Port of Entry
Also known as: POE, Entry Port, Customs Port
Definition
A port of entry (POE) is a designated location where goods and people can legally enter a country. At these locations, customs officials inspect shipments, collect duties, and enforce import regulations.
Types of Ports of Entry
| Type | Examples | Typical Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Seaport | Los Angeles, Long Beach, Newark | Containerized freight |
| Airport | JFK, LAX, Chicago O’Hare | Air cargo, express |
| Land border | Detroit, Laredo, Buffalo | Truck freight, rail |
| Interior port | Chicago, Dallas | Container destuffing |
Major US Ports of Entry (by volume)
- Los Angeles/Long Beach - Largest container port complex
- New York/New Jersey - East Coast hub
- Savannah - Fast-growing Southeast port
- Houston - Gulf Coast leader
- Seattle/Tacoma - Pacific Northwest gateway
What Happens at Port of Entry
- Arrival - Cargo arrives by vessel, plane, or truck
- Manifest review - Customs reviews shipping documents
- Inspection - Physical or X-ray examination if selected
- Duty assessment - Calculate tariffs owed
- Release - Cargo cleared to enter commerce
Choosing a Port of Entry
Factors to consider:
- Proximity to destination - Shorter domestic transit
- Congestion levels - Faster processing at less busy ports
- Carrier service - Ocean/air routes available
- Customs expertise - Some ports specialize in certain goods
- Infrastructure - Rail connections, warehouse capacity
Port Congestion
During high-volume periods, ports may experience:
- Vessel waiting times at anchor
- Extended container dwell times
- Chassis and equipment shortages
- Delayed rail departures
Strategies for Port Selection
- Diversify across multiple ports
- Use inland ports for deconsolidation
- Consider rail vs. truck for onward movement
- Monitor port congestion metrics
- Build relationships with port-specific customs brokers
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