Finally got a container unstuck after a paperwork mess in Tacoma

Last Tuesday, a 40-foot container for a regular client got held at the Tacoma port because their commercial invoice had the wrong HS code... it was off by two digits. I was at my desk when the email came in, and I had to call the forwarder in Singapore at 2 AM our time to get a corrected copy. We got the new docs to customs by 7 AM and the container was released by noon. Anyone else ever have a simple code number cause a full day's delay?

2 comments

2 Comments

sethhernandez1d ago

Ugh, that's the worst. Those tiny clerical errors can cause such a massive headache. Glad you got it sorted.

the_holly1d ago

Honestly makes you wonder how many big problems start with someone just typing the wrong number into a spreadsheet. Tbh I've seen whole projects get delayed over a single digit in a budget cell. It's scary how much depends on getting those boring details right.