Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the first airport in the United States to operate a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Centralized Examination Station (CES) on the secure side of an airport.

This innovative system, which previously took place outside of a secure airfield environment, accelerates the direct transfer of cargo from aircraft to the CBP inspection facility, eliminating the need for additional transportation and significantly improving efficiency and safety.

CES was made possible through a partnership between CBP, DFW Airport and dnata Cargo USA.

“CES is an important part of supporting the rapid growth of international e-commerce parcel handling at DFW Airport,” said Chris McLaughlin, executive vice president of operations at DFW.

“Thanks to our location in the middle of the country and our extensive air transport network, we are only just beginning to exploit our immense business potential in the cargo sector.

“We thank our partners at CBP for selecting DFW as the first airport in the country to join this new operating model.”

The facility is strategically designed from its location to its operations. With CBP officers on site, CES ensures faster inspections and optimal use of CBP resources.

Additionally, it features the latest non-invasive inspection technology to speed up cargo inspection, streamline the entire package handling process at DFW, and ultimately speed up the delivery of imported goods to recipients in the North Texas region and beyond.

“By accelerating the flow of legal goods, this innovative central inspection station has proven to be an economic boost for the region,” said Jayson Ahern, CBP Dallas Area Port Director.

“CBP has assigned officers, agricultural specialists and supervisors to this facility since its opening. We have seen greater speed and efficiency in processing cross-border electronic commerce and inspected imports.

“For the American consumer, this means their products will get to their doorstep faster and safer. This CES will serve as a model for future port projects across the United States.”

“We are proud to be at the forefront of these innovative efforts alongside our partners at DFW and dnata.”

In fiscal year 2020, DFW Airport processed 16,000 international e-commerce shipments. In fiscal year 2023, the airport was able to increase its e-commerce shipments to 20 million packages.

In the first half of the 2024 financial year, this figure will already be over 23 million parcels.

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