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Cargo and Container FAQs

Master Terminal is the primary system used at Port Otago to provide detailed information about the status of your container. Basic information about your container can be accessed by selecting the Web Portal (no log in required). For more details and additional functionality, you will need a Master Terminal user account.

Check the Container vessel schedule for details on the vessel's arrival at port, cargo first acceptance and cargo cut-off.

Every container coming to the port must be prenoted before arrival. Without this, you will not be granted access to the port. To pre-advise a container, you will need Master Terminal access. Email Port Otago Customer Services for assistance to set this up.

A pre-note is an electronic notification sent by the exporter or its authorised agent to advise the port that a container booked to travel on a vessel will be arriving at the terminal gate.

For the prenote to go through on Master Terminal, there must be a valid booking number, which the shipping line generates when the exporter/agent makes the booking directly with them.

If the booking does not appear in the Master Terminal, the prenote won’t auto-populate. In that case, contact the shipping line and ask them to send the booking information through to Port Otago.

Since 2016, all export shipping containers from New Zealand require a verified weight (VGM) before they can be loaded onto a vessel. The shipper is responsible for providing the VGM when raising the prenote. For more information, check Containers weight - Maritime NZ

It ensures the safe transport of containers at sea and helps maintain the safety of our Operations Team at the port.

CEDO is a Customs export entry that must be completed, submitted and approved by Customs before cargo can be exported and loaded onto the vessel.

Please note: Port Otago requires CEDO clearance at least 24 hours before the vessel’s scheduled berthing at the port. Any exports with outstanding CEDOs will not be loaded onto the vessel.

You can easily check the container status on the Web Portal (no login required). Simply enter the container number in the “Quick Search” box and hit “enter”.

If the CEDO is still outstanding, it will show under “Status” as STOPS.

If the CEDO is cleared, it will show under “Status” as READY.

If the CEDO has already been lodged but is still showing as outstanding, we recommend contacting Customs directly to confirm they have received it at the port. Make sure that the CEDO includes the correct details:

  1. Load port
  2. Vessel name/voyage
  3. Container number

If you’re having trouble lodging the CEDO, phone the Customs National Call Centre on 0800 428 786.

If you know your container ID, you can check its status on our Web Portal (no log in required). 

Please note: The portal will only show containers currently in our yard.

For more detailed information about your container, log in to the Master Terminal.

Every import container has a free storage period of three days, starting from the day of the vessel’s departure. This free period includes a minimum of two clear business days. After this period, any chargeable days will include weekends and public holidays.

To find out when your specific container will start incurring storage charges:

  1. Determine which voyage your container arrived on.
  2. Refer to the Demurrage schedule to see when containers from that voyage will be charged.

Code

Explanation
Customs Docs Imp. This is a New Zealand Customs stop. It may be removed automatically by Customs. For any queries or assistance, please contact 0800 4 Customs (0800 4 28786) or CustomerServices@portotago.co.nz
DTR Rail or Road This hold is applied by Customs for import units, indicating it can only be released from the port via Road or Rail. For clearance, please contact CustomerServices@portotago.co.nz
CEDO, Customs Exports Delivery Order This stop is applied to all export containers with an overseas discharge port when they arrive at Port Otago. If the container does not show a CEDO stop, it means the stop has already been cleared.
Import Storage Demurrage will apply if the import container is not collected within the three free days. Demurrage must be accepted either during the VBS booking or by emailing a cost acceptance to CustomerServices@portotago.co.nz
MPI 6 Sided Inspection This stop is applied if cargo is held until an MPI 6-sided Inspection is completed, typically by POE terminal.
MPI BACC This is an MPI stop that must be removed by MPI.
MPI Door Inspection Cargo is held for an MPI internal Inspection.
Operator Docs Port Otago requires notification from the shipping company before we can remove this stop. Please follow up directly with the shipping line for clearance.
Operator Docs & Pin The Container Operator issues a delivery pin number to the importer, who then passes it to their transport/carrier. The transport/carrier needs to provide the PIN to access the container at the terminal.
Repack Cargo is held for a container repack (normally for full containers returning to the Exporter/Pack point).
Safety Cargo or a container is deemed unsafe or has a health and safety issue. This is an internal stop used by Port Otago.
SEP Export Secure Export Partnership (SEP) stop applied to cargo received from Non-Secure Export Partnership pack points or exporters.
Surveyed This stop is applied when a box operator requires an annual structural inspection due to the expiration of ISO certificates.
Terminal This is an internal stop used by Port Otago staff to hold the container on site. The container remarks will explain the specific reason for the stop.
To Be Inspected This stop is applied for containers or cargo that need to be inspected. It may be applied by either Port Otago staff or border control staff. The stop will be removed once the inspection is completed.

For any other questions, phone +64 3 472 9876 or email Port Otago Customer Services