Chicago, United States
Customs clearance in Chicago
Import and export clearance for shipments to and from Chicago. Customs clearance in the United States is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
Industries in Chicago and how we support them
The Chicago region is a manufacturing centre for machinery, industrial equipment and metal products, a major food processing location and home to large pharmaceutical and medical companies in the northern suburbs. Agricultural and construction equipment makers across the Midwest also source parts through Chicago. We support these supply chains with air freight under our own air waybills via ORD, sea freight to and from US coastal ports with rail delivery to Chicago ramps, Next Flight Out for production-critical parts and On-Board Courier for prototypes and samples. Customs data is prepared before the cargo lands.
Operational logistics facts for Chicago
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) | Freighter and widebody air freight to Europe and Asia | Main air cargo gateway for the Midwest |
| Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) | Freighter and express operations | Alternative cargo airport north-west of Chicago |
| Joliet / Elwood intermodal terminals | Rail containers from East and West Coast ports | Sea freight delivered to the Midwest by rail |
| I-294 / I-90 / I-55 corridors | Truck distribution to Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin | Direct road access from O'Hare to regional plants |
Airports, seaports and connections in Chicago
- AirportO'Hare
ORD - SeaportInland rail ramps, sea freight via East and West Coast ports
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the largest cargo airports in the United States and the main air freight gateway for the Midwest, with dense freighter and widebody passenger service to Europe and Asia. Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), north-west of the city, has developed into an additional cargo airport with freighter and express operations. Chicago has no ocean container port of its own for deep-sea trade; containers reach the region by rail from East Coast and West Coast ports and are handled at large inland intermodal ramps in the metro area.
Chicago is the largest rail hub in North America, where most of the Class I railroads meet. Major intermodal terminals are located around Joliet and Elwood south-west of the city. The interstate network includes I-90, I-94, I-55, I-80 and I-88, and the I-294 Tri-State Tollway runs past O'Hare, giving direct truck access from the cargo areas to distribution centres across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
One contact, local customs expertise
Our partner team in the United States files the declarations locally, under the Ziem Logistics brand. You send documents and questions to our operations desk, which coordinates with the team and keeps you informed.
Customs clearance in the United States
Ziem network
Customs clearance in the United States is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from the United States we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in the United States need an importer of record number and, for most formal entries, a customs bond.
Documents we check before shipping
Commercial invoice, packing list, the transport document and, where needed, certificates of origin, licences or permits. We check that descriptions, values and HS codes are consistent across all documents before the goods move.
Frequently asked questions
Can customs be cleared directly in Chicago for sea freight?
Yes. Containers that arrive at a coastal port can move inland in bond and be cleared at the Chicago destination. Clearance is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, working under the Ziem Logistics brand, to our procedures and with the data we prepare.
What does a US importer need for clearance at O'Hare?
An importer of record number, a customs bond for most formal entries, a commercial invoice and packing list, and correct HTSUS tariff codes. Entries are filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through ACE. Complete documents keep the clearance process smooth.
Are food products imported via Chicago subject to extra controls?
Yes. Food imports require FDA prior notice before arrival, and some products of animal or plant origin are also subject to USDA requirements. We check the product details with you before shipping so that the required filings are made.