Source: www.YP.com
This time can be used by the original owner of the cargo to pay all past due fines, fees, penalties, interests, and other costs, after which they can then reclaim and take proper possession of their cargo.
However, if at the end of this six month window no one has laid claim it can go up for auction. Any proceeds from the sale of the cargo first go to cover the government’s end.
Then they pay the storage and other fees accrued by the warehouse. Whatever is left is used to pay the shipping company.
Now, freight can clear Customs and still become unclaimed at the next step of shipping it. Once it has cleared Custom it can only remain on site for a limited period of time, usually this is ten days.
If nothing has been done with the cargo within that time the carrier must make every effort to contact the proper parties as listed on the ‘bill of lading’ (and provide instruction on its removal).
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If the container has not been collected and transported away (or other arrangements made) the carrier must obtain what is called an ‘abandon and indemnification letter’.