Shippers come across the CY CY notation mainly on a bill of lading or a carrier’s schedule, but its meaning is straightforward once you have seen how terminals work. CY CY indicates that the carrier’s responsibility starts when the packed container is gated in at the container yard at the load port and ends when it is gated out from the yard at the discharge port. 

Everything before and after those two handovers sits with the shipper and consignee, including inland transport. In practice, this helps freight teams map their inland moves, arrange local transport, and avoid confusion about who manages which part of the journey.

What Does CY CY Mean in Container Shipping?

The term CY CY simply means “Container Yard to Container Yard.” It tells everyone involved where the carrier’s responsibility starts and where it ends. At the origin port, the shipper brings the packed container to the carrier’s designated yard and completes a gate-in, which is recorded by the terminal system. From that point onward, the carrier manages the movement inside the terminal and the ocean freight movement.

Once the ship arrives at the destination, the process reverses. The container is discharged, moved to the yard, and released once the consignee completes the gate-out. After that moment, everything that happens inland is their responsibility.

CY CY is used mainly for FCL shipments. It suits cargo that does not need consolidation and shippers who prefer to arrange their own trucking. The term keeps responsibilities clean, avoids overlap, and gives both sides a clear handover point.

What Is a Container Yard (CY)?

A container yard, often referred to as a CY, is the controlled area within a port or inland terminal where full or empty containers are stored, handed over, and prepared for vessel loading. It acts as the main staging point for FCL cargo. 

Containers entering the yard go through a gate process where details such as seal numbers, container condition, and documentation are checked. From there, yard teams place the unit in a designated stack based on the vessel schedule and loading plan.

Difference Between CY and CFS

A Container Yard (CY) is designed for full containers. It’s where an FCL shipment is handed over to the carrier at origin and where the consignee collects it at destination. A container freight station handles loose cargo that needs consolidation or de-consolidation, which is why it’s mainly used for LCL shipments.

The two serve different roles, and the terms on the bill of lading reflect how cargo is handled across these points.

CY CY

The container moves from the origin CY to the destination CY as a full unit. One shipper, one consignee.

CFS CFS

Cargo is consolidated at the origin CFS and unpacked at the destination CFS. Suitable for multiple shippers and consignees.

CY CFS

A full container is delivered to the origin CY but unpacked later at the destination CFS for separate delivery.

CFS CY

LCL cargo is consolidated at origin and then released as a full unit at the destination CY.

Model	Who Uses It	Typical Use Case
CY CY	FCL	One shipper → one consignee
CFS CFS	LCL	Consolidation & de-consolidation
CY CFS	FCL → LCL	Multiple receivers at destination
CFS CY	LCL → FCL	Multiple shippers, single consignee

CY CY in the Shipping Process

A CY CY process follows a clear sequence built around two handovers: gate-in at the origin yard and gate-out at the destination yard. The shipper brings the loaded container to the carrier’s CY, where it is checked, sealed information is recorded, and the unit enters the yard’s stacking plan. From there, terminal teams move it to the vessel during the scheduled loading window.

Once the ship reaches the destination port, the container is discharged and transferred to the receiving CY. Terminal staff place it in a designated stack until the consignee completes the formalities and performs the gate-out. After that point, all inland movement and unloading fall under the consignee’s control.

CY Cutoff Time Explained

A CY cutoff time is the deadline by which a loaded container must be gated in at the origin container yard to be included on a specific vessel. Terminals set this cutoff so they can finalise the vessel plan, close the yard stack, and prepare containers for loading without disruption. The window varies by port and carrier, but it often falls one to two days before the scheduled sailing.

Missing the cutoff can lead to a rollover, meaning the container waits for the next available vessel. It may also result in extra storage or handling charges. For shippers working on tight schedules, monitoring the cutoff is essential to keep the sailing on track.

When Should You Use CY CY?

A CY CY arrangement works best when the shipment is a full container load and both parties prefer to manage their own inland transport. Shippers often choose this setup when they want direct control over how and when the loaded container reaches the origin yard, especially if they already work with local trucking partners. The same applies at destination, where the consignee may have its own preferred haulier or handling process.

Advantages and Limitations of CY CY Shipping

Advantages

Clear handover points: With CY CY, the carrier is only responsible between the two container yards. Shippers and consignees know exactly where their responsibilities begin and end.

Predictable port-to-port costs: Since inland movement is excluded, sea freight charges stay clean and easier to compare.

Better control over inland moves: Companies that already work with trusted trucking partners often prefer CY CY because they can arrange pick-ups and deliveries on their own schedule.

Limitations

More work on both ends: Shippers must manage trucking to the origin yard, and consignees must arrange collection from the destination yard.

Higher dependency on local partners: If inland hauliers are not reliable, delays or missed CY cutoffs become more likely.

Not ideal for LCL shipments: Cargo that needs consolidation or de-consolidation fits better under CFS-based terms rather than CY CY.

CY CY vs Other Shipping Terms (Quick Reference Guide)

Shipping terms often look similar at first glance, but each one shifts responsibility in a slightly different way. CY CY fixes the carrier’s role strictly between two container yards, with the shipper and consignee handling everything before and after.

CY CY vs Door CY

Door CY includes carrier-managed pick-up from the shipper’s premises, while CY CY requires the shipper to deliver the container to the yard themselves.

CY CY vs Port Port

Port-to-port can include movements within the terminal that aren’t always tied to a specific yard. CY CY is more precise because the handovers happen only at the two yards.

CY CY vs CFS CFS

CFS CFS involves consolidation and de-consolidation, making it suitable for LCL cargo. CY CY stays within the FCL space.

FAQs About CY CY