
DFW Airport Customs Cargo CES expands efficiency by utilizing advanced technology to streamline the customs clearance process.
The Automated Broker Interface (ABI) system allows for electronic data interchange, reducing paperwork and increasing processing speed.
DFW Airport's Customs Cargo CES has achieved a significant reduction in processing times, with some shipments cleared in as little as 30 minutes.
This increased efficiency is a major benefit for businesses and individuals relying on timely customs clearance.
DFW Airport Customs Cargo CES
DFW Airport is home to the first US Customs and Border Protection Centralized Examination Station (CES) located on the secure side of an airport.
This innovative setup 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.
DFW Airport processed 16,000 international e-commerce clearances in fiscal year 2020.
The airport has seen its e-commerce clearances increase to 20 million packages in fiscal year 2023, and have already exceeded 23 million packages in the first half of fiscal year 2024.

The CES was made possible through a partnership between CBP, DFW Airport, and dnata Cargo USA.
CBP officers, agriculture specialists, and supervisors are assigned to the facility, allowing for faster inspections and optimal use of CBP resources.
The facility features the latest non-intrusive inspection technology to expedite cargo exams and streamline the overall package clearance process.
The CES has proven to be an economic stimulus to the region by expediting the commercial flow of legitimate goods.
For the American consumer, this means their products make it to their doorstep faster and safer.
Benefits and Innovations
The DFW Airport Customs Cargo CES has revolutionized cargo processing by eliminating the need for additional transport, reducing delays and making cargo inspections faster and more efficient.
With direct access to airside operations, CBP can more effectively monitor and inspect cargo, ensuring compliance with U.S. regulations.
The CES at DFW reduces delays, making cargo inspections faster and more efficient by bypassing the need for additional transport.
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CBP Dallas Area Port Director Jayson Ahern highlighted the benefits of this facility, stating that it supports a strong economy and enhances their ability to process international e-commerce shipments.
Here are the key efficiency gains and security benefits of the CES at DFW:
- Efficiency Gains: Reduced delays and faster cargo inspections
- Enhanced Security: More effective monitoring and inspection of cargo
DFW Airport Milestone
DFW Airport has made history by becoming the first airport in the United States to operate a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Centralized Examination Station (CES) located on the secure side of an airport.
This innovative set-up has significantly enhanced efficiency and security by expediting the direct transfer of cargo from airplanes to the CBP inspection facility.
The CES was made possible through a partnership between CBP, DFW Airport, and dnata Cargo USA, and is strategically designed for optimal use of CBP resources.
CBP officers are on site to ensure faster inspections, and the facility features the latest non-intrusive inspection technology to expedite cargo exams.

In fiscal year 2020, DFW Airport processed 16,000 international e-commerce clearances, but this number has increased to 20 million packages in fiscal year 2023.
By the first half of fiscal year 2024, that number had already exceeded 23 million packages.
The success of the DFW CES is expected to serve as a model for future U.S. ports, showcasing the importance of innovation and collaboration in maintaining the security and efficiency of U.S. trade operations.
DFW Airport aims to be the cargo hub of choice in North America, and is continuing to work closely with CBP, airline and cargo partners, and local freight forwarders to achieve this goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the port director of the CBP DFW?
The Area Port Director at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is Jayson Ahern. He is responsible for overseeing U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations at the airport.
Sources
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-dfw-dnata-cargo-usa-unveil-nation-s-first-airside-centralized
- https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/us-cbp-dfw-dnata-start-first-airside-centralised-examination-station-1352960
- https://thxnews.com/2024/08/14/first-airside-centralized-examination-station-opens/
- https://airport-world.com/dfw-opens-uss-first-cbp-centralized-examination-station/
- https://www.wfaa.com/article/travel/dfw-airport-us-customs-border-protection-centralized-examination-station/287-b8139148-10ea-43f1-bf97-b135506831a9
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