General Order (GO) Cargo Destruction
When cargo isn’t entered in time, CBP sends it to a General Order warehouse, where storage charges continue to accumulate every day. We move GO cargo in-bond to a bonded destruction facility and handle the required CBP paperwork to help stop the storage costs.
When this applies
Cargo that isn’t entered within 15 calendar days of arrival can be sent to a General Order warehouse. From there, storage and handling charges accrue daily. If the merchandise remains unclaimed for 6 months from the date of importation, it becomes subject to sale or destruction by CBP, while perishable goods can be sold sooner. Waiting rarely helps: the storage bill can end up exceeding the value of the goods. Destroying the cargo early can close the file and help cap the cost.
Get a Fast Quote
We typically respond within 30 minutes.
How It Works
1
Send us the GO warehouse name, container or lot details, port, and commodity.
2
We coordinate with the GO warehouse and CBP to schedule the in-bond pickup.
3
Destruction is carried out under CBP supervision, with complete documentation provided for your records.
What you get
- Certificate of Destruction
- Support with CBP Form 3499
- GO release and in-bond chain of custody
- Complete closeout documentation
What Affects the Cost
- GO warehouse release and handling fees.
- Distance from the GO warehouse to the bonded destruction facility.
- Commodity, packaging, and destruction method.
- Full-container destruction versus selected lots.
Who We Work With
- Freight forwarders, NVOCCs, customs brokers, carriers, and importers of record.
FAQ
How long can cargo stay in GO?
Merchandise that remains unclaimed for 6 months from the date of importation is subject to sale or destruction by CBP. Perishable goods can be sold sooner. Storage charges accrue throughout the process, so acting early can help keep costs down.
Can you take part of a shipment?
Yes. We can destroy a full container or selected lots.
Do I need an entry to destroy GO cargo?
That depends on the specific case. We work through the appropriate process with CBP and the GO warehouse for each shipment.
Who pays the GO storage?
Storage is normally billed to the party responsible for the cargo. Moving the cargo to destruction quickly is the simplest way to limit ongoing storage costs.