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Detroit Container Freight Station

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (USCBP) Wayne County (Detroit) Port 3801 Customs Office has authorized Evans Distribution Systems to operate as a Container Freight Station (CFS). More than 50,000 square feet of bonded warehouse space is dedicated to assisting USCBP with container inspections in our Melvindale facility.

Efficient and Cost Effective Container Inspection Solutions

Every imported container is subject to random inspections by US Customs & Border Protection. When a container is selected for additional inspection, importers are required to route containers to a secured and bonded facility known as a Container Freight Station to prepare it for inspection. 

 

Our cfs Location

18765 Seaway Drive
Melvindale, MI 48122

The Melvindale location serves as Evans' corporate headquarters. This 404,000 sq. ft. warehouse and office building was constructed in 1970 and has served as our warehousing, transportation, staffing, fulfillment and value-added flagship operation. It is also an authorized CFS location.

Container Freight Station Features: 

  • 51,200 sq ft customs bonded warehouse space dedicated to inspections; 352K sq ft Foreign Trade Zone
  • 21 dock doors
  • 6.9 miles from Wayne County (Detroit) Port 3801 Customs Office
  • 24-hour onsite security guard and monitored video security system
  • 24/7 container tracking and notification system
  • 25’ clear ceiling height
  • Ample container yard storage

Additional Facility Features:

what to expect at evans' cfs

Having one of the busiest borders in our backyard brings unique opportunities and challenges. With more than 90 years of 3PL experience in Metro Detroit, Evans Distribution Systems has many years of experience working with US Customs & Border Protection (USCBP) through our operation of a Foreign Trade Zone and Customs Bond areas since the 1980s.

Containers are examined for:

  • Verification of contents
  • Duties related to goods
  • Country of origin
  • Proper labeling of goods
  • Contraband or prohibited goods
  • Environmental risks
  • Container tampering or modifications


Officers also review the accuracy of shipping documents such as invoices, description of goods, shipper and delivery addresses, and inventory.

Evans opens a CFS in Melvindale
“It is a privilege to support CBP's mission to protect our nation's borders by maintaining the highest standards of compliance, security, and operational integrity."
Photo of VP of HR, Patrick Swaney
Patrick Swaney
Vice President of Human Resources

Advantages of utilizing Evans' cfs

Location

Close proximity to customs offices, port, and rail yards with cost-effective bonded drayage transportation services. 

Dedicated Labor & Flexibility

Dedicated and qualified staff assigned to CFS operation; flexible short term & long term storage options. Full-service transportation capabilities available. 

Knowledge of Customs & Importer Responsibilities

Our years of experience has built a wealth of knowledge about how customs operates and the importer responsibilities including informed compliance and reasonable care.

Strategic Partnerships

Extensive network of customs officers, brokers, freight forwarders, and drayage partners throughout Southeast Michigan and beyond.

Safety & Security

Strict security protocols including 24-hour onsite guard, monitored video security, and employee background checks ensure goods are handled carefully and accounted for while inspected.

Container Traceability

ezTracker, our real-time container positioning technology and container status notification system, prevents additional storage fees and delays at the yard.

CFS Capacity, Equipment & Tech

Dedicated bonded space with ample dock doors and yard storage for processing same-day or next-container inspections efficiently. State-of-the-art WMS & TMS systems optimize operations. 

Accurate Documentation Processes

Accurate and timely documentation & communication processes reduce friction while cargo moves through the inspection process.

Flexible Storage & Value Added Solutions

Flexible storage options: short term, long term, crossdock, transload, and yard storage. Extended labor resources to complete value-added projects quickly without compromising quality standards. 

Competitive Pricing

Competitive pricing for bonded transportation and storage with easy payment options for prompt release of containers. 

Additional Certifications

  • ISO 9001:2015 certified
  • Liquor-licensed
  • Food-grade certified
  • CTPAT Compliant
  • Fire Suppression System
  • Rail-served by NS & CSX (not approved by USCBP to receive containers requiring inspection)
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