_promotes_waitlist.cy.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
  * GROUP 1 · S1 — a no-pay expiry frees exactly the space the waiting list needs.
  *
  *   A  3×40FT              =  3 wagons
- *   B  20×20FT + 10×40FT   = 20 wagons   (customs clearance)
+ *   B  20×20FT + 10×40FT   = 20 wagons
  *   C  30×40FT             = 30 wagons
  *                            ─────────
  *                             53 = the whole train → RESERVED FULL
@@ -67,7 +67,9 @@ import {
 import {
   G1_TRAIN,
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   bookContainersVisually,
+  clearAndAccept,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectBoard,
@@ -90,11 +92,11 @@ const stampedRef = (suffix: string) => `CTR-IMP-${stamp}-${suffix}`;
  * genuinely inside the batch and its expiry genuinely frees space.
  */
 const SHAPES = {
-  A: { twenty: 0, forty: 3, wagons: 3, customs: false },
-  B: { twenty: 20, forty: 10, wagons: 20, customs: true },
-  C: { twenty: 0, forty: 30, wagons: 30, customs: false },
+  A: { twenty: 0, forty: 3, wagons: 3 },
+  B: { twenty: 20, forty: 10, wagons: 20 },
+  C: { twenty: 0, forty: 30, wagons: 30 },
   // D is booked through the UI, not from this table — see the portal step.
-  D: { twenty: 6, forty: 0, wagons: 3, customs: false },
+  D: { twenty: 6, forty: 0, wagons: 3 },
 } as const;
 
 const IN_BATCH = ["A", "B", "C"] as const;
@@ -103,12 +105,12 @@ describe("G1·S1: expiry frees exactly the waiting list's space", { retries: 0 }
   before(() => {
     cy.task("db:seedFile", "seed-import-corridor.sql");
     cy.task("db:seedFile", "seed-g1-train.sql");
+    // All four self-clear. A customs contract routes its booking into
+    // AWAITING_DOCUMENTS and a whole clearance gate before ops can accept it
+    // (see clearGeneralBooking in import-utils) — orthogonal to this
+    // scenario, which is about expiry and waiting-list promotion.
     (["A", "B", "C", "D"] as const).forEach((suffix) =>
-      seedImportContract({
-        suffix,
-        reference: stampedRef(suffix),
-        customs: SHAPES[suffix].customs,
-      }),
+      seedImportContract({ suffix, reference: stampedRef(suffix) }),
     );
   });
 
@@ -142,14 +144,18 @@ describe("G1·S1: expiry frees exactly the waiting list's space", { retries: 0 }
         cy.visit(`/dashboard/train-builder/${rows[0].id}`);
       },
     );
-    cy.contains(`Train ${G1_TRAIN}`, { timeout: 30000 }).should("exist");
-    cy.contains("Wagon order", { timeout: 20000 }).should("exist");
-    // Stat strip: "Wagons" → 53. Scoped to the stat, since bare "53" would
-    // also match wagon numbers in the consist list below it.
-    cy.contains("Wagons")
-      .parent()
-      .contains(String(G1_WAGONS), { timeout: 20000 })
-      .should("exist");
+    cy.contains(`Train ${G1_TRAIN}`, { timeout: 120000 }).should("exist");
+    cy.contains("Wagon order", { timeout: 120000 }).should("exist");
+    // Stat strip: the "Wagons" KPI cell reads 53.
+    //
+    // Scope to the KpiStrip cell (`div.flex-1`, KpiStrip.tsx) rather than
+    // matching "Wagons" anywhere: the left sidebar has a NavLink of the same
+    // name, cy.contains returns the FIRST match, and its parent never contains
+    // the count — which is exactly how this first failed.
+    cy.contains("div.flex-1", "Wagons", { timeout: 120000 }).should(
+      "contain.text",
+      String(G1_WAGONS),
+    );
   });
 
   it("operations schedules that train on the corridor and opens the window", () => {
@@ -166,7 +172,7 @@ describe("G1·S1: expiry frees exactly the waiting list's space", { retries: 0 }
     let isoSeed = 7100;
     IN_BATCH.forEach((suffix) => {
       const shape = SHAPES[suffix];
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -175,7 +181,6 @@ describe("G1·S1: expiry frees exactly the waiting list's space", { retries: 0 }
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += shape.twenty + shape.forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     // Booking order = priority order, so A is inside the batch and its expiry
     // is what frees space (see the SHAPES comment).
@@ -193,8 +198,7 @@ describe("G1·S1: expiry frees exactly the waiting list's space", { retries: 0 }
         isoPrefix: "DDDU",
       });
     });
-    pollBookingStatus("D", "OPERATION_REQUEST_PENDING", 10);
-    acceptOperation("D");
+    clearAndAccept({ suffix: "D", scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY });
     setPriority("D", 4);
   });
 
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s2_exact_fill.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s2_exact_fill.cy.ts
index c179e0ee5..bd3acfc8b 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s2_exact_fill.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s2_exact_fill.cy.ts
@@ -43,7 +43,9 @@ import {
 } from "./import-utils";
 import {
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   bookContainersVisually,
+  clearAndAccept,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectBoard,
@@ -101,7 +103,7 @@ describe("G1·S2: four bookings pay and fill the train exactly", { retries: 0 },
     let isoSeed = 8100;
     VIA_API.forEach((suffix) => {
       const shape = SHAPES[suffix];
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -110,7 +112,6 @@ describe("G1·S2: four bookings pay and fill the train exactly", { retries: 0 },
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += shape.containers;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
   });
 
@@ -124,8 +125,7 @@ describe("G1·S2: four bookings pay and fill the train exactly", { retries: 0 },
         isoPrefix: "SEXU",
       });
     });
-    pollBookingStatus("D", "OPERATION_REQUEST_PENDING", 10);
-    acceptOperation("D");
+    clearAndAccept({ suffix: "D", scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY });
   });
 
   it("the batch reserves all four — they fit exactly, so nobody is offered a split", () => {
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s3_underfill_day_stays_open.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s3_underfill_day_stays_open.cy.ts
index f52f5791f..d8b61d8f5 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s3_underfill_day_stays_open.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s3_underfill_day_stays_open.cy.ts
@@ -39,7 +39,9 @@ import {
 } from "./import-utils";
 import {
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   bookContainersVisually,
+  clearAndAccept,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectBoard,
@@ -93,7 +95,7 @@ describe("G1·S3: an under-filled train keeps its day open", { retries: 0 }, ()
     let isoSeed = 8600;
     (["A", "B"] as const).forEach((suffix) => {
       const shape = SHAPES[suffix];
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -102,7 +104,6 @@ describe("G1·S3: an under-filled train keeps its day open", { retries: 0 }, ()
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += shape.twenty + shape.forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
 
     cy.loginPortal(customer);
@@ -114,8 +115,7 @@ describe("G1·S3: an under-filled train keeps its day open", { retries: 0 }, ()
         isoPrefix: "CSQU",
       });
     });
-    pollBookingStatus("C", "OPERATION_REQUEST_PENDING", 10);
-    acceptOperation("C");
+    clearAndAccept({ suffix: "C", scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY });
   });
 
   it("the batch reserves all three whole — there is room to spare, so no splits", () => {
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s4_split_closes_gap.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s4_split_closes_gap.cy.ts
index b1f00d158..fdd5e28e5 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s4_split_closes_gap.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s4_split_closes_gap.cy.ts
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ import {
 } from "./import-utils";
 import {
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectBoard,
@@ -109,7 +110,7 @@ describe("G1·S4: a split closes the last 3-wagon gap", { retries: 0 }, () => {
     let isoSeed = 9100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
       const shape = SHAPES[suffix];
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -118,7 +119,6 @@ describe("G1·S4: a split closes the last 3-wagon gap", { retries: 0 }, () => {
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += shape.twenty + shape.forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     // Priority decides who gets a whole seat and who gets the offer.
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s5_cascading_expiry.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s5_cascading_expiry.cy.ts
index 1d6cce642..9e1556c15 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s5_cascading_expiry.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s5_cascading_expiry.cy.ts
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ import {
 } from "./import-utils";
 import {
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectBoard,
@@ -104,7 +105,7 @@ describe("G1·S5: expiry cascades into a second promotion", { retries: 0 }, () =
     let isoSeed = 9600;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
       const shape = SHAPES[suffix];
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -113,7 +114,6 @@ describe("G1·S5: expiry cascades into a second promotion", { retries: 0 }, () =
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += shape.twenty + shape.forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
   });
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s6_s8_offers_and_priority.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s6_s8_offers_and_priority.cy.ts
index 37b181e28..4d090ae32 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s6_s8_offers_and_priority.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g1_s6_s8_offers_and_priority.cy.ts
@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@ import {
 } from "./import-utils";
 import {
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectBoard,
@@ -105,7 +106,7 @@ describe("G1·S6: an ignored split offer expires the booking whole", { retries:
     let isoSeed = 10_100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
       const shape = SHAPES[suffix];
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -114,7 +115,6 @@ describe("G1·S6: an ignored split offer expires the booking whole", { retries:
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += shape.twenty + shape.forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
 
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ describe("G1·S7: a government booking preempts commercial", { retries: 0 }, ()
     let isoSeed = 10_600;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
       const shape = SHAPES[suffix];
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -203,7 +203,6 @@ describe("G1·S7: a government booking preempts commercial", { retries: 0 }, ()
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += shape.forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     // GA outranks GB, so GB is the one preemption should take.
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
@@ -369,7 +368,7 @@ describe("G1·S8: priority tiers order the batch", { retries: 0 }, () => {
 
     let isoSeed = 11_100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -377,7 +376,6 @@ describe("G1·S8: priority tiers order the batch", { retries: 0 }, () => {
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
   });
 
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g2_weight.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g2_weight.cy.ts
index 86c1595f1..fec4c0980 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g2_weight.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g2_weight.cy.ts
@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@ import {
 } from "./import-utils";
 import {
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectSplitOffer,
@@ -124,7 +125,7 @@ describe("G2·S9: weight refuses a booking while slots sit empty", { retries: 0
   it("three heavy bookings arrive — 45 wagons of demand for 53 slots", () => {
     let isoSeed = 12_100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -133,7 +134,6 @@ describe("G2·S9: weight refuses a booking while slots sit empty", { retries: 0
         vgmTons: HEAVY_VGM,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].twenty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
   });
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ describe("G2·S10: the overage tolerance admits C whole", { retries: 0 }, () =>
 
     let isoSeed = 12_600;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -214,7 +214,6 @@ describe("G2·S10: the overage tolerance admits C whole", { retries: 0 }, () =>
         vgmTons: HEAVY_VGM,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].twenty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
 
@@ -295,7 +294,7 @@ describe("G2·S11: a split is sized against base weight only", { retries: 0 }, (
 
     let isoSeed = 13_100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -304,7 +303,6 @@ describe("G2·S11: a split is sized against base weight only", { retries: 0 }, (
         vgmTons: HEAVY_VGM,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].twenty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DEPARTURE);
@@ -384,7 +382,7 @@ describe("G2·S12: with light cargo the slots bind first", { retries: 0 }, () =>
 
     let isoSeed = 13_600;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -393,7 +391,6 @@ describe("G2·S12: with light cargo the slots bind first", { retries: 0 }, () =>
         vgmTons: LIGHT_VGM,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].twenty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
 
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DEPARTURE);
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g3_export.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g3_export.cy.ts
index 37f6d3d9f..d41405c4a 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g3_export.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g3_export.cy.ts
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ import {
   seedImportContract,
   withBooking,
 } from "./import-utils";
+import { bookAndClear } from "./g1-utils";
 
 const stamp = String(Date.now());
 const stampedRef = (suffix: string) => `CTR-IMP-${stamp}-${suffix}`;
@@ -182,14 +183,12 @@ describe("G3·S13: unpaid export holds occupy the train", { retries: 0 }, () =>
     // Export: ACCEPT is the reservation (FCFS), not a batch entry.
     acceptExport("EA");
 
-    bookContainers({
+    bookAndClear({
       suffix: "EB",
       runStamp: stamp,
       isoSeed: 14_200,
       forty: SHAPES.EB.forty,
-      scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
-    });
-    acceptExport("EB");
+      scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY, mode: "export"});
 
     // Neither has paid. Both nevertheless hold their wagons: reserved =
     // SELECTED_FOR_BATCH / AWAITING_PAYMENT is subtracted from capacity
@@ -273,14 +272,12 @@ describe("G3·S14: a booking that cannot fit whole is SKIPPED, not split", { ret
   });
 
   it("A boards; B is refused WHOLE — no partial offer is ever raised", () => {
-    bookContainers({
+    bookAndClear({
       suffix: "FA",
       runStamp: stamp,
       isoSeed: 14_600,
       forty: SHAPES.FA.forty,
-      scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
-    });
-    acceptExport("FA");
+      scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY, mode: "export"});
 
     // B asks for 25 with 24 free. Export cannot part-load, so the request is
     // refused at requestOperation with a sized message
@@ -310,14 +307,12 @@ describe("G3·S14: a booking that cannot fit whole is SKIPPED, not split", { ret
 
   it("C and D board behind B — the train fills to 54 without it", () => {
     (["FC", "FD"] as const).forEach((suffix, i) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed: 14_800 + i * 100,
         forty: SHAPES[suffix].forty,
-        scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
-      });
-      acceptExport(suffix);
+        scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY, mode: "export"});
     });
 
     (["FA", "FC", "FD"] as const).forEach((suffix) => {
@@ -570,14 +565,12 @@ describe("G3·S16: an expired hold frees space and fits flips back", { retries:
     });
 
     (["HA", "HB"] as const).forEach((suffix, i) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed: 15_100 + i * 100,
         forty: SHAPES[suffix].forty,
-        scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
-      });
-      acceptExport(suffix);
+        scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY, mode: "export"});
     });
 
     bookContainers({
@@ -695,14 +688,12 @@ describe("G3·S18: a booking larger than the train is refused outright", { retri
 
   it("split into two 30-wagon bookings, both board — the documented workaround", () => {
     (["OB1", "OB2"] as const).forEach((suffix, i) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed: 15_800 + i * 100,
         forty: 27,
-        scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
-      });
-      acceptExport(suffix);
+        scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY, mode: "export"});
       markPaid(suffix);
       pollAllocations(suffix, 27);
     });
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g4_multi_schedule.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g4_multi_schedule.cy.ts
index 581b7995c..4d83da695 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g4_multi_schedule.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g4_multi_schedule.cy.ts
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ import {
 import {
   G1_TRAIN_2,
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectVerdict,
@@ -142,7 +143,7 @@ describe("G4·S19: an import booking splits across two trains", { retries: 0 },
   it("three bookings arrive, MA first in priority", () => {
     let isoSeed = 17_100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -150,7 +151,6 @@ describe("G4·S19: an import booking splits across two trains", { retries: 0 },
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
   });
@@ -229,7 +229,7 @@ describe("G4·S20: the batch prefers a whole placement over a forced split", { r
 
     let isoSeed = 17_600;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -237,7 +237,6 @@ describe("G4·S20: the batch prefers a whole placement over a forced split", { r
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(T1);
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g5_waitlist.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g5_waitlist.cy.ts
index e0017ef50..00b1f23fa 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g5_waitlist.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g5_waitlist.cy.ts
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ import {
 import {
   G1_TRAIN_2,
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectBoard,
@@ -81,7 +82,7 @@ describe("G5·S22: an expired booking moves to the next day intact", { retries:
 
     let isoSeed = 18_100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -89,7 +90,6 @@ describe("G5·S22: an expired booking moves to the next day intact", { retries:
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY_1,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DAY_1);
@@ -135,14 +135,13 @@ describe("G5·S22: an expired booking moves to the next day intact", { retries:
 
   it("day 2 carries RC plus a new 40-wagon customer — FULL at 53/53", () => {
     seedImportContract({ suffix: "RD", reference: stampedRef("RD") });
-    bookContainers({
+    bookAndClear({
       suffix: "RD",
       runStamp: stamp,
       isoSeed: 18_500,
       forty: 40,
       scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY_2,
     });
-    acceptOperation("RD");
 
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DAY_2);
     (["RC", "RD"] as const).forEach((suffix) => {
@@ -189,30 +188,27 @@ describe("G5·S23: a split's paid part survives the remainder expiring", { retri
     resetCorridorDay(DAY_1);
     configureAndOpenSchedule({ departure: DAY_1 });
 
-    bookContainers({
+    bookAndClear({
       suffix: "SA",
       runStamp: stamp,
       isoSeed: 18_800,
       forty: SHAPES.SA.forty,
       scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY_1,
     });
-    acceptOperation("SA");
-    bookContainers({
+    bookAndClear({
       suffix: "SB",
       runStamp: stamp,
       isoSeed: 18_900,
       twenty: SHAPES.SB.twenty,
       scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY_1,
     });
-    acceptOperation("SB");
-    bookContainers({
+    bookAndClear({
       suffix: "SC",
       runStamp: stamp,
       isoSeed: 19_000,
       twenty: SHAPES.SC.twenty,
       scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY_1,
     });
-    acceptOperation("SC");
     (["SA", "SB", "SC"] as const).forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
 
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DAY_1);
@@ -316,7 +312,7 @@ describe("G5·S24: the waiting list is walked, never skipped silently", { retrie
 
     let isoSeed = 19_500;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -324,7 +320,6 @@ describe("G5·S24: the waiting list is walked, never skipped silently", { retrie
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     ORDER.forEach((suffix, i) => setPriority(suffix, i + 1));
 
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g6_corridor.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g6_corridor.cy.ts
index ebcc0ebbf..74e3b3a4f 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g6_corridor.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g6_corridor.cy.ts
@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@ import {
   type ScheduleRow,
 } from "./import-utils";
 import {
+  bookAndClear,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
 } from "./g1-utils";
@@ -125,7 +126,7 @@ describe("G6·S25: three bookings alight at three stations", { retries: 0 }, ()
 
     let isoSeed = 20_100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -133,7 +134,6 @@ describe("G6·S25: three bookings alight at three stations", { retries: 0 }, ()
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
 
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DEPARTURE);
@@ -302,14 +302,13 @@ describe("G6·S27: a paid booking with no schedule is not on rails yet", { retri
     resetCorridorDay(DEPARTURE);
     configureAndOpenSchedule({ departure: DEPARTURE });
 
-    bookContainers({
+    bookAndClear({
       suffix: "TR",
       runStamp: stamp,
       isoSeed: 21_100,
       forty: 5,
       scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
     });
-    acceptOperation("TR");
 
     // Accepted into the pool but not yet through the batch: no train.
     withBooking("TR", (b) => {
@@ -368,14 +367,13 @@ describe("G6·S28: an early alighter is ARRIVED while the train runs on", { retr
     configureAndOpenSchedule({ departure: DEPARTURE });
 
     (["EA1", "EA2"] as const).forEach((suffix, i) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed: 21_400 + i * 100,
         forty: 10,
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DEPARTURE);
     (["EA1", "EA2"] as const).forEach((suffix) => {
@@ -445,14 +443,13 @@ describe("G6·S29: out-of-order checkpoint handling", { retries: 0 }, () => {
     ensureCorridorRoute();
     resetCorridorDay(DEPARTURE);
     configureAndOpenSchedule({ departure: DEPARTURE });
-    bookContainers({
+    bookAndClear({
       suffix: "OO",
       runStamp: stamp,
       isoSeed: 21_800,
       forty: 6,
       scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
     });
-    acceptOperation("OO");
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DEPARTURE);
     markPaid("OO");
     pollAllocations("OO", 6);
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g7_disruptions.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g7_disruptions.cy.ts
index 7cb525b3a..6f1526274 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g7_disruptions.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g7_disruptions.cy.ts
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ import {
 import {
   G1_TRAIN_2,
   G1_WAGONS,
+  bookAndClear,
   closeWindowAndRunBatch,
   configureAndOpenSchedule,
   expectVerdict,
@@ -92,7 +93,7 @@ describe("G7·S30: a cancelled train freezes a snapshot of what it was", { retri
 
     let isoSeed = 22_100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -100,7 +101,6 @@ describe("G7·S30: a cancelled train freezes a snapshot of what it was", { retri
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY_1,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].forty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DAY_1);
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
@@ -220,14 +220,13 @@ describe("G7·S31: a wagon shortage is filled by transfer request", { retries: 0
     configureAndOpenSchedule({ departure: DEPARTURE });
 
     (["YA", "YB"] as const).forEach((suffix, i) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed: 22_600 + i * 100,
         forty: 10,
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DEPARTURE);
     (["YA", "YB"] as const).forEach((suffix) => {
@@ -316,14 +315,13 @@ describe("G7·S32: a failed wagon is replaced and the train stays full", { retri
     ensureCorridorRoute();
     resetCorridorDay(DEPARTURE);
     configureAndOpenSchedule({ departure: DEPARTURE });
-    bookContainers({
+    bookAndClear({
       suffix: "MW",
       runStamp: stamp,
       isoSeed: 23_100,
       forty: 12,
       scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
     });
-    acceptOperation("MW");
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DEPARTURE);
     markPaid("MW");
     pollAllocations("MW", 12);
@@ -403,14 +401,13 @@ describe("G7·S33: an under-filled train dispatches anyway", { retries: 0 }, ()
     configureAndOpenSchedule({ departure: DEPARTURE });
 
     (["UA", "UB"] as const).forEach((suffix, i) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed: 23_400 + i * 100,
         forty: SHAPES[suffix].forty,
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DEPARTURE);
     (["UA", "UB"] as const).forEach((suffix) => {
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g8_import_customs.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g8_import_customs.cy.ts
index 836196a66..9875b0f6a 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g8_import_customs.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g8_import_customs.cy.ts
@@ -48,7 +48,11 @@ import {
   superAdmin,
   withBooking,
 } from "./import-utils";
-import { closeWindowAndRunBatch, configureAndOpenSchedule } from "./g1-utils";
+import {
+  bookAndClear,
+  closeWindowAndRunBatch,
+  configureAndOpenSchedule,
+} from "./g1-utils";
 
 const stamp = String(Date.now());
 const stampedRef = (suffix: string) => `CTR-IMP-${stamp}-${suffix}`;
@@ -74,14 +78,13 @@ function arrangeCustomsBooking(opts: {
   ensureCorridorRoute();
   resetCorridorDay(opts.departure);
   configureAndOpenSchedule({ departure: opts.departure });
-  bookContainers({
+  bookAndClear({
     suffix: opts.suffix,
     runStamp: stamp,
     isoSeed: opts.isoSeed,
     forty: opts.forty ?? 6,
     scheduledDate: bookingDay,
   });
-  acceptOperation(opts.suffix);
   closeWindowAndRunBatch(opts.departure);
   markPaid(opts.suffix);
   pollAllocations(opts.suffix, opts.forty ?? 6);
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g9_delivery.cy.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g9_delivery.cy.ts
index 7a0a283cb..352c51f7c 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g9_delivery.cy.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/g9_delivery.cy.ts
@@ -40,7 +40,11 @@ import {
   withBooking,
   withSchedule,
 } from "./import-utils";
-import { closeWindowAndRunBatch, configureAndOpenSchedule } from "./g1-utils";
+import {
+  bookAndClear,
+  closeWindowAndRunBatch,
+  configureAndOpenSchedule,
+} from "./g1-utils";
 
 const stamp = String(Date.now());
 const stampedRef = (suffix: string) => `CTR-IMP-${stamp}-${suffix}`;
@@ -114,7 +118,7 @@ describe("G9·S38: customers collect with their own trucks", { retries: 0 }, ()
 
     let isoSeed = 26_100;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -122,7 +126,6 @@ describe("G9·S38: customers collect with their own trucks", { retries: 0 }, ()
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].twenty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DEPARTURE);
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
@@ -273,7 +276,7 @@ describe("G9·S39: last-mile, self-haul and yard pickup on one train", { retries
 
     let isoSeed = 26_600;
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
-      bookContainers({
+      bookAndClear({
         suffix,
         runStamp: stamp,
         isoSeed,
@@ -281,7 +284,6 @@ describe("G9·S39: last-mile, self-haul and yard pickup on one train", { retries
         scheduledDate: BOOKING_DAY,
       });
       isoSeed += SHAPES[suffix].twenty;
-      acceptOperation(suffix);
     });
     closeWindowAndRunBatch(DEPARTURE);
     ORDER.forEach((suffix) => {
diff --git a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/import-utils.ts b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/import-utils.ts
index ac81d6b6f..487307fd2 100644
--- a/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/import-utils.ts
+++ b/e2e/freight/cypress/e2e/flows/import-utils.ts
@@ -725,7 +725,16 @@ export function settleViaGateway(suffix: string) {
 export function forceReservationExpiry(suffix: string) {
   withBooking(suffix, (b) =>
     db(
-      `UPDATE freight.bookings SET payment_deadline = now() - interval '1 second'
+      // A full HOUR into the past, not one second.
+      //
+      // The sweep races the top-up it triggers: promoting a waiting booking
+      // calls extendPaymentPhaseForTopUp (booking-batch.service.ts:2795),
+      // which pushes paymentPhaseEndsAt out — and a deadline only just behind
+      // `now()` can end up on the wrong side of the moved boundary, leaving
+      // the reservation un-flipped while its wagons have already been handed
+      // to the waiting list. An hour is unambiguously overdue under any
+      // extension the top-up applies.
+      `UPDATE freight.bookings SET payment_deadline = now() - interval '1 hour'
        WHERE id = $1`,
       [b.id],
     ),