Bonded sufferance warehouses

As a leading provider of transportation and warehousing in Vancouver, BC with over 30 years of industry experience, we’re here with tips for finding the best-bonded sufferance warehouse to save you time and money.

All goods entering Canada need to be assessed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before they are allowed to be released. However, the inspection of your shipment may not be able to take place at the port of entry at the time of arrival. Your cargo will need to be transported to a bonded sufferance warehouse to await clearance. There’s so much more that goes with this process and learning about the entire journey will help your business grow.

What is a Sufferance Warehouse?

A sufferance warehouse is a privately owned storage facility regulated by the CBSA for short-term storage of imported goods that have not yet cleared customs. Shipments transported to these warehouses remain under customs control. Only goods that have had security bonds posted are eligible to be stored at these warehouses for ​​a maximum of 40 days. There are a few exceptions that have reduced stays listed below:

• Perishables with a limited expiration day – Max 4 days
• Prescribed Substances – Max 14 days
• firearms, weapons, and tobacco – Max 14 days
• Spirits – Max 21 days

What happens during the time your goods are in a sufferance warehouse?

Restricted Access

Goods stored at a sufferance warehouse are under strict security. They cannot be easily accessed by the importer and only certain individuals can enter the restricted holding area unless they are accompanied by a CBSA officer. Personnel that has access and can enter include the license holder of the bonded warehouse or authorized employees of the warehouse or carrier tasked with moving the goods. 

Fees and Customs Duties

Importers are able to avoid paying duties for the duration of time that your goods are awaiting clearance at a sufferance warehouse. However, user fees will apply for storage and handling.

Sub-Location Code

Once your cargo enters a sufferance warehouse, a new manifest will be issued that includes a sub-location code. This code helps identify the location of goods in a sufferance warehouse and is required for the CBSA to issue an EDI release to warehouse operators.

What Should You be Looking for When Choosing a Bonded Sufferance Warehouse?

1. A One-Stop-Shop Process

Why have different parties taking care of your precious cargo when you can have one company take care of everything? 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 time, money, and unnecessary stress. 

2. Experience and Up-To-Date

Given the immense changes that our economy has undergone these last few years, you will want an experienced industry leader that keeps up with the latest trends working for you.  Having 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. 

3. Services

You will want a reliable warehouse that can provide you with all of the following services.

• Container & Trailer Destuffing
• Dangerous Goods Storage
• Palletizing
• Short & Long-Term Storage
• Cross Docking
• Shrink Wrapping
• Blocking & Bracing
• Loading & Securing Cars, Vehicles
• Container & Trailer Stuffing

Finding an efficient, reliable, and experienced trucking and warehousing company in Vancouver will save you time and money. 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. 

Whether you are in search of a sufferance warehouse or require LTL/FTL services in BC, Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec, our team is here to help. Contact us at (604)-276-9044 or info@sandhartrucking.com today to learn more.