What is a cut-off in shipping?

The deadline to complete a step — deliver the container, send shipping instructions, declare the VGM — and still make a given vessel. Each carrier sets its cut-offs per port and sailing.

What is the difference between CY cut-off and SI cut-off?

CY (gate) cut-off is the last time the full container can enter the terminal; SI cut-off is the last time the shipping instructions for the bill of lading can be sent.

Why is the cut-off earlier for cargo to the US?

Because US Customs requires the cargo declaration 24 hours before loading at the foreign port, so carriers need the shipping details well before then — Maersk Singapore asks 40 hours ahead.

Term

Cargo cut-off

A cut-off is the last moment a shipper can complete a step and still make a sailing: deliver the container (gate or CY cut-off), send shipping instructions, or declare the VGM. Each is tied to the vessel's schedule — Maersk closes the gate and VGM in Singapore 4 hours before arrival. Miss one and the box waits for the next ship.

Also called cut-off time, CY cut-off, SI cut-off, VGM cut-off, documentation cut-offUpdated 13 October 2026

The cut-offs

DCSA, the carriers' standards body, defines a cut-off as the latest date and time by which a specific task must be completed to ensure cargo is accepted, processed and loaded as scheduled, and lists gate-in, documentation, VGM, dangerous goods and reefer cut-offs, all tied to the planned vessel departure. SOLAS itself sets no deadline for the VGM: the IMO's guidelines only require it in time for the ship's stowage plan.

Cut-off	When
Gate (CY) and VGM	4 hours before vessel arrival
Shipping instructions	8 hours before vessel arrival
Shipping instructions, cargo to the US, EU and other advance-manifest countries	40 hours before vessel arrival

Published by Maersk for Singapore exports

Why US cargo closes earlier

US Customs must receive the cargo declaration 24 hours before the cargo is laden aboard the vessel at the foreign port (19 CFR 4.7). The carrier needs the shipping instructions before that to file it, so manifest-country cut-offs fall days rather than hours ahead.

Worked example

Vessel arrives Singapore Thursday 14:00 → gate and VGM close Thursday 10:00 · shipping instructions close Thursday 06:00 · for US-bound cargo, Tuesday 22:00

Maersk also asks that an instructions cut-off falling on a Friday or weekend be met before 17:00 on the Friday.

The mistake people make

Planning to the sailing date instead of the cut-off. Cut-offs differ by port and carrier — MSC asks Saudi exporters for shipping instructions 10 working days before the vessel arrives — and a missed one costs money as well as time — a late VGM alone is GBP 70 a container at Maersk UK.

FAQ

Cargo cut-off: common questions

What is a cut-off in shipping?: The deadline to complete a step — deliver the container, send shipping instructions, declare the VGM — and still make a given vessel. Each carrier sets its cut-offs per port and sailing.
What is the difference between CY cut-off and SI cut-off?: CY (gate) cut-off is the last time the full container can enter the terminal; SI cut-off is the last time the shipping instructions for the bill of lading can be sent.
Why is the cut-off earlier for cargo to the US?: Because US Customs requires the cargo declaration 24 hours before loading at the foreign port, so carriers need the shipping details well before then — Maersk Singapore asks 40 hours ahead.