Indianapolis, United States
Customs clearance in Indianapolis
Import and export clearance for shipments to and from Indianapolis. 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 Indianapolis and how we support them
Indianapolis is a major pharmaceutical and life sciences location, with large pharma headquarters and manufacturing, diagnostics companies and orthopaedic and medical device makers elsewhere in Indiana. The city's central location has also attracted large distribution and e-commerce centres. We support these supply chains with air freight under our own air waybills via IND or nearby hubs, temperature-controlled transport for pharma and diagnostics, Next Flight Out for urgent production materials, On-Board Courier for samples, and sea freight with rail delivery to Indianapolis. FDA and customs data are prepared in advance.
Operational logistics facts for Indianapolis
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis International Airport (IND) | Express hub and general air cargo | Major express operations in the Midwest |
| I-465 ring road with I-65 / I-69 / I-70 / I-74 | Truck distribution across the US Midwest | Central location within reach of many US markets |
| Indianapolis pharma and life sciences cluster | Temperature-controlled pharma and diagnostics | Specialised handling for pharma supply chains |
| CSX rail yard and intermodal service | Rail containers from East Coast ports | Inland delivery of sea freight |
Airports, seaports and connections in Indianapolis
- AirportIndianapolis
IND - SeaportInland rail ramps, sea via East Coast ports
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is one of the largest cargo airports in the United States, mainly because it hosts the second-largest hub of FedEx after Memphis. Alongside express operations, the airport has freighter and passenger connections that carry general cargo. Indianapolis has no seaport; ocean freight reaches the city by rail from East Coast ports or via Chicago, and the Ohio River ports in southern Indiana offer barge options for bulk goods.
Indiana's state motto, Crossroads of America, reflects its road network: I-65, I-69, I-70 and I-74 meet in Indianapolis, connected by the I-465 ring road. This puts a large share of the US population within a day's truck drive. CSX operates a major rail yard in the region, and intermodal containers reach Indianapolis from the coastal ports.
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.
Avoiding delays at customs
Most customs delays come from inconsistent documents: different values on invoice and packing list, missing HS codes or unclear goods descriptions. We review the documents against each other before departure, so the declaration in the United States can be filed without queries.
Frequently asked questions
Can sea freight be cleared in Indianapolis?
Yes. Containers can move in bond from the port of arrival to Indianapolis and be cleared there. Clearance is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network under the Ziem Logistics brand, to our procedures and with the shipment data we prepare.
What do medical device importers need for US customs?
In addition to the standard CBP requirements, medical devices are regulated by the FDA. Importers usually need the device listing and establishment registration details and the correct FDA product codes. Complete information reduces the risk of FDA holds.
Who is the importer of record for my shipments into Indianapolis?
Usually the US company that buys or receives the goods, but other arrangements are possible. The importer of record needs an importer number and, for most formal entries, a customs bond. We clarify this with you when setting up the first shipment.