Shipping Glossary

C / CFS

Container lines that consolidate outbound LCL shipments and load them into shipping containers so they can be shipped, and deconsolidate inbound shipments and send them either to consignees or to the carriers.

• Combining LCL shipments into one container with other shipments to the same region that belong to the same customer.
• For cost savings and better inventory control, transload 20', 40', and 45' IPI containers into 53' intermodal containers.
• A CFS station typically has a foreign trade zone (FTZ) and a non-FTZ component.
• This is due to many shippers keeping their products in bond on a customs form 7512, thereby keeping the products out of US Customs and Border Patrol's (CBP) jurisdiction. Shippers can defer the payment of duties and taxes until the goods are consumed in manufacturing processes or sold to customers.
• As mentioned above, managing and clearing shippers' freight, or consolidating and shipping products in-bond.
• Facilitates inland freight movements by giving shippers more control and efficiency.
• Records of shipments are maintained at CFS stations, including information about exporters, importers, customs agents, origins and destinations, and cargo details.