US Ecommerce Sellers Face Customs Warehouse Delays in Q4

As the year-end shopping season approaches, cross-border e-commerce sellers are gearing up for a surge in sales. However, rising U.S. Customs inspection rates and unexpected disruptions at Amazon and Walmart warehouses are adding significant challenges. Like hidden landmines, these issues can lead to cargo delays, increased costs, and disrupted sales plans. This article provides a detailed guide to navigating customs inspections, port operations, and warehouse logistics as of December 17, helping sellers mitigate risks and secure success during the critical holiday period.

1. Customs Inspections: High-Risk Ports and Mitigation Strategies

U.S. Customs inspection rates have risen overall, with certain ports posing particularly high risks. Sellers are advised to avoid the following high-inspection ports and opt for alternatives:

• Baltimore: Extremely high inspection rates, focusing on cargo value and importer authenticity.
• Jacksonville: Similarly high scrutiny on value and importer details.
• Dallas: Intensive checks on declared value and importer legitimacy.
• Seattle: High inspection rates, with emphasis on cargo valuation and importer verification.

Mitigation Strategies:

1. Select low-risk ports: Smaller or inland ports often have lower inspection rates.
2. Accurate declarations: Ensure all cargo details (value, description, quantity) are truthful to avoid suspicion.
3. Complete documentation: Provide accurate invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
4. Cooperate with inspections: Respond promptly to customs requests to expedite clearance.
5. Purchase insurance: Safeguard against potential losses or delays.

2. Port Operations: Congestion and Solutions

While most U.S. ports show manageable turnaround times (averaging four days), the following locations face severe operational issues:

• Omaha, Pittsburgh, Columbus: Critical shortages of rail chassis, leading to extended delays. Rail stations do not extend free storage periods.
• Louisville NS Rail Station: Chassis shortages result in over four-hour wait times.
• Los Angeles: Pacific Container Terminal and Pier A require appointments; avoid carriers like SM Line, COSCO, and OOCL.
• Seattle: Congestion may trigger demurrage fees; appointment slots are limited.

Solutions:

1. Advance planning: Monitor port conditions and reroute shipments where possible.
2. Carrier selection: Choose vessels that avoid congested terminals.
3. Pre-book appointments: Secure slots early to minimize delays.
4. Track free storage periods: Retrieve containers before fees apply.
5. Flexible returns: Adjust drop-off times or locations if needed.

3. Amazon FCL Deliveries: Warehouse Updates

Amazon’s fulfillment centers frequently adjust policies. Key updates include:

• Closed warehouses: PHL6 (no full-container-load or palletized deliveries).
• No FCL acceptance: XAV3 (requires transshipment; destinations are system-assigned).
• Appointment delays (2 weeks): LAX9, ONT8, XLX7, ILG1, MIT2, SCK4.
• Severe appointment delays (2+ weeks): LGB8, LAN2, SWF2, IUTH, IUST, TMB8, CLT2, IND9, FWA4, ABE8, FTW1, AVP1, MQJ1, SBD1.
• High rejection risk: XLX1/6/7 (pallets only; floor-loaded containers often rejected), MCO2, SNA4, XLX6 (strict loading requirements), SBD2 (overcrowded), FWA4 (staff shortages).
• Extended wait times: ORF2 (12 hrs), IAH3 (13 hrs), IUSF (18 hrs), POC3 (15 hrs), and others.

Strategies:

1. Monitor updates: Track Amazon’s announcements and logistics provider alerts.
2. Warehouse selection: Prioritize facilities with shorter delays and flexible policies.
3. Pre-schedule deliveries: Book appointments well in advance.
4. Compliance: Adhere to packaging, labeling, and pallet requirements.
5. Alternative methods: Consider LTL or palletized shipments if FCL faces hurdles.

4. Amazon Palletized Deliveries: Delays and Wait Times

Palletized shipments also face bottlenecks:

• Appointment delays (1 week): ABE8, AVP1, BNA6, CLT2, DET1, FOE1, FWA4, LAN2, LBE1, MCO2, MDW2, MEM1, MGE3, OKC2, PBI2, RDU2, RDU4, RMN3, RYY2, XEW5, XLX6, XRI3, LAS1, CMH3, MKC4, ORD2.
• Delays (2 weeks): CHA2, CMH2, GSO1, LFT1, RFD2, TMB8, SBD2, SCK4, SCK8, SMF3, SMF6, AKR1, IND9, SBD1.
• Extended wait times: RDU2 (13.25 hrs), TEB4 (36 hrs), HOU8 (10 hrs), others averaging 4–7 hrs.

Recommendations:

1. Buffer timelines: Account for delays when planning shipments.
2. Select efficient warehouses: Favor locations with shorter turnaround times.
3. Communicate proactively: Stay updated on appointment statuses.

5. Walmart FCL Deliveries: Warehouse Challenges

Walmart’s policies for floor-loaded containers require special attention:

• Drop requirements: Most warehouses mandate drop-offs for floor-loaded cargo.
• Severe overcrowding: MCI1n, DFW2n, ATL1 (3+ weeks to unload); LAX1/2 (5+ days).
• Faster unload times: PHL4n (7 days), MCO1s (5 days), MEM1s (3 days), CVG1N (3 days), SMF1N (5 days).
• Special restrictions: PHL1 (no floor-loaded FCL; pallets only), PHL4/5 (high drop fees; consider LTL), LAX1 (theft risks; prefer palletized), SLC1N (live unloads only; 5+ hr waits).

Actions:

1. Review policies: Confirm Walmart’s latest requirements before shipping.
2. Avoid congested hubs: Opt for warehouses with shorter processing times.
3. Pre-book appointments: Secure delivery slots early.
4. Alternative methods: Use LTL or palletized shipments if FCL is problematic.
5. Insurance coverage: Protect against potential losses.

6. Walmart Palletized Deliveries: Appointment Delays

Palletized shipments face scheduling hurdles:

• 1-week delays: PHL4n, ATL1.
• 2-week delays: ATL3, ATL2N.
• 4-week delays: DWF2n.

Planning Tips:

1. Adjust timelines: Factor in delays when scheduling.
2. Target efficient locations: Choose warehouses with shorter backlogs.
3. Maintain communication: Stay informed about appointment statuses.

7. Port Congestion Updates

• Los Angeles: 3-day congestion.
• Miami: 2-day congestion.

The year-end peak season presents both opportunities and challenges. By staying informed about customs, ports, and warehouse dynamics, sellers can optimize logistics and capitalize on seasonal demand.