The customs closing date is the last date that the carrier accepts the cargo for shipment in a specified voyage at designated delivery location or closing location---the container terminal or dock.
The exporter must arrange for cargo arrival at the carrier's designated closing location before the cut-off date and time, otherwise he/she may lose the order. The delivery date and location and the customs closing date for the goods are specified in the shipping order (S/O).
      The authorized delivery date can be 2 days, including the day before the closing date. In case the cargo arrives at the container terminal or dock earlier than the date specified by the carrier, the vessel may not arrive yet and the carrier may not accept the cargo. The cargo may incur warehousing charges if it is not returned to the shipper.