The first U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) air cargo centralised examination station (CES) with direct access to an Airport Air Operations Area (AOA) has been opened.
CBP officials from the Area Port of Dallas joined with Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport officials and executives from dnata Cargo USA for the opening of the CES station at DFW.
This setup, which traditionally takes place outside of a secure airfield environment at other airports, enables the direct transfer of cargo from aircraft to the CBP inspection facility, eliminating the need for additional transport and enhancing efficiency.
CBP Dallas Area Port Director Jayson Ahern said: “This ambitious venture with dnata Cargo USA and DFW supports a strong economy and gives the Area Port of Dallas the cargo processing space to consolidate CBP enforcement efforts and the unprecedented volume of International E-commerce shipments.
“These streamlined efforts allow CBP to better leverage our resources and manpower while ensuring we fulfill our national security mission. We are better suited to process legitimate cargo while protecting American business and consumers by intercepting illicit and possibly unsafe goods. This is at the core of CBP’s mission.”
Photo: US Customs and Border Protection
With CBP officers on site, the CES is designed to streamline the overall package clearance process at DFW via smooth inspections and optimal use of CBP resources. The facility also features non-intrusive inspection technology to expedite cargo exams.
“The CES is a key part of supporting DFW Airport’s rapid growth of international e-commerce package clearances,” said Chris McLaughlin, DFW’s executive vice president operations.
“We’re just beginning to tap into our immense business potential in cargo, thanks to our location in the center of the country, coupled with our extensive air service network. We thank our partners at CBP for choosing DFW as the first airport in the nation to lean into this new operating model.”
In fiscal year 2020, DFW Airport processed 16,000 international e-commerce clearances. The airport saw its e-commerce clearances increase to 20m packages in 2023. In the first half of 2024, that number has already exceeded 23m packages, said CBP.
Ahern added: “This CES will serve as a model for future port efforts throughout the United States. Together with our DFW and dnata Cargo USA partners, we’re proud to be on the front end of this innovative effort.”
The opening of the CES facility comes as a proposed senate bill aims to place US e-commerce imports under greater scrutiny to tackle shipments containing illegal and counterfeit products.
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