Milwaukee, Wisconsin - This year has brought growth to both trade and travel activity within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port of Milwaukee. Recent expansions in CBP Milwaukee operations have included new direct rail service from Asia; a Centralized Examination Station (CES) selection and an increase in number of international air passenger arrivals at Mitchell International Airport.
Beginning in May, CBP officers will process a new weekly flight coming from Cancun, Mexico, at Mitchell Airport, which was recently ranked as the only U.S. airport among the top 30 fastest growing airports in the world. Last year, U.S. Department of Transportation figures showed Mitchell setting an all-time record with more than 900,000 passengers passing through the Milwaukee facility in one month. That growth has now manifested itself in increased international traffic which adds to the growth of CBP Milwaukee air operations.
In April, the CBP Milwaukee port director gave notice to the trade community announcing new rail service from Asia to the Port of Milwaukee. This new service consists of vessel cargo from Asia, transferred onto freight rail service in Vancouver, then transported through Portal, ND, to Milwaukee. As a result, CBP can now assist in bringing more efficient costs and handling times to trade partners that import Asian cargo.
Another indicator of growth at the CBP Port of Milwaukee is the recent selection of a continued CES that had provided past compliance and will continue to facilitate the needs of the local trade community. A CES facility is the designation given to a warehousing operation that is in compliance with CBP regulations pertaining to the on-site security, examination and release of imported merchandise.
"We are thrilled with the growth of our operations in Milwaukee and are ready and equipped to handle any opportunities," said Steven Artino, U.S. Customs and Border Protection acting Chicago Office of Field Operations Director. "I have a tremendous amount of pride for the dedication and hard work of our CBP employees. They have the expertise and are constantly seeking avenues that will improve service to our international trade and travel community partners."
The CBP Port of Milwaukee includes all of Milwaukee and Waukesha counties wherein lies the heaviest concentration of industrial activity in the State of Wisconsin. The busy port has a large exporting operation and receives importations of diverse shipments from all over the world.