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Container Freight Station (CFS)
Definition
A container freight station (CFS) is a facility where cargo is loaded into or unloaded from containers, typically to consolidate or split less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments.
What it means
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey defines a CFS as "a shipping dock where cargo is loaded/stuffed or unloaded/stripped from containers."[1] Maersk describes it as located "either within a port or at an inland location where goods are loaded into or unloaded from containers," as opposed to a container yard (CY), where containers themselves are stored.[2]
For imports that have not cleared customs, CBP can approve a bonded container station, independent of the importing carrier, where containerized cargo may be moved "for the purpose of breaking bulk and redelivery."[3][4] A CFS is where an LCL shipment is separated from the other cargo in its container.
Related
Related terms
- Freight ConsolidationFreight consolidation is combining several smaller shipments into one larger load, such as several LTL...Glossary
- Break BulkBreak bulk has two meanings in freight: cargo that is not in containers and is handled piece by piece, and...Glossary
- DevanningDevanning is unloading freight from a shipping container, also called stripping or container unloading.Glossary
- Marine Terminal OperatorA marine terminal operator (MTO) runs the wharves, container yards and other terminal facilities that ocean...Glossary
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.
- Maersk, “Understanding CFS and CY Logistics in Freight Shipping,” Carrier publication. Published July 2, 2024. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 19.40, Establishment of container stations,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 19.41, Movement of cargo to a container station,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 30, 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.