Customs clearance feels like the final milestone in shipping, but many containers get stuck after clearance is completed. This is one of the most frustrating moments for shippers because, on paper, everything looks finished, yet the cargo still does not move.
What it is:
Customs clearance means the cargo has been approved by customs authorities from a regulatory and compliance standpoint. It does not mean the container is physically accessible or legally released by all parties involved in the shipment.
How it works:
Once customs clears a shipment, several additional conditions must still be met before pickup is possible:
- Carrier release: The ocean carrier must issue a release confirming that all freight charges, surcharges, and documentation requirements are satisfied. If any charges are unpaid or documents are under review, the release is withheld.
- Terminal availability: Even with clearance and carrier release, the container must be physically accessible in the terminal yard. During congestion, containers may be buried under stacks or placed in restricted areas.
- Equipment and labor constraints: Limited crane availability, labor shortages, or yard congestion can prevent containers from being retrieved on schedule.
- Inland coordination: Truck appointments must be secured, and appointment systems are often fully booked days in advance in busy ports.
If any one of these steps is delayed, the container remains stuck, even though customs clearance is complete.
Examples:
- Customs clears the shipment, but the carrier release is delayed due to unpaid local charges.
- The container is cleared, but the terminal yard is congested and cannot retrieve the box for pickup.
- A truck appointment is required, but no slots are available for several days.
- The container is selected for a secondary terminal inspection unrelated to customs clearance.
Facts:
Customs clearance is only one checkpoint in the cargo release process. In many major ports, the longest delays happen after clearance. Demurrage often starts accruing even when shippers believe the shipment is “done.”
Misinterpretations:
- Many shippers believe customs clearance equals cargo availability. It does not.
- Another common misconception is that terminals or carriers will prioritize cleared cargo. Terminals operate based on yard capacity and appointment systems, not clearance status. Some assume delays after clearance are exceptions. In congested ports, they are routine.
Who solves it:
Skypace tracks customs clearance, carrier release, terminal status, and pickup readiness as separate milestones. By showing which specific step is blocking the container, shippers avoid false expectations and can act early to prevent storage, demurrage, and detention charges.
