Los Angeles USDA Plant Inspection ForkLift Policy Change

Change is Effective Immediately

Dear Valued IFS Client,

US customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced effective immediately, forklifts will not longer be permitted for unloading containers at the USDA Inspection Plant for the port of Los Angeles. 

Here is the text of their announcement:

"USDA Plant Inspection Station

222 Kansas Street

El Segundo, CA. 90245

310-955-3258

Dear Broker, Freight Forwarder and Trans-loader,

Effective immediately the Los Angeles Plant Inspection Station will no longer allow the use of forklifts to unload containers. The change is due to safety concerns and liability issues. It is the responsibility of Los Angeles Plant Inspection Station Management to ensure the safety of USDA staff and stakeholders while on premise. The Los Angeles Plant Inspection Station has multiple pallet jacks rated to 8,000 lbs. and are available for use. Consignees must work with their suppliers to ensure containers can be unloaded with a pallet jack. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Los Angeles Plant Inspection Station Management at matthew.e.salkiewicz@usda.gov or ernesto.a.marines@usda.gov.

Contact Information for the Los Angeles Plant Inspection Station:

Please use the group email addresses

LAPIS.regulartime@usda.gov

LAPIS.overtime@usda.gov

PIS group telephone 310-955-3258

Ernesto Marines, Acting OIC

310-955-3261 office

ernesto.a.marines@usda.gov

Matthew Salkiewicz, Acting SPPQO

310-955-3275 office

Matthew.e.salkiewicz@usda.gov

Please feel free to contact IFS with any questions you may have regarding this policy change by USDA. We are always here to help you with all of your logistics needs!