What Are the Five Most Important Cut-Off Times in Freight Forwarding?

1. CY Open (Container Yard Open)
Usually about six days before the customs cut-off.
This is the earliest time the carrier allows containers to enter the terminal. Shippers can plan container pickup, loading, and delivery based on this time.

2. SI Cut-Off (Shipping Instruction Cut-Off)
The final deadline for the shipper to submit complete and accurate customs documents and shipping instruction (SI) details to the freight forwarder.
Missing this deadline may delay documentation processing and affect space release or loading.

3. VGM Cut-Off (Verified Gross Mass Cut-Off)
The latest time for the shipper to submit the verified gross weight (VGM) of the container to the carrier.
Failure to provide VGM on time may lead to the container not being loaded on the vessel.

4. CY Cut-Off (Container Yard Cut-Off)
Also known as “cargo receiving cut-off.”
This is the latest time the terminal accepts laden containers. After this deadline, the container can no longer gate in.

5. Customs Cut-Off
The final deadline by which all customs clearance procedures must be completed, including declaration, inspection (if any), and release by customs.

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Terminology:
    •    CY (Container Yard): The terminal area designated for container storage
    •    VGM (Verified Gross Mass): Verified total weight of the container
    •    SI (Shipping Instruction): Document containing bill of lading details


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