What is the timeframe for In-Transit pertaining to barge shipments?
Due to the special circumstances pertaining to travel by barge, CBP will allow for a 60-day in-transit time for barge shipments. CBP will consider on a case-by-case basis whether to grant an extension of the in-transit time period and if so, the length of the extension. The decision to extend the in-transit time period is within the discretion of CBP. Factors that may be considered in its decision would include extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the parties. For example, a vessel shipment may contain 50 coils of steel, which would need to be divided into at
least 25 truckloads. Due to truck shortages and bad weather it is not uncommon for shipments to take longer than the in-transit time for trucks of 30 days. CBP will take into account logistical issues such as the one described above when considering a request for an extension of the in- transit time. Filing of a new/subsequent in-bond application does not extend the transit time from the time frame provided for the original in-bond movement.
Functionality does not currently exist to accept and approve extensions electronically via electronic EDI. Accordingly, all requests for an extension must be made to the port director of the port of destination or port of exportation, as appropriate within 24 hours of receiving the
request. CBP will not provide the reason for denying an extension request since the request may be denied for law enforcement purposes. A request for an extension must be made for each individual in-bond entry. CBP will not grant a blanket extension for all shipments covered by a
bill of lading. When the merchandise is subject to examination or inspection by CBP or another government agency, the time for which the merchandise is held due to the examination or inspection will not be considered part of the in-transit time.