DFW and U.S. Customs and Border Protection showcase the U.S.’s first airside Centralised Examination Station

by Payload Asia

(L-R) Chris McLaughlin, EVP Operations, DFW Airport; Jayson Ahern, CBP Dallas Area Port Director; Roderick Hudson, CBP Houston Area Port Director; Milton De La Paz, VP Airline Relations, DFW Airport; Syed Haris Raza, VP Cargo, dnata Cargo USA

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the first airport in the country to operate a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Centralized Examination Station (CES) located on the secure side of an airport. This innovative setup, which previously has taken place outside of a secure airfield environment, expedites the direct transfer of cargo from airplanes to the CBP inspection facility, eliminating the need for additional transport and significantly enhancing efficiency and security. The CES was made possible through a partnership between CBP, DFW Airport and dnata Cargo USA.

“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.”

The facility is strategically designed, from its location to its operational processes. With CBP officers on site, the CES ensures faster inspections and optimal use of CBP resources. Additionally, it features the latest non-intrusive inspection technology to expedite cargo exams, streamlining the overall package clearance process at DFW and ultimately speeding up delivery of imported goods to recipients in the North Texas region and beyond.

“By expediting the commercial flow of legitimate goods, this innovative Centralized Examination Station has proven to be an economic stimulus to the region,” said Jayson Ahern, CBP Dallas Area Port Director. “CBP has assigned officers, agriculture specialists, and supervisors to this facility since its inception, we have seen greater speed and efficiency in clearing cross-border e-commerce and imports targeted for inspection. For the American consumer, it means their products make it to their doorstep faster and safer. This CES will serve as a model for future port efforts throughout the United States. Together with our DFW and dnata partners, we’re proud to be on the front end of this innovative effort.”

In fiscal year 2020, DFW Airport processed 16,000 international e-commerce clearances. The airport has seen its e-commerce clearances increase to 20 million packages in fiscal year 2023. In the first half of fiscal year 2024, that number has already exceeded 23 million packages.

By continuing to work closely with CBP, airline and cargo partners, and local freight forwarders, DFW aims to be the cargo hub of choice in North America.