Getting turned away at the export terminal gate because of fuel is common and expensive. It happens daily at Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Brunswick during peak export season.
What happens at gate rejection
- Terminal staff check fuel gauge — above ¼ tank triggers hold
- You're refused compound entry or directed to on-port emergency siphon
- Emergency siphon fees: {{RANGE:indicativeFuelDrainMin-indicativeFuelDrainMax}}+ (port contractor rates)
- You may miss cargo cut-off and the sailing
- Storage/demurrage charges accrue while you fix the problem
Other rejection reasons (fuel-related)
- Visible fuel leak under vehicle
- Smell of fuel in cabin ( spill in carpet )
- Jerry can or spare fuel in boot
- Broken fuel gauge — terminal may require empty tank proof
How to fix it
- Before port (best): book professional pre-export drain 2–5 days ahead
- At port (emergency): pay siphon contractor, risk missing cut-off
- Never drive with illegally dumped fuel — EPA violations and fines
Prevention beats emergency
EEK drains at your home, workshop, or dealer — documents litres removed — so gate-in is a formality. Call (866) 777-3712 before you haul to terminal.