Now, DHL Express is the first company to carry out transportation, clearance, and storage of cargo within the Primary Zone of an airport in Brazil. Once authorized by the Federal Revenue, the operation in Viracopos will begin and can process up to 3,000 pieces per hour. 

Yves Lapa, senior manager of cargo import and export, explains the entire process. Lapa states that the operation is “almost 24/7,” with six flights per week, and there is a strategic pause in operations for a few hours on Sundays. 

The manager explains that the operation is divided into two parts: formal cargo – B2B imports – and courier or express cargo – B2C imports and e-commerce. With x-ray machines, smart conveyors, and pallet racks, Lapa expects that products will not remain stored for long, describing the process as “arrive, sit, and lift.” 

“Normally, without this gateway, it would take about two days, but with all this equipment, plus the partnership with Federal Revenue, this process can happen in a few hours, provided the importer has done their part correctly,” he comments. 

CEO Mirele Mautschke also mentions that the operation will serve small, medium, and large clients. Additionally, she reveals that the vast majority of received cargo is “formal,” with e-commerce accounting for only 10% of their operation in Brazil. 

“We work with all sectors, but especially e-commerce. By working with companies from various segments, we have the expertise and appeal for them; this is the beauty of the business,” she says.