LA/LB port hold backlog: what to do now
When cargo slows down, the bottleneck is usually paperwork, not horsepower. Here is a short playbook to keep boxes moving.
1. Lock the HTS code before booking
Wrong classification can create avoidable holds or re-examination. Lock the code before booking, and confirm with your broker if there is any doubt.
2. Decode the hold message fast
Copy the CBP hold code or message into a decoder and get plain-English next steps immediately. The faster you know the reason, the faster you can respond before storage fees accrue.
3. Pre-calc landed cost
Duty + Merchandise Processing Fee + Harbor Maintenance Fee + any Section 301 tariff can add up. Estimate landed cost before you confirm freight or pickup.
4. Fix the invoice before it leaves the supplier
Invoices missing units, country of origin, or INCOTERMS trigger reviews. A short checklist cuts turnaround time and helps avoid PGA follow-on holds.
Common errors at packed ports
- Late ISF or incomplete 10+2 data. CBP wants ISF at least 72 hours before vessel loading. Ocean freight from LA/LB gateways almost always triggers this requirement.
- Unreviewed AD/CVD flags. Some HTS chapters in mixed containers carry antidumping risks. Screen before booking.
- Relying on old Section 321 flows for China-origin cargo. The new rule eliminates that exemption for certain origins. Every China-origin shipment from those countries may now need to qualify under formal entry rules.
Disclaimer: This is a planning reference only and does not constitute legal, customs, or CBP advice. Duty rates, hold outcomes, and filing requirements vary by shipment, HTS code, country of origin, and PGA determination. Always verify with a licensed customs broker and current CBP guidance.