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 with US Customs & Border Protection (USCBP) through our operation of a Foreign Trade Zone and Customs Bonded areas since the 1980s.
On June 1, 2026, USCBP (Port 3801) authorized activation of our Container Freight Station (CFS). We have dedicated more than 50,000 square feet of bonded space within our Melvindale facility to customs inspections.
The station provides full-service 3PL solutions with additional features in accordance with CFS guidelines. Our facility features:
- 51,200 sq ft customs bonded warehouse space dedicated to inspections
- 21 dedicated dock doors
- 25’ clear ceiling height
- 6.9 miles from Wayne County (Detroit) Port 3801 Customs Office
- 24-hour onsite security guard and video security
- Bonded drayage
- 24/7 container tracking and notification system
- Ample yard storage for containers waiting for clearance or empty container storage
In addition to CFS inspections, Evans provides other useful services including crossdocking, transloading, short-term, and long-term flex storage. Our full-service value-added solutions including custom labeling, palletizing, heavy lifting, repacking, kitting, quality inspection, inventory checks, and goods itemization.
“It’s unfortunate when your container is selected for inspection because shippers are subject to additional costs and delays,” says Rich Huziak, Senior Operations Manager and CFS operator. “Our goal as a CFS operator is to alleviate those pain points by speeding up the process and providing additional services such as bonded drayage, manipulation of goods, and real-time container visibility to importers and officers,” he says.
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.
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plays a critical role in protecting the nation’s borders by ensuring that all cargo entering the United States is properly authorized, complies with applicable laws and regulations, and does not pose a threat to public safety or national security,” says Patrick Swaney, Vice President of Human Resources. “It is a privilege to support CBP in carrying out this important mission by maintaining the highest standards of compliance, security, and operational integrity. The goal of container examinations is to identify imports that do not follow US trade laws and regulations.”
Evans’ CFS Advantage
Our years of experience has built a wealth of knowledge about how customs operates and the importer responsibilities including informed compliance and reasonable care.
To inquire about our CFS services please contact us at sales@evansdist.com or call (313) 388-3200. For more information about our 3PL capabilities in Metro Detroit visit www.evansdist.com.