Abandoned Container Destruction

Consignee disappeared? Importer won’t pay? Every day the box sits, demurrage and per diem keep running against you. We move abandoned containers in-bond to a CBP-bonded facility, destroy the cargo under CBP supervision, and provide the Certificate of Destruction so you can close the file and stop the fees.

When this applies

A container is effectively abandoned when the consignee can’t be reached, won’t pay, or formally refuses the cargo, leaving the carrier, NVOCC, or forwarder responsible for it. If no entry is filed, the cargo may eventually be sent to General Order, adding storage and additional handling fees. Acting before that point is usually less costly. Destruction is the right option when the goods have little or no resale value, can’t legally be sold, or would cost more to re-export than to destroy.

Get a Fast Quote

We typically respond within 30 minutes.

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How It Works

1

Send us the BOL, container number, port, commodity, and any notices you’ve received from the consignee or CBP.

2

We confirm the release process with CBP and the carrier, then arrange in-bond drayage to a bonded destruction facility.

3

Cargo is destroyed under CBP supervision and you receive the Certificate of Destruction.

What you get

  • Certificate of Destruction
  • Support with CBP Form 3499
  • In-bond movement documentation
  • Weight tickets and photos, available upon request

What Affects the Cost

  • Drayage distance from the terminal to the bonded facility, including chassis, pre-pull, and yard storage fees.
  • Commodity type and destruction method, such as landfill, incineration, shredding, or waste-to-energy.
  • Total weight and number of containers.
  • Whether CBP requires an officer to be present on site, as well as any agency holds placed on the cargo.

Who We Work With

  • Ocean carriers, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and importers of record.

FAQ

When is a container considered abandoned?

Usually when the consignee cannot be reached or refuses the cargo, leaving the carrier or forwarder responsible for it. If no entry is filed within 15 calendar days of arrival, CBP can send the cargo to a General Order warehouse. We help you confirm the correct process with CBP before that happens.

Normally, the party in control of the cargo, such as the carrier, NVOCC, forwarder, or importer of record, with the proper authorization and documentation.

Yes. Once the cargo is unloaded at the facility, the empty container is returned to the carrier’s depot.

Most quotes go out the same day. Pickup is scheduled as soon as CBP approves the move.