Bonded warehouse & CFS

Understand the two different needs

Bonded warehouses and container freight stations (CFS) serve different purposes in supply chains subject to customs control. The choice depends on cargo status, storage purpose, import or export plans and the facility's acceptance conditions.

SEALLOGS discusses warehousing arrangements suited to each shipment. Location, capacity, storage conditions and required documents are confirmed before implementation; not every type of cargo can be accepted at every warehouse.

Connect bonded storage with your cargo plan

For bonded warehousing, clarify the cargo type and source, intended storage period and next steps. Storage, handling and related formalities are determined by the actual conditions and applicable requirements.

Discuss packaging, care requirements, storage time and dispatch plans from the outset to avoid an unsuitable arrangement.

Consolidation and deconsolidation at a CFS

A CFS is a common link in an LCL journey. Receiving, counting, consolidation and deconsolidation must align with transport schedules and the communicated cutoffs.

• Coordinate receiving information and warehouse delivery schedules.
• Agree on identification, package counts and the scope of checking.
• Connect consolidation and deconsolidation plans with the next transport leg.

Prepare for each warehouse receipt and dispatch

Before handover, confirm working hours, contacts, documents, vehicles and handling equipment. Damaged packaging or discrepancies in package counts should be recorded according to the agreed process.

An external check is not an inspection of the quality inside a package. If packages need to be opened, inspected in detail or handled specially, clarify scope, authority and costs before proceeding.

Information for discussing costs

• Cargo description, package or pallet count, dimensions, weight and packaging.
• Import or export status, preferred location and available documents.
• Expected storage period, receipt and dispatch frequency, and care requirements.
• Counting, handling, connecting transport and other requested operations.

Costs depend on time and handling

Alongside storage fees, consider receiving, dispatch, handling and additional services. Units of measurement and charging periods should be confirmed in the proposal; a storage rate alone does not represent the cost of the entire journey.