Container Shipping Deadlines Explained: Cut-Off Time, SI Deadline, Vanning Time & Customs Release Cut-Off
Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-12-03 Origin: Site
n international container shipping, deadlines like Vanning Time, SI Cut-Off Time, Closing Time, and Customs Release Cut-Off Time directly determine whether cargo can be shipped on schedule. Misunderstanding these key timelines often leads to delays, additional fees, or even cargo being left unshipped. This guide breaks down each deadline in detail, helping shippers and freight forwarders avoid common pitfalls.
1. Vanning Time (Empty Container Pick-Up Time)
After a shipper books space with a carrier, the carrier issues a Shipping Order (S/O) detailing key timelines—including Vanning Time.
Vanning Time refers to the earliest time an empty container can be picked up from the terminal or the carrier’s designated location. Before this time, shippers or freight forwarders cannot collect empty containers for loading.
This timeline is set by the carrier based on vessel schedules and container availability. It ensures containers are picked up and loaded in an orderly manner, preventing terminal congestion and ensuring alignment with the vessel’s departure plan.
2. SI Cut-Off Time (Shipping Instruction Cut-Off Time)
SI Cut-Off Time—also known as Document Cut-Off Time—is the latest time shippers must submit data for bill of lading (B/L) issuance to the carrier. It is the final deadline for modifying the B/L format and content; changes made after this time will incur B/L amendment fees.
There is no universal standard for SI Cut-Off Time: some carriers set it on the vessel’s departure date, while others allow a 1-week grace period post-departure. If shippers cannot submit data on time, they can apply for SI Late Come to extend the deadline—carriers typically grant a few extra hours.
Special Requirement for U.S. Routes: S/I CLOSING
Unlike other routes, U.S.-bound shipments require strict adherence to S/I CLOSING rules:
Freight forwarders must submit cargo details to the carrier 48 hours before departure.
The carrier must file the cargo information to U.S. Customs via the AMS (America Manifest System) 24 hours before departure, including the actual shipper, consignee, and cargo specifics.
What Is AMS?
AMS (America Manifest System), also called Anti-Terrorism Manifest Fee or Information Fee, is a mandatory requirement for all cargo imported into the U.S. (from global origins). It requires submitting data to U.S. Customs, including gross weight, number of packages, volume, actual shipper/consignee details, and product names in both Chinese and English. AMS filing is generally required 1 day before Closing Time.
3. Closing Time (Container Return & Customs Clearance Deadline)
Closing Time is a core timeline that includes two key sub-deadlines: Container Return Cut-Off Time and Customs Release Cut-Off Time.
A. Container Return Cut-Off Time (Closing Time)
Container Return Cut-Off Time—often referred to simply as "Closing Time"—is the latest time loaded containers (full containers) can be returned to the terminal. After this deadline, the carrier will not accept the container for the scheduled voyage, meaning the cargo cannot be loaded onto the target vessel.
B. Customs Release Cut-Off Time
Customs Release Cut-Off Time is the latest time the carrier accepts the Customs Release Note (usually within 6 hours after Container Return Cut-Off Time, serving as a buffer period). Shippers must complete customs clearance and submit the Customs Release Note to the carrier before this time.
Failure to meet this deadline results in the carrier rejecting the Customs Release Note, and the cargo will be excluded from the voyage. Even if the full container has been returned to the terminal, it can only be rescheduled for the next voyage—incurring fees like B/L amendment fees, yard storage fees, and documentation fees.
Key Tips for Customs Release Cut-Off:
Customs Release Note: A document proving customs clearance approval. Late submission means the carrier deems the cargo uncleared and denies boarding.
Same-Day Clearance Risks: Cargo cleared on the same day as Closing Time faces a high customs inspection rate. Experienced freight forwarders usually recommend rescheduling to the next voyage to avoid inspection fees, vessel change fees, and demurrage.
Extension Application: If a shipper cannot meet the deadline, they can apply for CY Late Come (Container Yard Late Come) in advance. Carriers may approve a few extra hours for container return, but approval is not guaranteed.
Sequence Matters: The correct workflow is: Container Return → Closing Time → Customs Release Cut-Off Time. In Shenzhen, for example, customs clearance can only be arranged after returning the full container and obtaining a Full Container Receipt. It is best to return the full container 0.5–1 day before Container Return Cut-Off Time.
4. Customs Release Cut-Off Time (Reiterated for Clarity)
This deadline aligns with the carrier’s final acceptance time for the Shipping Note (commonly called Customs Release Note). Terminals typically start organizing cleared shipping receipts for vessel stowage a few hours before departure—making this timeline synonymous with "Closing Time" in practical operations.
Simple Analogy for Beginners
Think of container shipping like taking a train:
Container Return Cut-Off Time = Deadline for ticket check-in and station entry.
Customs Release Cut-Off Time = Deadline for boarding the train; latecomers must wait for the next train.
