Freight answersPort
What Are the Different Types of Container Holds?
Short answer
A container can be held for unrelated reasons, each cleared by a different party. A customs hold is placed by CBP and handled through the importer's customs broker. A freight or line hold is placed by the ocean carrier until freight is paid or the bill of lading is released. A terminal or demurrage hold means fees are owed to the terminal. A USDA hold concerns plant-health risk or entry documents, and in most cases is actually placed by CBP.
The holds and who clears them
| Hold | Placed by | Usually means | Who clears it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customs hold | CBP | Documents needed or the box is selected for exam | The importer's customs broker with CBP |
| Freight or line hold | The ocean carrier | Freight unpaid or bill of lading not released | The consignee or NVOCC with the carrier |
| Terminal or demurrage hold | The marine terminal | Fees such as demurrage are owed | Whoever pays the terminal |
| USDA hold | In most cases CBP, for USDA | Plant-health risk or missing entry documentation | The importer and its broker, following the inspector's instructions |
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey tells truckers: "DO ensure there are no holds on the container (freight, customer, demurrage, customs, etc) prior to picking up an import load," and notes that a container with a customs or freight hold cannot be booked for an appointment at some terminals.[1]
USDA holds
USDA's plant health service explains that when a CBP inspector needs to verify entry documentation or sees a risk of a plant pest or disease, the shipment is placed on a USDA hold, and that "while the alert may say USDA, in most cases, CBP is actually placing the hold."[2] Wood packaging problems are one cause; see ISPM 15 wood pallets.
Exams
A customs hold for an exam can mean an X-ray scan, a tailgate exam or an intensive exam at a centralized examination station, where the importer bears the cost of preparing and closing the packages.[3] The levels are explained in CBP exam holds.
Example
A trucker checks the terminal website for a container and sees two holds: customs and freight. The customs broker confirms CBP released the entry that morning, so that hold should drop; the freight hold stays until the consignee pays the ocean freight and the line releases the bill of lading. Only then can the pickup be booked.
Limitations
Hold names and codes differ by terminal system. This is general information; the terminal, the carrier and your customs broker confirm what a specific hold means.
Related
Related terms
- Customs BrokerA customs broker is a person or company licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct customs...Glossary
- DemurrageDemurrage is a charge for a loaded container that stays at the marine terminal after its free time runs out.Glossary
- Delivery OrderA delivery order (D.O.) is a document issued by the consignee or its customs broker that authorizes release...Glossary
- Centralized Examination StationA centralized examination station (CES) is a privately operated facility where imported merchandise is made...Glossary
- Marine Terminal OperatorA marine terminal operator (MTO) runs the wharves, container yards and other terminal facilities that ocean...Glossary
- General OrderGeneral order (GO) is CBP custody for imported cargo that was not entered or released in time; the cargo is...Glossary
Related questions
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- Master vs. House Bill of Lading: What Is the Difference?When an NVOCC or forwarder consolidates several shipments, the ocean carrier issues one master bill of lading...Answer
- Do I Need a Customs Broker to Import Goods?Not legally. U.S. law requires a customs broker's license only for conducting customs business on behalf of...Answer
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Related freight problems
Sources
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, “Truckers Resource Guidebook (revised July 2023),” Port authority guidance. Published July 2023. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, “USDA Holds Due to Potential Plant Health Risk,” Government guidance. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 151.6, Place of examination,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.