Global trip support provider Universal Weather and Aviation has been accepted into the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) reimbursable services program (RSP), making it the first mission-management company to do so. The RSP program was initiated in 2013 and allows stakeholders such as airlines, cargo operators, FBOs, charter management companies, and some corporate flight departments (at their home base) to request after-hours inspection.
On behalf of its customers, Universal can now request and prepay for overtime CBP services at 11 U.S. airports where operational hours are limited. This includes Austin-Bergstrom International (KAUS), Bangor International (KBGR), Connecticut Bradley International (KBDL), Charleston International (KCHS), Louisville International (KSDF), Tampa International (KTPA), Reno-Tahoe International (KRNO) Salt Lake City International (KSLC), Teterboro (KTEB), Treasure Cay International (KFPR), and Will Rogers International (KOKC). Soon to be added are Francis S. Gabreski (KFOK), Republic (KFRG), and MacArthur (KISP) airports—all on New York’s Long Island—and Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX).
“CBP clearance hours have been severely restricted the last few years and are only getting more so, making it very challenging for operators conducting business overseas to come back home and clear U.S. Customs at their desired location,” explained Adam Hartley, Universal’s global regulatory services product manager. “As an RSP partner, we will be eligible to request overtime services that otherwise would not be available.”