LA/LB port hold backlog: what to do now
When cargo slows down, the bottleneck is usually paperwork, not horsepower. Here is a short playbook to keep boxes moving.
1. Lock the HTS code before booking
Wrong classification causes holds, re-examination, and surprise duty bills. Use a lookup tool first, then confirm with your broker if there is any doubt.
2. Decode the hold message fast
Copy the CBP hold code or message into a decoder. You want plain-English next steps, not jargon. The faster you know the reason, the faster you respond.
3. Pre-calc landed cost
Duty + MPF + HMF + any Section 301 tariff can add up. Duty calculators help you estimate landed cost before you confirm freight.
4. Fix the invoice before it leaves the supplier
Invoices missing units, country of origin, or INCOTERMS trigger reviews. A short checklist cuts turnaround time.
From posting to classification, hold decoding, and duty estimate, these are the exact tools importers use.