Polo 4PL Newsletter #51

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What Are GO Containers and How to Avoid Them?

Shipping across borders or managing large volumes of goods often involves complex logistics, and one term you might come across is "GO Containers." These containers can lead to significant headaches for businesses, particularly in terms of delays and added costs. In this blog, we'll explore what GO Containers are, why they happen, and how Polo 4PL can help you avoid them.?

What Is a GO Container?

"GO" stands for General Order—a status imposed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when imported goods are not promptly cleared. When cargo is left unclaimed or customs clearance is delayed, the shipment may be sent to a General Order warehouse. Once this happens, the container is labeled as a GO Container.

GO Containers are typically held in storage at a government-approved facility until the necessary paperwork, duties, or fees are resolved. Unfortunately, this process comes with heavy storage fees and can significantly slow down your supply chain.?

How Do GO Containers Happen?

There are several reasons why a container might be designated as a GO Container, including:

1. Incomplete or Missing Documentation: Incorrect, incomplete, or missing paperwork is the most common cause of a container being placed into General Order. Customs requires specific documentation to clear cargo, and any errors can lead to delays.
2. Failure to Pay Duties or Fees: Customs duties or associated fees need to be paid in full and on time. Failure to do so can result in cargo being sent to a GO warehouse.
3. Missed Deadlines: If cargo is not claimed or processed within a specified timeframe after arrival at a U.S. port, it risks being placed into General Order status.
4. Customs Holds or Inspections: Occasionally, containers may be flagged for random customs inspections or additional reviews, which can delay clearance.

Unclaimed Cargo: Sometimes, cargo simply goes unclaimed by its consignee, resulting in the container being sent to General Order storage.

Why Should You Avoid GO Containers?

GO Containers are costly and inefficient. Here’s why avoiding them should be a priority for every business:

• High Storage Fees: GO warehouses charge significant fees for holding your cargo. The longer your goods stay in storage, the more these fees pile up.
• Delays in Delivery: When your goods are stuck in General Order status, your delivery timelines are severely impacted, which can affect your supply chain and customer satisfaction.

Potential for Auction: If a GO Container is not claimed within a certain period, the government may auction off your goods to recover costs. This could result in a total loss of inventory.?

How to Avoid GO Containers: Proactive Solutions

To steer clear of the complications and costs associated with GO Containers, you need to be proactive in your approach. Here are some tips to ensure your containers don’t end up in General Order status:

1. Ensure Accurate Documentation One of the most effective ways to avoid GO Containers is to ensure that all required documentation is accurate and complete before the shipment arrives at the port. Polo 4PL provides customs brokerage services that help prevent paperwork errors, ensuring that your shipment moves smoothly through customs clearance.
2. Timely Payment of Duties and Fees Make sure all customs duties and fees are paid in full and on time. Polo 4PL can assist with this process by offering payment management solutions, ensuring your duties are covered to avoid unnecessary delays.
3. Track Your Shipments Keeping an eye on your shipments and being aware of their status is crucial. If you know when your cargo will arrive, you can ensure that everything is prepared for customs clearance. Polo 4PL offers real-time tracking solutions so you can monitor your shipments and take timely action if necessary.
4. Hire Experienced Logistics Providers Working with an experienced logistics provider like Polo 4PL ensures that all aspects of your shipment, from paperwork to transportation, are handled efficiently. Our team is well-versed in preventing GO Containers through proactive planning and attention to detail.

Promptly Claim Cargo Ensure that your cargo is claimed and processed as soon as it arrives at port. Unclaimed containers are prime candidates for General Order status. Our team at Polo 4PL helps facilitate timely claims to avoid this situation.

Avoid the Hassle—Trust Polo 4PL to Keep Your Containers Moving

GO Containers can be a costly mistake for your business, but with the right logistics partner, you can avoid them altogether. At Polo 4PL, we specialize in helping businesses like yours navigate the complexities of international shipping and customs clearance. Our expertise ensures that your containers don’t get held up, saving you time and money.

Don’t let this happen to you—Polo 4PL will help you out. Reach out to our team today to learn more about how we can streamline your shipping process and keep your cargo moving without the risk of General Order delays.

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