In international shipping, mastering these five critical time points is essential to ensure your cargo is loaded smoothly and on schedule. Missing any of them could lead to delays, extra costs, or even missed sailings.
1. CY OPEN — Container Yard Opening Time
This is the earliest time containers are allowed to enter the port terminal, usually about six days before the CY cut-off. It marks the start of the container receiving period and allows shippers and forwarders to arrange container pickup and loading in advance.
2. SI CUT-OFF — Shipping Instruction Cut-off
The final deadline for the shipper to submit complete and accurate shipping documents, including the bill of lading details and customs declaration information. It’s also called the document cut-off. Missing this deadline may prevent the cargo from being booked or loaded on time.
3. VGM CUT-OFF — Verified Gross Mass Submission Deadline
The deadline for the shipper to submit the verified gross mass (VGM) of the loaded container. This is a mandatory requirement by shipping lines and must be completed before the CY cut-off. Failure to submit the VGM on time may result in the container not being loaded onto the vessel.
4. CY CUT-OFF — Container Yard Closing Time
Also known as the container delivery cut-off. This is the last time the terminal will accept loaded containers (heavy containers) into the yard. Any container delivered after this time will miss the scheduled vessel.
5. CUSTOMS CUT-OFF — Customs Clearance Deadline
The final deadline for completing all customs clearance procedures. Cargo must be cleared and released by customs before this time to be loaded onto the vessel as planned.
Terminology:
CY (Container Yard): The designated area at the terminal where containers are received, stored, and loaded onto ships.
VGM (Verified Gross Mass): The verified total weight of a loaded container, including cargo, packaging, and the container itself.
SI (Shipping Instruction): The official shipping order that provides key shipment details for documentation and bill of lading issuance.
