Storage in Transit

Refers to "storage in transit". Cargo may need SIT unfer a variety of situations, such as:

• pending the opening of space on a high-demand vessel/route,
  
• for cargo that stays at a port terminal beyond the terminal operators "normal free time" (see also: "detention, demurrage"),
  
• when someone moves overseas but the cargo has to wait for visas/immigration status to be updated or for a home to be constructed or vacated by previous tenants.
  
  Depending on the commodity, different locations are better suited to match the cargo's requirments.
  
  High and heavy equipment such as boats on trailers, motorhomes, dump trucks, SUVs are often kept in SIT locations near to the ports, so they are properly "staged" close to the actual SS Line receiving terminal. That way, when space on a vessel opens up, and there may be a short window of time to get the cargo delivered to the pier, "advance/forward staging" of cargo is a well developed practise in logistics management.
  
  See an example of a SIT location in Baltimore port: BTW Baltimore
  This facility also provides high-tech cleaning services for export cargo (heavy quipment, trucks, boats) going to destinations (eg. Australia) with very strict cleaning and quarantine controls.
  Additional SIT facilities, suitable for high & heavy equipment, are located in Jacksonville, FL and other major port areas.
  
  
  For cargo that consists of personal property (HHG/PE-personal effects), this cargo is best stored in a professional movers warehouse with proper security protections in place. POV personally owned vehicle storage can be located either on open yards, gated/fenced yards, or inside a warehouse. Cargo kept at such locations can be insured which in SIT, depending on the location and the specific unit being insured. [more info about insurance]

See also: SIT glossary

For examples of situations calling for SIT: DoD s.i.t. situations review PDF.