On August 14, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a significant announcement: starting August 25, 2025, the container inspection and transport process at the Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB) ports will undergo major adjustments.
This reform directly addresses recent issues related to customs inspection evasion and is designed to strengthen cargo supervision across the board.
🔑 Key Highlights of the New Rules (applicable to MET or AQI inspections):
1️⃣ No more self-arranged trucking – Customs brokers and importers will no longer be able to select their own trucking companies for transport.
2️⃣ Unified CES arrangements – All movements between terminals and inspection sites (including mandatory returns to the loading terminal post-inspection) must be handled exclusively by trucking companies contracted with the Centralized Examination Station (CES).
3️⃣ Applies to re-exports as well – Containers subject to return shipments will also be moved under CES-arranged trucking.
⚠️ Important Note: Container release and pick-up arrangements will continue to strictly follow CBP’s official instructions and requirements.
This policy shift will have a significant impact on importers, customs brokers, and logistics providers operating through the busiest U.S. gateway. Companies should prepare in advance to adapt their supply chain processes and ensure compliance.