Navigating U.S. Customs inspections can be a logistical nightmare for importers, often causing costly delays and operational headaches. Price Transfer, a pioneer in the Customs Examination Station (CES) program, offers a proven solution to these challenges.
A Trusted Partner in Customs Clearance
With decades of experience, Price Transfer provides efficient inspection services at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, helping goods clear customs faster and reach their destinations on schedule.
The company's history dates back to 1934 as a family-owned business specializing in personal item transportation. In 1985, Price Transfer became one of the first participants in an innovative Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pilot program that stationed officers at private facilities for on-site inspections.
Today, Price Transfer operates as one of the largest CES providers in the U.S., with multiple facilities near major West Coast ports. Government agencies including CBP, FDA, and USDA maintain offices at Price Transfer locations, enabling coordinated inspections and faster processing.
Comprehensive Services and Facilities
Price Transfer operates over 1,000,000 square feet of inspection and storage space across multiple facilities, including:
- CBP Centralized Examination Stations (CES)
- Bonded Container Freight Stations
- Bonded warehouses
- General Order warehouses in Phoenix, Arizona
The company offers a full range of inspection-related services:
- Remote filing examinations
- Bonded warehousing
- Container freight station operations
- Transloading services
- Container flipping
- Local and nationwide transportation
Transparent Pricing and Tracking
All inspection fees are pre-approved by CBP, ensuring fair and predictable costs. Clients must settle charges before removing goods from Price Transfer facilities.
The company provides real-time cargo tracking through its online system. A unique tracking number is generated when CBP authorizes an examination, allowing importers to monitor inspection progress at every stage.
Understanding Inspection Status Updates
Price Transfer uses standardized terminology to communicate cargo status:
- INGATE: Container arrived at facility
- DEVANNING: Unloading for inspection
- EXAM IN PROGRESS: CBP inspection underway
- RELEASED/RELOADING: Goods cleared and being repacked
- OUT-GATED: Container departed facility
Complete status definitions help importers understand exactly where their shipments stand in the inspection process.
Operational Advantages
Price Transfer's benefits include:
- Faster clearance times through coordinated inspections
- Reduced operational costs by minimizing delays
- Secure handling of goods during examination
- Transparent communication through tracking systems
The company maintains extended operating hours to accommodate urgent shipments, with yard facilities available 24 hours Monday through Saturday.