If you think that the organization responsible for the nuts and bolts operation of the ports isn't in a position to influence the daily operating practices, and that influencing those practices would not put them in a position to deceive customs agents, we clearly disagree.
Port Operators have absolutely nothing to do with "deceiving Customs". That statement alone discredits you.
The reason why a Port Operator can't "deceive" Customs is because there is absolutely no reason for US Customs to consult with the port about any given shipment. Why? because the parties involved with the cargo have no involvement with the Port. A Customs guy would think a Stevedore was insane if the dockworker thought he had something of interest to say.
Of the 1000s of containers that are on any given vessel what in the world makes you think that dock workers know anything about any of them?
Customs receives the entire ship's manifest from the Ocean Carrier before the cargo leaves ground overseas.
The Consignee or his Customs Broker then has to work with US Customs on every single shipment. The Consignee has to file his US Entry and pay his Duty. Usually also has to provide the Commericial invoices and anything else.
Then the Consignee has to be sure he has the Ocean Bill of Lading so he can lay legal claim to the freight and then paying the shipping line.
So tell me... what the heck is the guy who drives the forklift that takes a container from a stack on a ship and puts it on a stack on teh groud have to do wiht that?
Please post your proof of this, or please admit it is only your opinion.