Efficient shipping and seamless cross-border trade are critical for businesses that rely on international supply chains. Whether you’re a business owner, freight forwarder, or logistics coordinator, navigating customs can be complex and costly if mishandled.
That’s where a US customs bonded carrier comes in. If you’re exploring how to move freight efficiently through customs-controlled routes, this article explains what bonded carriers do and why partnering with one can streamline your operation.
What Is a US Customs Bonded Carrier?
A US customs bonded carrier is a transportation provider that has been licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to move shipments that remain under customs control. These shipments haven’t yet cleared customs and are still subject to duties or inspection.
Bonded carriers transport freight between ports, airports, bonded warehouses, and other approved destinations without requiring immediate customs clearance. This process allows businesses to defer duties and maintain compliance with federal import regulations.
The Key Benefits of Working With a US Customs Bonded Carrier
Compliance with Customs Regulations
Working with a bonded carrier helps reduce the risk of delays, fines, or shipment holds. Bonded carriers understand CBP requirements and ensure that your freight remains compliant during transport.
Faster, More Efficient Transportation
Authorized bonded carriers can bypass some delays at ports and deliver freight directly to bonded warehouses or approved inland locations. This helps speed up the process for shipments that don’t need to be cleared at the port of arrival.
Reduced Risk of Penalties
Mistakes in customs procedures can lead to serious consequences. A bonded carrier helps minimize those risks by managing the necessary documentation and ensuring your shipment is transported legally under bond.
Secure Handling
Because bonded carriers operate under customs supervision, they provide added security for shipments in transit. This is especially important for high-value, sensitive, or regulated freight.
Flexible Routing
Bonded carriers can route freight between bonded warehouses, ports, and airports. This gives you flexibility in how and when you clear your goods—and allows you to delay duties when appropriate.
How Does the Bonded Freight Process Work?
Step 1: Importation
When goods arrive at a U.S. port of entry—such as PortMiami, Port Everglades, or Miami International Airport—they are officially brought into the country, but not yet cleared through customs. These shipments remain under the control of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and cannot legally enter domestic commerce until the appropriate duties, taxes, and paperwork have been completed. For importers who don’t need immediate release, or who plan to store or re-export the goods, bonded freight handling provides the ability to move shipments without paying those costs upfront.
Step 2: Bonded Carrier Pickup
Once the shipment has been classified as in-bond cargo, a licensed bonded carrier, such as Comet Delivery, is assigned to pick up the freight. At this point, Comet assumes full responsibility for transporting the goods while maintaining compliance with CBP regulations.
We work directly with port or terminal operators to collect the shipment and ensure all required in-bond paperwork is processed, including the CBP 7512 (Transportation Entry and Manifest of Goods Subject to CBP Inspection and Permit). This documentation allows freight to legally travel within the U.S. under bond.
Step 3: In-Bond Transport
With the freight secured and documents filed, Comet begins transport to the next designated location—typically a bonded warehouse, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), or another CBP-authorized facility. This leg of the shipment is critical, as the freight must remain sealed and under customs supervision until it reaches its bonded destination.
During in-bond transport, Comet follows strict routing, handling, and security protocols. We also keep our clients updated on delivery progress. While we don’t provide live GPS tracking, you can call our logistics experts at any time for real-time updates directly from the driver on the ground. This ensures complete visibility, even for in-bond freight that operates under tighter restrictions.
Step 4: Clearance and Release
Upon arrival at the bonded warehouse or final customs-controlled site, the freight is held until the consignee (or their customs broker) files the necessary clearance paperwork and pays any applicable duties or taxes. Only after CBP completes the formal customs clearance process can the shipment be released for domestic distribution, resale, or consumption.
In some cases, goods may remain in bonded storage for weeks or months—depending on the importer’s strategy. Once released, Comet can assist with the final-mile delivery to your customer, job site, distribution center, or retail destination.
When Should You Use a Bonded Carrier?
Using a bonded carrier is especially useful when:
- Importing goods that require in-bond movement to a warehouse or inland port
- You want to defer duty payments until a later date
- Your freight is high-value or subject to special customs handling
- You’re managing cross-border shipments and need a secure, compliant transport method
Comet Delivery: Certified US Customs Bonded Carrier
Comet Delivery Services is a certified US customs bonded carrier based in Miami. We do not operate a bonded warehouse, but we work closely with several in the region and can coordinate bonded freight delivery between ports, bonded sites, and airport facilities.
Our bonded carrier services are ideal for shippers who need to move goods quickly and legally under CBP oversight—without unnecessary delays or storage issues.
Why Businesses Choose Comet Delivery
- Licensed bonded common carrier
- Located near Port Miami and Miami International Airport
- Direct transport to and from bonded warehouses
- Fast dispatch and responsive service team
- Transparent pricing and reliable performance
Final Word: Stay Compliant, Stay in Control
International shipping comes with complexities. Partnering with a trusted US customs bonded carrier helps you stay in control of your freight, stay compliant with customs law, and avoid unnecessary costs.
If you’re shipping goods that haven’t yet cleared customs and need bonded transport in South Florida, Comet Delivery can help you move it—legally, securely, and on time.
Contact Us Today
Need to move bonded freight between the port, airport, and a bonded warehouse? We’re ready to help.
Call 1-888-266-3833 or contact us online to speak with a bonded carrier specialist.
