✅ Container Opening Time

Container opening time refers to the earliest time empty containers can be picked up. After freight forwarders or shippers make a booking with the shipping company, the shipping company will confirm the space and issue an S/O (Shipping Order) to the booking party. The S/O is a booking confirmation document containing details such as the S/O number, vessel name, voyage number, place of receipt, port of loading, port of discharge, estimated departure time, payment terms, and other remarks regarding the space.

Freight forwarders or shippers can arrange trucks to pick up empty containers at the designated location based on the time specified in the S/O. Containers cannot be picked up before this time, and doing so may incur additional charges.

✅ Cut-off for Supplementary Documents

The cut-off for supplementary documents is also referred to as the document submission deadline, known in English as CSI or CI. Supplementary documents are the data used to create the bill of lading for sea freight, including information about the goods (name, dimensions, weight, etc.), the port of origin, port of discharge, shipper, and consignee.

If these details are not submitted to the carrier before this deadline, the original information will be used to issue the bill of lading. Any subsequent amendments will require a document amendment fee. Typically, the cut-off time specified in the S/O provided by the shipping company is earlier than the actual deadline to allow the carrier some buffer time.

✅ VGM Cut-off Time

The VGM cut-off time refers to the deadline for submitting Verified Gross Mass (VGM) data. VGM stands for Verified Gross Mass and is the verified weight of a loaded container. It is a requirement to ensure the safety of container shipping.

✅ Closing Time (Cut-off Time)

The closing time, also known as Closing Date, includes two components: the cut-off time for loaded containers at the terminal and the cut-off time for customs release notes. Closing time refers to the latest time by which the carrier must receive customs release notes for booked and loaded cargo on a specific vessel.

If this deadline is missed, the shipping company will no longer accept the customs release notes, meaning the cargo cannot be loaded onto the vessel as scheduled. Customs declarations must be completed before this date.

Cut-off for Loaded Containers: This is the terminal’s deadline for receiving loaded containers.

Cut-off for Customs Release Notes: This is the shipping company’s deadline for receiving customs release notes.

A customs release note is a document issued by customs as proof of inspection clearance. Before cargo is exported, it must go through a customs declaration process, during which customs will review the electronic declaration form, paper declaration form, accompanying documents, inspect the cargo, collect taxes or accept guarantees, and finally stamp the transportation documents for compliant cargo, issuing a customs release note.

If customs release notes are submitted after this time, the shipping company will consider the cargo uncleared and will not allow it to be loaded onto the vessel. Even if the loaded container has already been returned to the terminal, it can only be scheduled for the next available vessel, which will incur significant costs, including amendment fees, yard storage fees, and documentation fees.