A CY cutoff, or Container Yard cutoff, is the final deadline for a loaded export container to be delivered into the port terminal or container yard before a scheduled vessel departure. If the container misses the CY cutoff, it may not be loaded onto the planned sailing and could be rolled to a later vessel. Shippers, truckers, and freight forwarders must track the cutoff carefully because late gate-in can cause delays, extra storage, rebooking fees, or missed export deadlines.
- Typically 1 to 3 days before vessel departure, depending on the port and carrier
- Earlier than the documentation cutoff in most cases
- Missing the CY cutoff can delay a shipment by one to two weeks on weekly services
Confirm the CY cutoff with your carrier or forwarder when booking and align production and drayage schedules accordingly.
Learn more about Dedola’s ocean freight shipping services. Related terms: FCL, Booking Confirmation, Rolled Cargo.
