United States
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Phoenix
Phoenix has become a major semiconductor manufacturing location.
Services in Phoenix
- Air freight in PhoenixAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in PhoenixFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in PhoenixImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Phoenix
- AirportPhoenix Sky Harbor
PHX - SeaportPorts of Los Angeles and Long Beachby road
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the main airport of Arizona, with freighter and express operations and passenger flights that carry belly cargo, although most long-haul international cargo for the region is connected via Los Angeles or other large hubs. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in the south-east of the metro area is close to several industrial and aerospace sites. Phoenix has no seaport; ocean freight reaches the city by road or rail from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the Mexican border crossing at Nogales is within trucking distance.
I-10 connects Phoenix with Los Angeles to the west and Tucson to the south-east, while I-17 runs north to Flagstaff. The Loop 101, Loop 202 and Loop 303 freeways ring the metro area and serve the industrial zones in Chandler, Mesa and the north-west valley. Union Pacific and BNSF provide rail connections, and I-19 from Tucson leads to the Nogales border crossing.
Industries in Phoenix and how we support them
Phoenix has become a major semiconductor manufacturing location, with large chip fabs in north Phoenix and Chandler and a growing supplier base. Aerospace companies, including helicopter and avionics manufacturers, and a fast-growing data centre sector add further high-value flows. We support these supply chains with air freight under our own air waybills via PHX or via Los Angeles with trucking to Phoenix, Next Flight Out for fab equipment parts, On-Board Courier for wafers and prototypes, and sea freight through the San Pedro Bay ports. In summer, we agree temperature protection for sensitive goods in advance.
Operational logistics facts for Phoenix
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) | Freighter, express and belly cargo | Air freight directly into the Phoenix metro area |
| Chandler and north Phoenix semiconductor fabs | Fab equipment, wafers and chemicals | Time-critical handling for chip production |
| I-10 corridor to Los Angeles | Trucking from LAX and the San Pedro Bay ports | Connection to West Coast air and sea gateways |
| Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) | Cargo close to the south-east valley | Alternative airport near aerospace and industrial sites |
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do you fly cargo directly into Phoenix or truck it from Los Angeles?
Both options are used. Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) works well for many shipments, while long-haul international cargo is often flown into LAX and trucked to Phoenix. We compare routing, capacity and cost for each shipment and book under our own air waybills.
How do you protect sensitive goods from summer heat in Phoenix?
Between June and September, ground temperatures can damage sensitive goods. We agree insulated or temperature-controlled packaging, plan handovers to keep the time on the tarmac short and use temperature-controlled vehicles for delivery where required.
Can you handle urgent equipment parts for semiconductor fabs in Arizona?
Yes. We book Next Flight Out, file the customs data before arrival and arrange direct delivery to the fab. For very sensitive parts, an On-Board Courier can carry them door to door with the handling requirements agreed in advance.
Who handles customs clearance for imports into Phoenix?
Clearance is done by a partner team in the Ziem network, working under the Ziem Logistics brand, to our procedures and with the shipment data we prepare. Entries are filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and you deal only with Ziem Logistics.
Can chemicals for semiconductor fabs be imported via Phoenix?
Yes, if the requirements are met. Chemical imports may need a TSCA certification and, as dangerous goods, correct classification, packaging and documentation for transport. We review the product data and safety data sheets with you before shipping.
Can goods from Mexico be cleared at the Nogales border for Phoenix?
Yes. Road freight from Mexico can be cleared at the Nogales crossing and delivered to Phoenix. Goods that meet the USMCA rules of origin may qualify for preferential treatment if the importer can support the origin claim.