What Is CY Delivery: Full Container Load Export Container Delivery, CY Cutoff, and Its Relation to VGM
Interlink編集部What Is CY In-gate?
CY in-gate refers to the process of bringing a fully stuffed container for FCL export into the designated container yard where it will be prepared for vessel loading. CY stands for Container Yard, which is the location that accepts, stores, and manages containers before they are loaded onto the vessel.
In FCL transport, the fully stuffed container is brought into the CY and placed under the control of the shipping line or terminal operator, moving forward to vessel loading. Therefore, CY in-gate is a critical step that links the shipper’s or freight forwarder’s shipping operations with the vessel loading process handled by the shipping line or terminal.
CY in-gate specifically refers to the actual process of bringing the loaded container into the designated container yard. By contrast, CY Cut is the cutoff date and time by which the container must be delivered to the CY to be loaded onto the planned vessel. While CY Cut is a deadline management concept, CY in-gate involves the practical operations such as confirming the gate-in location, verifying container and seal numbers, checking VGM information, arranging drayage, and completing gate-in procedures.
Scope Covered in This Article
| Item | Contents Covered in This Article | Contents Covered in Other Articles |
|---|---|---|
| Basics of CY In-gate | The meaning of delivering fully stuffed containers into the CY for FCL export | CY cut-off, FCL, and the overall picture of integrated container transport are covered in separate articles |
| Difference Between CY In-gate and CFS In-gate | Difference between in-gate by container for FCL and by cargo for LCL | CFS in-gate, LCL consolidation, and CFS cut-off are covered in LCL-related articles |
| Process Leading up to CY In-gate | The flow of booking, empty container pickup, stuffing, seal application, drayage, and CY in-gate | Stuffing, empty container pickup, and drayage are covered in respective articles |
| Relationship with CY Cut-off | Deadline management regarding by when CY in-gate must be completed | CY cut-off, VGM cut-off, SI cut-off, and dangerous goods documentation cut-off are covered in respective articles |
| Relationship with VGM | Verification of weight information required for vessel loading after CY in-gate | VGM, VGM submission, and weight calculation methods are covered in the VGM article |
| Container Number and Seal Number | Container and seal numbers checked at in-gate, with points to note on multiple seals | Container seals, seal number discrepancies, and EIR are covered in related container articles |
| Incorrect In-gate Location and In-gate Troubles | Practical responses to wrong CY in-gate, missing VGM, seal number mismatch, CY cut-off delays, etc. | Rollovers, booking changes, and schedule changes are covered in respective articles |
| Freight Forwarder Integrated Coordination | Process management linking cargo owner, warehouse, drayage company, shipping line, and terminal | Freight forwarder responsibilities, integrated FCL transport, and export schedule management are covered in respective articles |
CY In-Gate Refers to Container Delivery, Not Cargo Delivery
It is important to understand that CY in-gate involves the delivery of the "fully stuffed container" as the subject, not the “cargo itself.” For LCL cargo, the goods are delivered to a CFS, where consolidation occurs. In contrast, for FCL shipments, the container, after completion of stuffing at the shipper’s factory, warehouse, or designated warehouse, is delivered directly to the CY.
In other words, FCL CY in-gate is not a process of checking cargo items one by one during delivery. Instead, it involves verifying container number, seal number, booking details, delivery destination, vessel name, voyage number, and other related information, then bringing the fully stuffed container into the terminal. If this distinction is not understood, it is easy to confuse CFS delivery with CY in-gate.
Differences Between CY In-Gate and CFS In-Gate
| Comparison Item | CY In-Gate | CFS In-Gate | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Target | Loaded FCL containers | Individual LCL cargo items | In-gate unit differs between FCL and LCL |
| In-Gate Location | Container Yard (CY) | Container Freight Station (CFS) | Do not confuse CY with CFS |
| In-Gate Unit | Loaded container identified by container number | Cargo items by packaging type, quantity, weight, etc. | CY in-gate focuses on container-level confirmation, not individual cargo inspection |
| Prior Process | Empty container pickup, stuffing, seal application | Cargo packing, labeling, delivery to CFS | For FCL, stuffing location and drayage arrangement are critical |
| Cutoff | CY cutoff | CFS cutoff | Do not confuse cutoff names and their applicable transport modes |
| Main Confirmation Details | Booking number, container number, seal number, destination CY, VGM | Shipping marks, quantity, weight, packaging, CFS cargo receipt slip | Types of information to confirm differ |
| Post In-Gate Process | Prepare for vessel loading at the terminal | Cargo consolidated and containerized at CFS | FCL proceeds to vessel loading after in-gate; LCL proceeds to consolidation |
Process Leading to CY In-Gate
For export FCL, the first step is to make a shipment booking and pick up an empty container. Then, stuffing is performed at the shipper’s factory, warehouse, or freight forwarder-designated warehouse, followed by sealing the container with a container seal.
After stuffing is complete, the drayage company transports the loaded container to the CY. At the CY, booking details, container number, seal number, delivery destination, and gate-in deadline are checked. If there are no issues, the container is accepted.
| Step | Task | Confirmed With | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obtain Booking | Confirm vessel name, voyage number, booking number, and designated CY | Shipping line, NVOCC, freight forwarder | When changing booking, reconfirm destination and CY cut-off |
| Pickup Empty Container | Collect empty container from designated depot | Shipping line, depot, drayage company | Align empty container pickup date with stuffing date |
| Stuffing | Stuff and secure cargo inside the container | Shipper, warehouse, labor contractor | Confirm cargo readiness, laborers, forklifts, stuffing location |
| Seal Application | Attach container seal after stuffing completion | Warehouse, shipper, freight forwarder | Record container number and seal number as a set |
| VGM Data Finalization | Confirm total container weight and prepare submission | Shipper, freight forwarder, shipping line | Check VGM submission deadline separately from CY in-gate |
| Drayage Transport | Transport loaded container from stuffing location to CY | Drayage company, warehouse, freight forwarder | Factor in road congestion, port congestion, and gate hours |
| CY In-Gate | Deliver loaded container to designated CY | Drayage company, terminal, shipping line | Verify destination, booking, container number, and seal number |
Basic Information to Confirm at CY In-gate
| Confirmation Item | Details to Confirm | Parties to Confirm With | Impact if Issues Arise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Destination CY | Specified terminal, CY name, in-gate location | Shipping line, NVOCC, terminal | Incorrect in-gate, cargo misdelivery, delays in CY cut-off |
| Vessel Name and Voyage Number | Scheduled vessel and voyage number | Shipping line, NVOCC, freight forwarder | Wrong vessel, incorrect in-gate location, discrepancies in documents |
| Booking Number | Relevant booking, number of containers, service name | Shipping line, freight forwarder, shipper | Incorrect booking in-gate or in-gate confirmation pending |
| Container Number | Actual container number being delivered | Drayage company, warehouse, shipper | Affects shipping documents, B/L, and import side confirmation |
| Seal Number | Seal number applied after stuffing | Warehouse, shipper, freight forwarder | If numbers do not match, verification and correction become necessary |
| Container Size and Type | 20ft, 40ft, HC, Reefer, Open Top, etc. | Shipper, shipping line, drayage company | If it does not match booking details, in-gate confirmation may be halted |
| CY Cut-off | In-gate deadline date and time | Shipping line, NVOCC, terminal | Delay may cause cargo not to be loaded on the scheduled vessel |
| VGM Information | Container gross weight, submitter, submission deadline | Shipper, freight forwarder, shipping line | Even if in-gated, may cause issues with vessel loading |
Relation to CY Cut-off
The most critical deadline in CY in-gate is the CY cut-off time. CY cut-off refers to the deadline by which fully loaded containers must be brought into the CY to be loaded onto the scheduled vessel.
If this deadline is missed, the container may not be loaded on the intended vessel. In such cases, shipment rollovers, booking changes, re-delivery of containers, additional costs, and delivery delays may occur.
Therefore, CY in-gate is not simply the task of "bringing the container to the port." It requires working backward from the CY cut-off to coordinate empty container pickup, stuffing, sealing, submission of the VGM, and arranging drayage.
Relationship Between CY In-gate, CY Cut-off, VGM, and Drayage
| Item | Role | Relation to CY In-gate | Impact if Delayed |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY In-gate | The operation of bringing loaded containers into the designated CY | The main operational focus of this article | If in-gate is not completed, loading onto the vessel cannot proceed |
| CY Cut-off | Deadline for CY in-gate to meet the scheduled vessel loading | Determines the deadline for completing CY in-gate | May miss the scheduled vessel and be deferred to the next vessel |
| VGM | Verified Gross Mass information of the container to be shipped | Required information for vessel loading after CY in-gate | Failure or errors in submitting VGM can disrupt shipment |
| Container Seal | Seal number applied after stuffing | Reference information checked at the time of CY in-gate | Discrepancies may cause verification processes or documentation corrections |
| Drayage Arrangement | Transport arrangement for moving loaded containers to the CY | Inland transport process necessary to execute CY in-gate | Vehicle shortage or delays can prevent in-gate from occurring |
| Booking Information | Management information of the vessel, route, in-gate location, and container count | Basic information verified during CY in-gate | Information mismatches may cause shipment hold or require re-confirmation |
Relationship with VGM
In FCL exports, submitting the VGM is also closely related to CY in-gate. VGM refers to the Verified Gross Mass of the container to be shipped. It includes the container tare weight, cargo weight, packing materials, pallets, and other components, and is submitted as essential information for shipping.
If the VGM is not submitted or contains errors, problems may arise with loading the container onto the vessel even if CY in-gate is completed. In practice, the CY in-gate and VGM submission deadlines should be confirmed together.
Container Number and Seal Number
For CY in-gate, confirming the container number and seal number is crucial. The container number identifies which container will be shipped. The seal number is the number on the seal attached to the container doors after stuffing.
If the container number or seal number on the documents differs from the actual numbers, it could cause issues during CY in-gate, shipping document processing, B/L handling, and import-side verification. When handling multiple containers simultaneously, it is necessary to carefully manage the pairing of container numbers and seal numbers to avoid errors.
Relationship with Drayage Arrangement
CY in-gate must be considered together with drayage arrangements. The drayage company transports the loaded container from the stuffing location to the CY. The arrangement takes into account the in-gate date and time, terminal receiving hours, vehicle reservations, road congestion, and port congestion.
Even if the stuffing is complete, the container cannot be brought into the CY without securing a drayage vehicle. Conversely, if the drayage vehicle arrives but cargo preparation or stuffing is incomplete, standby charges or re-arrangement fees may be incurred.
Common Misunderstandings
| Common Misunderstanding | Actual Concept | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CY in-gate means bringing cargo to the port | CY in-gate is the process of bringing the loaded FCL container into the CY | Do not confuse with LCL CFS in-gate |
| CY in-gate and CY cut mean the same thing | CY in-gate is the operation; CY cut is the in-gate deadline | Manage operation and deadline separately |
| Once the container is brought into the CY, it will definitely be loaded on the scheduled vessel | Due to VGM deficiencies, document issues, shipping line circumstances, or rollovers, the container may not be loaded on the scheduled vessel | Separate confirmation of in-gate completion and cargo loading confirmation |
| Knowing only the container number is enough | Seal number, Booking number, designated CY, and VGM information are also important | Manage container number and seal number as a set |
| In-gate is complete once the drayage truck arrives | If cargo preparation, stuffing, sealing, or CY destination confirmation are incomplete, in-gate cannot be completed | Coordinate drayage arrangement and warehouse operations |
| If it is the same port, containers can be brought into any CY | The CY destination varies depending on shipping line, route, service, and vessel | Check Booking Confirmation and the latest instructions |
| VGM can be submitted leisurely after CY in-gate | Missing the VGM submission deadline may cause problems with vessel loading | Manage CY in-gate and VGM submission separately |
| No confirmation from the shipper or freight forwarder is needed after in-gate | Post in-gate, rollovers, document deficiencies, VGM issues, and loading changes must still be confirmed | Manage until vessel loading confirmation and loading notification are received |
Main Troubles Encountered During CY In-Gate
| Case | What Becomes a Problem | Cause | Practical Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong CY selected for in-gate | Side delivery to correct CY may be required, possibly delaying CY cut-off | Insufficient verification of booking info, terminal guidance, and shipping line notices | Cross-check Booking Confirmation with the latest terminal information |
| Incorrect container number | Discrepancies arise in in-gate confirmation, shipping documents, and B/L preparation | Errors during empty container pickup or after stuffing records | Confirm container number with photos or checklist before in-gate |
| Incorrect seal number | Affects document matching, import-side verification, and cargo protection checks | Mix-up of seal numbers among multiple containers | Manage container and seal numbers together as a pair |
| Delayed CY cut-off | Cargo cannot load on planned vessel; next vessel booking or extra costs may be necessary | Delays in cargo preparation, stuffing, drayage, or road congestion | Check next vessel availability, booking changes, cost responsibilities, and schedule impact |
| VGM not submitted | Even if CY in-gated, loading on vessel may be obstructed | Unknown submitter, unresolved weight data, or system submission omission | Decide VGM submission deadline and responsible party at booking |
| Weight excess or weight information mismatch | Impacts vessel loading, road transport, and terminal handling | Inadequate verification of cargo weight, packaging, and container tare weight | Double-check weight information and notify shipping line and terminal |
| Drayage truck delay | Failing to meet CY in-gate time, causing gate acceptance issues | Road congestion, port congestion, or insufficient vehicle arrangement | Allow buffer time for departure and set contingency dates |
| Unconfirmed handling conditions for hazardous or special cargo | In-gate hold, shipment refusal, or additional checks required | Insufficient confirmation of SDS, hazardous cargo declaration, temperature control, or special container conditions | Confirm shipping line approval and handling conditions separately from regular cargo |
Comparison Table of Freight Forwarder Involvement
| Category | What Can Be Supported | What Should Not Be Concluded | Practical Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirmation of Cargo Delivery Location | Check booking information, destination CY, and terminal guidance | Assuming the delivery location is the same just because the port is the same | Confirm delivery location for each shipping line, route, and vessel |
| CY Cut-off Management | Plan in-gate schedule by calculating backward from the CY cut-off date/time | Carelessly explaining that last-minute in-gate will still be on time | Manage the entire process including stuffing, drayage, and VGM |
| Drayage Arrangement | Coordinate empty container pickup, loaded container delivery, and vehicle scheduling | Assuming no road or port congestion in the planning | Confirm buffer times, gate opening hours, and vehicle reservations |
| Container Number and Seal Number Management | Organize lists, photos, and in-gate details | Deciding based solely on verbal communication from shipper or warehouse | Cross-check container numbers and seal numbers as a pair |
| VGM Confirmation | Confirm submitter, submission deadline, and weight information | Explaining that VGM submission is not an issue as long as the container is brought to CY | Manage VGM cut-off separately from CY cut-off |
| Special Cargo Handling | Confirm conditions for dangerous goods, reefers, heavy cargo, and special containers | Assuming these can be handled under the same conditions as regular cargo | Check shipping line approvals, temperature settings, dangerous goods documentation, and delivery conditions |
| Post In-gate Confirmation | Confirm completion of in-gate, gate-in records, planned vessel loading, and vessel changes | Explaining that planned vessel loading is confirmed simply by CY in-gate completion | Confirm vessel loading, rollover notifications, and B/L issuance information |
Decision Checklist
| Check Point | Party to Confirm | Items to Confirm | Actions if Issues Arise |
|---|---|---|---|
| When Obtaining Booking | Shipping line, NVOCC, freight forwarder | Vessel Name, Voyage, Booking Number, Destination CY, CY Cut-off | Recheck Booking Confirmation and share any changes with relevant parties |
| When Picking Up Empty Container | Shipping line, depot, drayage company | Empty Container Pickup Location, Available Pickup Date, Container Size, Type | If pickup conditions are unsuitable, reschedule the stuffing plan |
| Before Stuffing | Shipper, warehouse, handling agents | Cargo Preparation, Packaging, Inspection, Operators, Forklift, Work Location | If not prepared, revise CY in-gate schedule and drayage arrangements |
| Upon Completion of Stuffing | Warehouse, shipper, freight forwarder | Container Number, Seal Number, Photos, Completion Time, Weight Information | If numbers mismatch or weight is unconfirmed, correct before in-gate |
| Before Drayage Departure | Drayage company, warehouse, freight forwarder | Destination CY, Gate Time, CY Cut-off, Road and Port Congestion | If congestion or delays are expected, advance departure time |
| Before VGM Submission | Shipper, freight forwarder, shipping line | VGM Weight, Submission Deadline, Submitter, Submission Method | If not submitted, communicate that it may delay vessel loading |
| At CY In-gate | Drayage company, terminal, shipping line | In-gate Reception, Gate-in, Container Number, Seal Number, Booking Verification | If in-gate is on hold, clarify reason and notify stakeholders immediately |
| After CY In-gate | Shipping line, NVOCC, freight forwarder, shipper | In-gate Completion, Scheduled Loading, Rollover Presence, B/L Creation Information | If shipping plans change, reschedule import-side timeline and document preparation |
Scenario 1: When the Destination CY Is Mistaken
At ports like Tokyo or Yokohama that have multiple terminals, a drayage truck may head to the wrong CY. Even within the same port, the designated destination CY varies depending on the shipping line, route, service, and vessel. If the truck arrives at the wrong terminal, the container must be repositioned laterally to the correct CY.
If the destination is mistaken just before the CY cut-off, there is a risk that the container may miss loading onto the scheduled vessel. It is important to verify the Booking Confirmation, shipping line information, and terminal details before departure and to share the accurate destination CY with the drayage company.
Scenario 2: Mistaking Container Number and Seal Number
In cases where multiple FCL containers are handled simultaneously, there may be cases where the combination of container number and seal number is confused and incorrectly communicated. Even if the loaded container is delivered to the CY, discrepancies can arise between the shipping documents, B/L, and import-side verification.
In such cases, before in-gate, it is necessary to manage a list of container numbers, seal numbers, photos, and the completion time of the stuffing, and to share the same information between the shipper, warehouse, freight forwarder, and drayage company. For multiple container shipments, managing numbers solely by verbal communication should be avoided.
Scenario 3: When Trucking Delays Cause Missing the CY Cut-Off
Although stuffing is complete, congestion on roads or at the port, or a shortage of vehicles may cause the loaded container to miss the CY in-gate cut-off. In FCL export, even if the container is ready, failing to deliver it to the CY by the deadline might prevent it from being loaded on the scheduled vessel.
In such cases, the freight forwarder should confirm the container’s current location and estimated arrival time with the trucking company, then check with the shipping line or NVOCC about the possibility of booking changes, loading on the next vessel, and any additional charges. The shipper should be promptly informed of the impact that the CY cut-off delay may have on delivery deadlines and the importer’s schedule.
Scenario 4: CY In-Gate Completed but VGM Not Submitted
This refers to cases where the loaded container has already been in-gated to the CY, but the VGM has not been submitted or remains incomplete, causing disruptions to the vessel loading. While CY in-gate and VGM submission are related, they are distinct procedures.
The freight forwarder should confirm the VGM submitter, submission deadline, and submission method at the booking stage, and promptly finalize the weight information after stuffing. Even if CY in-gate is completed, the forwarder should explain to the shipper that failure to submit the VGM may affect vessel loading.
Scenario 5: When the Receiving Conditions for Dangerous or Special Cargo Have Not Been Confirmed
In cases involving dangerous goods, reefers, heavy cargo, or special containers, proceeding with CY in-gate as if these were ordinary cargo may result in the terminal or shipping line holding the cargo due to unconfirmed receiving conditions.
For such cargo, documents for dangerous goods, SDS, temperature settings, special container conditions, shipping line approvals, and terminal receiving requirements may be needed earlier than for regular cargo. Before CY in-gate, it is necessary to check whether there are deadlines or conditions different from ordinary cargo.
Scenario 6: When Containers Are Rolled Over After CY In-Gate
Even if the loaded container was brought into the correct CY within the designated timeframe, it may not be loaded onto the scheduled vessel due to reasons such as shipping line space constraints, changes to the vessel schedule, or port congestion. In this case, the situation should be categorized as a rollover rather than a late CY in-gate.
The freight forwarder should verify the gate-in record, notifications from the shipping line, the next vessel schedule, changes to the ETA, and any impact on the import side. Since the container being delivered to the CY and its actual loading onto the scheduled vessel are separate events, it is important to manage the process until shipment confirmation.
Summary
CY in-gate refers to the process of bringing a fully stuffed FCL export container into the designated container yard for shipment. Unlike LCL shipments, where cargo is delivered to a CFS, FCL shipments primarily involve delivering sealed containers with container and seal numbers directly to the CY.
In practice, it is essential to accurately manage the CY cut-off time, destination CY, drayage arrangements, container number, seal number, VGM, and booking information. Errors such as incorrect destination CY, seal number discrepancies, missing VGM submissions, drayage delays, or failure to confirm special cargo conditions can all impact loading onto the scheduled vessel.
For freight forwarders arranging door-to-door transport, CY in-gate serves as a critical connection point between stuffing and vessel loading. It is important to coordinate information among the shipper, warehouse, drayage company, shipping line, and terminal, and to manage the process continuously through to vessel loading confirmation after CY in-gate.
