Here's a scenario every Miami importer faces: Your container landed at Port Miami, but CBP needs another 24 hours to clear it. Your warehouse is ready. Your customer is waiting. You need it now.
That's where temporary import bonds (also called "in-bond" movements) come in. They let you move your container from the port to your warehouse or another bonded location before customs gives final release. No waiting. No demurrage.
What Is a Temporary Import Bond?
A temporary import bond is a customs guarantee. It's a legal promise that your container will be delivered to an approved location under CBP supervision. Think of it as a security deposit—if something goes wrong (you divert the load, don't deliver it, or someone tampers with it), the surety bond company covers the customs duties.
The bond lets you:
- Move the container before final customs release
- Avoid extended port storage charges (demurrage)
- Get your goods to your facility faster
- Still pay full duties—just on your timeline, not CBP's
At Port Miami and Port Everglades, this is especially valuable during peak season when gate congestion can add days to your release timeline.
How In-Bond Movements Work at Port Miami
The process is straightforward if you work with the right freight broker:
1. Request In-Bond Status
Your broker (or customs broker) files paperwork with CBP requesting "in-bond" movement authority for your specific container. CBP approves this before the container leaves the dock.
2. Container Moves Under Bond
Your drayage carrier transports the container directly to your bonded warehouse or another approved facility. CBP doesn't escort the truck—they trust the surety bond. No detours. No stops.
3. Delivery & Seal Release
At your facility, your broker coordinates with CBP for final inspection (if needed) and release. In most cases, once your goods are inside your bonded warehouse, you have time to clear them—often 5-10 days depending on your bond agreement.
4. Duty Payment
You pay import duties through your broker, and the bond is released. Goods are now "released from customs custody."
When to Use Temporary Import Bonds
Use them when:
- CBP flagged your container for exam and you're waiting for inspection
- Port congestion is delaying your release
- You need your goods immediately and can't wait for full clearance at the port
- You're importing perishables, time-sensitive goods, or high-value cargo
- You want to avoid demurrage charges during peak season
Don't bother if:
- CBP is holding your container for serious investigation (fraud, hazmat violation, prohibited goods)
- You don't have a bonded warehouse or approved destination
- Your cargo isn't eligible for bonded entry (some goods require at-port clearance)
What You Need for In-Bond Movement
Your customs broker will handle most of this, but here's what's required:
- CBP Entry Forms: Entry/Immediate Delivery forms filed with customs
- Surety Bond: Your freight forwarder or customs broker has coverage; there's usually no extra cost to you
- Bonded Warehouse: The destination must be approved (yours or a public bonded facility)
- Pickup Authorization: Port terminal won't release the container without CBP approval
- Bills of Lading & Packing Lists: Standard shipping docs
The Cost
Temporary import bonds are free if your broker has surety coverage—and most licensed customs brokers in Miami do. You only pay:
- Standard drayage fees (same as any port pickup)
- Broker fees for in-bond coordination (usually $50-150 per container)
- Full import duties (due after clearance)
Compare that to demurrage: Port Miami charges $150-300/day per container for extended port storage. A single day of waiting can cost more than your broker's in-bond fee.
Not All Goods Qualify
Some imports require clearance before leaving the port:
- Hazmat or dangerous goods
- Textiles (some agreements)
- Agricultural products (USDA inspection required at port)
- FDA food products (may require port inspection)
- Any cargo under specific trade agreements or import quotas
Your broker can tell you immediately if your goods are eligible. Most general cargo is.
Miami's Competitive Edge
One reason Miami drayage companies are faster than West Coast ports: our bonded warehouse network is dense and CBP is experienced with high-volume in-bond movements. If you're importing through Port Miami, you can often move your container in hours, not days.
That speed is a competitive advantage for Miami importers competing with shippers using Los Angeles or Long Beach.