If cargo is shipped to us from china (a container of tires for example), how is it recieved in the us?

Question

How do you go to the port and pick up your container?

Answer 1

Most goods are shipped FOB ('Free on Board') = this means the buyer is responsible for everything AFTER the container is loaded onto the ship by the seller (plainly that includes shipping insurance etc).

On arrival at the dock, you will have ensured the required documentation is lodged with Customs and made arrangements to pay any Customs Duties .. you will also have arranged with a transport company to pick up your container and truck it whatever destination you require...

If you fail to submit Customs docs. the container may be stopped and opened for inspection ... also if you fail pick it up within quite strict time-limits (3 days ?) the Port will move your container into long-term store & you will be charged additional costs..

IF you are shipping personal effects (moving home) THEN the Company doing the shipping may sort out all the paperwork and deliver the container to your new address.

In all cases, there will be some strict limit on how long you have to empty the Container (and arrange for it to be picked up) - again, take too long and you get charged additional costs.