Isn't this ignorance funny?
Ok, everybody.. there are three requirements that must be met in order for a consignee to get a hold of his import cargo.
1 - That the cargo was manifested to US Customs, a declaration was made, duty paid, and US Customs places a "Release" on the Shipment (Code 1C btw if memory serves) or a Bond issued (usually 1J)
2 - That there are no Regulatory Agency holds (Customs can place an inspection hold, so can USDA and the FDA) that are not clear
3 - That the Ocean Carrier has given the so-called "Steamship Release". This means the consignee received the Ocean Bill of Lading that the Ship Line gave to the Shipper. The Shipper signs it and mails the paper Bill of lading across Earth to the Consignee. The Consignee then must give this same sheet of paper back to the steamship. This certifies there is no dispute between shipper and consignee.
And the 2nd requirement for Steamship Release is that any money owed to the Line on the cargo is paid.
Once all those things are done. US Customs and the Shipping Line contact the Port Operator and tell him its ok for that container to go.
And all the Port Operator does then is slow down the trucker because they buried the container 5 stacks deep.
Idiots (you people)
Maybe if you made the text colorful and used Sesame Street Characters and other illustrations????
Look prior to 9/11, how many people would have imagined a terrorist attack like we had?
We should learn from our mistakes. This deal seems to have been done largely under the radar, which the American people simply won't stand for after 9/11.