What to Expect When Your Shipment Arrives in the USA
Your Belongings Have Landed—Now What?
After weeks of planning, packing, and navigating the export process from Japan, your shipment has officially landed in the United States. It’s a huge milestone—but it’s not the finish line just yet.
Many international movers are surprised to learn that the arrival of a container at a U.S. port is only the beginning of the final phase. Before your household goods or vehicle reach your new home, they must clear customs, pass through possible inspections, and be coordinated for final delivery.
This stage can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With SDC International Shipping by your side, you don’t have to worry about government forms, port delays, or where your container is being held. We stay involved from the moment your goods arrive at a U.S. port until the last item is placed in your home.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what to expect when your shipment arrives in the USA—from customs inspections and duty notifications to delivery scheduling and final unpacking.
What Happens When Your Container or Shipment Arrives at the U.S. Port?
Whether your belongings arrived by sea in a container or were flown in via air freight, the first stop in the United States is always the same: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
At this point, your shipment will follow a structured sequence of events, all designed to ensure the safety, legality, and compliance of everything entering the country.
Step 1: Unloading and Processing at the Port
Once your container is offloaded from the ship at a port like Los Angeles, Houston, New York, or Seattle, it’s moved to a designated customs terminal. This is where CBP has the authority to inspect, hold, or clear it.
If you’ve shipped via groupage (shared container), your items are stored and processed alongside other clients’ shipments, which may slightly affect timing. Full container loads (FCL) typically move through faster if paperwork is in order.
Step 2: Customs Documentation Review
The customs broker—usually assigned by your mover (like SDC)—submits:
- CBP Form 3299 (for unaccompanied household goods)
- Inventory list
- Bill of lading
- Your passport/visa info
- Any additional declarations (for vehicles, alcohol, or high-value goods)
At this stage, CBP cross-references your documents with what’s listed and scans the container or shipment for potential issues.
Step 3: Initial Clearance or Hold
If there are no red flags or random selection for inspection, your shipment is cleared for release. If selected for further screening, it may enter:
- X-ray inspection
- Partial inspection (only certain boxes)
- Full inspection (entire container opened)
This is a routine part of U.S. customs enforcement and does not indicate a problem with your paperwork. However, delays of a few days to two weeks can result, depending on port traffic.
Step 4: Customs Release and Transportation Prep
Once CBP clears your shipment, it is authorized for final delivery. SDC arranges for:
- Trucking to your final destination
- Storage if you’re not ready to receive
- Unloading team and optional unpacking service
From the outside, this can seem like a black box of bureaucratic steps. But from your perspective, all you’ll see is progress and communication—because SDC keeps you updated and informed at every stage.
Customs Inspection: X-rays, Exams, and Delays
Not every shipment is physically opened, but all containers are subject to some level of inspection. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
X-ray Scan
This is the most common and least disruptive method. CBP uses non-intrusive technology to scan your container and compare contents against the declared inventory.
Partial Inspection
CBP may choose to open a few select boxes to inspect high-risk items, electronics, or anything that appears suspicious.
Full Inspection
If your container is flagged for a full exam, all boxes are unloaded and examined. This can take days or weeks depending on port congestion.
What Causes Delays?
- Missing or inconsistent documents
- Incorrect labeling or valuation
- Arrival during peak shipping seasons (summer or December)
SDC helps minimize these risks by auditing your documentation in advance and staying in contact with your customs broker.
Duties, Taxes, and Release Authorization
Will I Owe Import Duties?
If you are shipping used household goods and have lived abroad for 12+ months, your items will likely qualify for duty-free import under personal exemption rules. However, CBP may apply duties on:
- New or unopened items
- High-value electronics
- Items intended for resale
Paying Duties and Getting Release
If duties are assessed, your customs broker will notify you. Once paid, the container is released. If not paid promptly, your shipment may be moved to bonded storage, incurring additional fees.
SDC’s specialists work with you in advance to flag any potentially taxable items, minimizing surprises.
From Port to Your Door: Final Mile Logistics
Once cleared by customs, your belongings begin their journey to your new home. Here’s how it works:
Delivery Planning
- SDC confirms delivery window based on trucking availability
- Most deliveries happen within 3–7 business days of clearance
- Remote or rural destinations may take slightly longer
At-Home Delivery
- Our team brings your shipment curbside or to your residence
- Optional services include unpacking, debris removal, and furniture reassembly
- We perform a walk-through and confirm all boxes are accounted for
This final mile is fully coordinated by your SDC relocation manager.
What If You’re Not Ready to Receive?
Flexible Storage Options
If you’re still securing housing or traveling, we offer:
- Short-term port-based storage
- Long-term warehouse storage in strategic U.S. hubs
We work with your timeline so your shipment arrives when you are ready.
Common Scenarios We Support:
- Delayed home closing
- Extended hotel stays or corporate housing
- University semester alignment for students
Common Arrival-Day Questions Answered
Do I need to be present for delivery? Not necessarily, but someone must be authorized to receive the shipment.
What happens if something is damaged? File a claim with photos and inventory. SDC helps you through the process.
What paperwork should I have ready? Have your ID and delivery receipt ready. Your coordinator will confirm any additional documents.
Can I change my delivery address? Yes, but changes after clearance may incur reconsignment fees. Notify us early if your plans shift.
SDC’s Role After Arrival: We Don’t Disappear at the Port
Most moving companies hand off responsibility once the container lands. At SDC, we stay with you until your items are in place and you’re settled.
We provide:
- Real-time delivery updates
- Customer service during delivery
- Flexible rescheduling and support
- Post-delivery quality check-ins
If you ever feel uncertain during this final stage, your relocation manager is just a phone call or email away.
