What Is a Tail Gate Exam? | Customs Exam Guide | AEB Logistics
Michelle
Last Update a month ago
What is a Tail Gate exam?
A Tail Gate exam is a type of Customs exam. It's basically the next level up from an X-ray exam.
If U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) picks your container for a Tail Gate exam, a Customs officer will break the seal at the ocean terminal. They'll swing open the doors and take a look inside.
After that, the officer decides whether to release the container or move it up to an Intensive exam. It's a pretty straightforward process, but it can feel a bit nerve-wracking.
How long does a Tail Gate exam take?
Tail Gate exams usually take about 5-6 days. The timeline can stretch out, though, especially if the port or the CES (Centralized Examination Station) is backed up.
A CES is just a privately run facility that CBP uses for physical inspections. That's where cargo goes when it needs a closer look.
Your AEB Logistics operations team will keep you posted if your shipment schedule changes.