Global CFS The era of de minimis is officially over. For years, this exemption has allowed low-value imports valued at under $800 to enter the United States duty-free, with minimal customs processing, fueling the growth of e-commerce. However, with that threshold now abolished, shippers, freight forwarders, and online retailers are adapting to a new landscape of heightened customs scrutiny and more complex reporting requirements.
What’s Changing in the Post-De Minimis World
Without the de minimis exemption, every parcel—no matter how small—must now clear Customs under formal entry processes. That means more data, more documentation, and more direct responsibility for carriers and logistics providers.
As a result, some major e-commerce platforms and their logistics partners are taking a fresh look at international postal channels as a potential alternative. These postal networks, renowned for their slower delivery speeds, now offer a tottering middle ground between the simplicity of the old de minimis model and the rigor of a full customs entry.
Industry experts note that ending de minimis will redefine how low-value goods enter the U.S.:
“When a shipment lands, there’s no room for hesitation. At Global CFS, our strength lies in readiness—over 200 tractors, 400 trailers, all supported by specialized assets such as enclosed roller trailers, temperature-controlled units, and tri-axle chassis. Whether it’s a full aircraft recovery or a private charter, we have the right equipment, in the right place, at the right time to keep cargo moving without compromise.”
— Steve Panzarella Jr., President, Global CFS, Inc.
What It Means for Forwarders
Forwarders handling e-commerce parcels are already seeing increased demand. Some are securing full and partial charter recoveries to move parcels directly to U.S. warehouses for breakdown and distribution.
To put that in perspective:
- A Boeing 747 charter can offload the equivalent of 12–14 trucks’ worth of freight.
- A Boeing 777 charter typically carries 8–10 truckloads, depending on density and packaging.
That’s a massive volume that requires precise coordination and fast turnaround times once wheels hit the tarmac.
How Global CFS Keeps Cargo Moving
At Global CFS, we’re built beyond the Pony Express and ready for this kind of volume. With facilities strategically located near the major airports of LAX and ORD, and an extensive fleet of hundreds of tractors, trailers, and chassis ready for on-airport recoveries, we provide seamless transitions from aircraft to warehouse alongside the specialized equipment you need..
Here’s how Global supports forwarders in this new environment:
- 24/7 truck availability for immediate charter recoveries.
- Customs-bonded warehouse capacity for e-commerce and parcel segregation.
- Flexible cut-off windows to help clients meet strict KPI and SLA requirements.
- Real-time visibility and communication to keep shipments on schedule.
The end of de minimis may add complexity to customs compliance—but with the proper recovery and warehousing partner, forwarders can continue to meet service expectations and avoid disruption.
Ready to keep your e-commerce supply chain on schedule? Contact Global CFS today to secure capacity, streamline post-flight recoveries, and stay compliant as the new import rules take effect.
