Port filings

What is a port filing?

A port filing is a notification to the port that a certain container will be on board of a certain vessel going to a certain location with corresponding export declaration documents. It is a step after export clearance.

Why do port filings matter?

Carriers and port authorities use the filing to build the vessel's loading plan and to confirm that each container has cleared export. A missed or late filing can keep a container from being loaded, so it rolls to a later vessel.

A freight forwarder or customs broker usually submits the port filing once customs accepts the export declaration, and before the container's cutoff date. Check the carrier's cutoff dates, since a container that reaches the terminal after cutoff can miss its sailing.

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