In maritime transport, a cut off is a deadline set by the shipowner to perform a certain activity, depending on the type of cut off.

Types of cut off:

• cargo cut off (terminal) – that is, the date and time by which the container after loading must be deposited at the terminal,
• documentation cut off – the date and time by which bill of lading instructions must be given to the shipowner,
• VGM cut off – date and time by which the total weight of the container must be declared,
• customs cut off (clearance) – date and time after which the container must already be customs cleared and ready for loading.

Note: Exceeding the cut-off date will result in deletion of the container from the loading list. In such a situation, the shipowner will charge for the unused space on the ship with fees set in the tariff. In the experience of our experts, exporters often forget about the cut off date, they only check the date when the ship leaves the port. It is worth remembering the dates and checking the costs that may arise from failing to meet them.