COMPLIANCE
Bonded Carrier
A carrier authorized by US Customs and Border Protection to transport in-bond cargo (cargo that has not cleared customs) between bonded facilities without paying duties in advance.
A bonded carrier is a motor carrier that has been authorized by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to transport "in-bond" cargo — containerized freight that has arrived in the US but has not yet cleared customs and had applicable duties and taxes paid. In-bond cargo moves under CBP control between bonded facilities (such as from a seaport to an inland customs exam station, or to a bonded warehouse) with duties deferred until the cargo reaches its final customs clearance point.
Bonded carrier status is issued by CBP and requires the carrier to post a surety bond with the government, maintaining financial liability for duties owed on any cargo in their custody. Bonded carriers must follow strict CBP protocols for cargo security, seal integrity, and timely reporting. If bonded cargo is lost, tampered with, or diverted, the carrier bears liability for the duties that would have been collected.
Bonded carrier capability is most relevant for freight forwarders and NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers) who regularly move cargo through multiple customs zones, or for importers with bonded warehouse operations who prefer to defer duty payment until cargo is actually distributed. At major ports, a subset of drayage carriers maintain CBP bonded status, making them the preferred partners for these specific flows.