Pickup & Delivery
CBP Released the Cargo. What Must Happen Before Pickup?
A customs release message is not a pickup appointment. Before assigning a truck, the team should confirm the freight's physical location, other holds and the facility's release process.
Confirm every release that matters
Check the CBP entry status and any applicable partner-agency status. Separately confirm the carrier or freight release, terminal or CFS availability, and whether documents or charges still prevent the facility from handing over the cargo.
Choose the right pickup move
Ocean containers commonly need a drayage appointment, chassis planning and an empty-return plan. Air cargo is collected by local truck from the airline terminal or CFS; it is not container drayage. The equipment, release number and pickup instructions should match the actual facility.
For ocean freight, track terminal free time and equipment return terms. The Federal Maritime Commission distinguishes demurrage, which relates to time beyond free time on a marine terminal, from detention for extended use of intermodal equipment.
Book delivery after availability is real
Confirm the receiver's address, hours and appointment requirements. If a direct delivery window will not work, discuss a pre-pull or warehouse transfer before committing to the final trucking leg. Any exam or hold should trigger a revised pickup plan rather than a guessed release time.
Official sources
Check these agencies for current requirements and product-specific instructions.
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