CY (Container Yard) Cutoff

What is a CY cutoff date?

A CY cutoff date is the date by which a container must be gated-in (checked-in) at the container yard before its scheduled sailing. CY cutoff dates are determined by the carrier, but are typically 2 days before the scheduled sailing.

What happens if you miss the CY cutoff?

A container that arrives after the cutoff usually can't load on the scheduled vessel. It rolls to the next sailing, which can add days or weeks to transit, and the carrier may charge extra fees. Your cargo ready date, customs filings, and delivery dates all shift with it.

Work backward from the cutoff. Confirm the cargo ready date with your supplier, leave time for trucking to the yard and for export customs clearance, and ask your forwarder for the carrier's cutoff times, which can differ by terminal, vessel, and container type.

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