Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has made history as the first airport in the United States to operate a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Centralized Examination Station (CES) within its secure airside operations area.

This pioneering facility marks a significant shift from traditional practices, where cargo was inspected outside the secure airfield environment. Now, goods can be transferred directly from aircraft to the CBP inspection facility, streamlining the process and bolstering both efficiency and security.

The CES is the result of a collaborative effort between CBP, DFW Airport, and dnata Cargo USA. Strategically positioned, the station is equipped with the latest non-intrusive inspection technologies, enabling swift cargo examinations and optimal use of CBP resources.

This setup not only expedites the clearance process at DFW but also accelerates the delivery of imported goods across North Texas and beyond.

Chris McLaughlin, DFW’s executive vice president of operations, said: “The CES is a key part of supporting DFW Airport’s rapid growth of international e-commerce package clearances. We’re just beginning to tap into our immense business potential in cargo, thanks to our location in the centre 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.”

Jayson Ahern, CBP Dallas Area Port director, said: “By expediting the commercial flow of legitimate goods, this innovative CES has proven to be an economic stimulus to the region.

“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 US. 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 processed 16,000 international e-commerce clearances. By fiscal year 2023, that figure soared to 20 million packages, and in the first half of fiscal year 2024, that number has already exceeded 23 million packages.

With ongoing collaboration among CBP, airline and cargo partners, and local freight forwarders, DFW says it is positioning itself as the premier cargo hub in North America.

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