Official Notice by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Controlled Drayage Requirement for Container Shipments at LA/LB Ports
Core Changes
1.
Mandatory Controlled Transport for Full Container Load (FCL)
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FCL shipments selected for inspection by the Merchandise Enforcement Team (MET) or Agriculture Quality Inspection (AQI) are prohibited from using self-arranged trucking companies.
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All drayage from terminals to Centralized Examination Stations (CES) must be executed by CES-contracted or affiliated carriers designated under CBP-controlled protocols.
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The same requirement applies to re-export shipments mandated by CBP (e.g., return from CES to terminals).
2.
Flexibility Retained for Less than Container Load (LCL)
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LCL shipments selected for MET/AQI inspections may continue using self-arranged transport from terminals to CES, subject to standard customs requirements.
Specific Provisions
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Effective Date: August 25, 2025.
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Applicability:
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FCL: Customs brokers and importers lose autonomy in selecting drayage providers for MET/AQI exams. CES operators exclusively dispatch carriers for terminal-to-CES movements.
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CES Definition: Refers to carriers certified or contracted by CES operators to perform controlled drayage compliant with CBP directives.
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Re-exports: Mandated returns (e.g., rejected cargo) must also use CES-designated carriers.
Background and Rationale
This policy responds to widespread evasion of customs inspections, including:
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Label tampering, concealment of sensitive goods (e.g., counterfeit items, unapproved agricultural products), and falsified CES delivery records during self-arranged transport.
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Legal authority derives from 19 CFR §151.15(d), empowering CBP to designate bonded movement types and CES facilities.
