Every condition behind an available status
Availability is the terminal's answer to one question: can this container leave today? The answer is yes only when several separate conditions are met at once, and each one is controlled by a different party. A box can be cleared by customs and still be held by the carrier, or the reverse, so a release from one party is never the full answer.
- Discharged and located in the terminal's yard
- Customs release, with no holds from other government agencies
- Carrier release, usually after freight and fees are paid
- No terminal holds, such as unpaid storage
Checking the terminal, not just tracking
The terminal's own system is the reference for availability, because its gate decides whether a truck leaves with the box. Carrier tracking often shows little between discharge and gate-out, even though releases and holds change during that time. Some carriers send release or availability notices, but check the terminal's status on the day of pickup, since a new hold can appear at any time.
Available late, free time early
Free time does not always wait for availability. Depending on the tariff, the clock may start at discharge even while a hold keeps the box in the yard, so a slow release can eat into the days you have to collect it. Once your team records the last free day, CargoScope can flag the shipment as at risk in the shared workspace as that day gets close.
Example
OOLU3811040 is discharged at Oakland on Monday but shows as not available until Wednesday, when its customs release posts and the carrier lifts its freight hold.
Track a container
Save the reference now and create your account; tracking starts once your 30-day trial is active.
Questions
What does Container Availability mean?
Container availability is the status showing that a discharged import container can be picked up: it is in the yard, customs and the carrier have released it, and no holds or unpaid charges block it. Terminals usually show it per container.
Why does my container say discharged but not available?
Something is still pending: a customs or other agency release, the carrier's release, a terminal hold, or the box has not been moved to a pickup area yet. The terminal's status page or your broker can usually say which.
Does available mean I can pick it up right now?
It means nothing blocks the container itself. You may still need a terminal appointment, a chassis and a driver, and the status can change if a new hold is placed.