Definition
An arrival notice is a document issued by a shipping line or freight forwarder notifying the consignee (the importer or their agent) that a shipment has arrived at the destination port. It contains essential shipment details, including the bill of lading number, container information, vessel name, and any port charges due.
Why It Matters for Importers
The arrival notice is the starting gun for your customs clearance timeline. Once your cargo arrives, CBP expects entry documentation within a specific window. Delays in acting on the arrival notice lead to demurrage and detention charges from the shipping line, which can add hundreds or thousands of dollars per day to your landed cost.
Your customs broker should receive the arrival notice simultaneously and begin the clearance process immediately. The faster your broker files the entry after receiving the arrival notice, the sooner your goods are released and the less you pay in port storage fees.
Key Details
- Free time: Most shipping lines provide a limited number of free days (typically 3-5) after cargo arrives before demurrage charges begin.
- Information included: Bill of lading number, vessel and voyage, container numbers, estimated charges, and consignee details.
- Action required: Forward the arrival notice to your customs broker immediately so they can begin the entry filing process.
- Not a customs document: The arrival notice is a commercial document from the carrier, not a CBP filing — but it triggers CBP-related deadlines.
Understanding the customs clearance timeline helps you minimize port costs. Learn more about our customs clearance process.
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