Ocean Sea Freight Port Operations and Customs Clearance

Question 1

What is the '24-Hour Rule' for US ocean freight imports?

Accepted Answer

Carriers must submit cargo manifest information to CBP at least 24 hours before loading at the foreign port

Answer

Importers must file entry documents within 24 hours of vessel arrival

Answer

CBP must respond to ISF filings within 24 hours of submission

Answer

Containers must be picked up within 24 hours of terminal availability

Question 2

What is a 'Customs Entry' and when must it be filed for US ocean imports?

Accepted Answer

The formal import declaration filed with CBP, required before cargo can be released from the port

Answer

The pre-arrival notification filed 24 hours before vessel arrival

Answer

The documentation submitted to the carrier to arrange container pickup

Answer

The customs stamp applied to the Bill of Lading at port of entry

Question 3

What is 'Customs Examination' (CET) and what happens to the cargo?

Accepted Answer

CBP physically inspects or scans the container — it may be held at a CET facility for examination and at the importer's expense

Answer

The carrier verifies container seals match the B/L before terminal delivery

Answer

The freight forwarder audits customs entry documents for accuracy

Answer

A terminal procedure where gross weight is verified against VGM

Question 4

What is a 'DO' (Delivery Order) in ocean freight?

Accepted Answer

A document issued by the carrier or its agent authorizing the terminal to release cargo to the consignee

Answer

An order from customs authorizing release of a detained shipment

Answer

A booking confirmation sent to the shipper by the carrier

Answer

An instruction from the importer to their customs broker to file entry

Question 5

What is 'Port of Discharge' (POD) vs 'Place of Delivery' in ocean freight?

Accepted Answer

POD is where the vessel unloads the container; Place of Delivery is the final inland destination

Answer

Both terms refer to the same location — the destination port

Answer

POD is the port where the B/L is issued; Place of Delivery is where the cargo is loaded

Answer

POD is for FCL shipments; Place of Delivery is used only for LCL

Question 6

What is an 'In-Bond' shipment in US customs terminology?

Accepted Answer

Cargo that moves through US customs territory under a bond without paying duties, typically in transit to another destination or port

Answer

A shipment that has had duties prepaid and guaranteed by a surety bond

Answer

Cargo held by customs pending verification of country of origin

Answer

A type of duty-free shipment for diplomatic cargo