Most businesses are working around the clock this month trying to keep shelves stocked as the holiday shopping season ramps up and getting items shipped and cleared by CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) is on the top of everyone’s list. One key player in helping goods flow smoothly are bonded sufferance warehouses and we’re here to tell you why they are important.
Why do you need a Bonded Sufferance Warehouse?
You’ve poured out your heart into sourcing the perfect items at the perfect price to import and the container full of your inventory has finally arrived at the port. The freight will be shipped directly to your place after a quick inspection by CBSA right? Unfortunately, customs may not be able to examine your freight at the port of entry and your container will need to be transferred to a sufferance warehouse for further inspection. The goods being stored at a sufferance warehouse will still remain under the control of CBSA.
What is a Bonded Sufferance Warehouse?
They are privately owned and operated facilities licensed by the CBSA for the short-term storage and the examination of imported goods pending release from customs. You do not have to pay duties yet when your goods are being stored at the sufferance warehouse, but you will need to post a financial bond in order for your items to be there. Warehouse keepers also charge a fee for storage and handling.
How long can my goods remain at a Bonded Sufferance Warehouse?
The maximum number of days that your freight can remain in a sufferance warehouse is 40 days except the following:
- Perishables with a limited expiration day – Max 4 days
- Prescribed Substances – Max 14 days
- firearms, weapons, & tobacco – Max 14 days
- Spirits – Max 21 days
What are some things you should look for when choosing a Bonded Sufferance Warehouse?
- Using one single business to handle your trucking and sufferance warehouse needs.
There are quite a few companies in the Metro Vancouver area that focus on either trucking or warehousing. Using the services of two or more separate businesses will of course be more complicated than employing just one. Having one trucking company, authorized by the Port of Vancouver, transport your freight upon arrival to its own bonded sufferance warehouse to complete a CBSA inspection and then deliver the shipment to its destination saves you money, time, and unnecessary problems. You can’t beat the efficiency of a one-stop-shop service!
- Experience and Capabilities
A safe, state-of-the-art, and clean warehouse that has experienced staff and can handle larger volumes should also be on the top of your mind. Having ample loading docks and grade doors and railcar loading bays is definitely a game changer.
- Services Provided
Services that should be provided by a sufferance warehouse includes:
- Container & Trailer Destuffing
- Short & Long-Term Storage
- Cross Docking
- Palletizing
- Shrink Wrapping
- Dangerous Goods Storage
- Loading & Securing Cars, Vehicles
- Container & Trailer Stuffing
- Blocking & Bracing
Time is money and finding an efficient, reliable, and experienced trucking and warehousing company in Vancouver will be the difference between making or missing sales, especially during this peak shipping season.
As a leading provider of transportation and warehousing in BC with authorized access to all major ports and rails, our team is always up to date with the latest changes and developments related to shipping, trucking, intermodal transportation, and importing/exporting both domestically and internationally.
From LTL/FTL services to bonded sufferance warehousing, our fleet of 250+ trailers and an extensive range of trucks is here for you. Contact us today at (604)-276-9044 or info@sandhartrucking.com for more information and let us help your business grow.