Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Whether you’re curious about our services, processes, or how we make airports run great, our FAQs are here to help. Explore the topics below to find clear, concise answers to commonly asked questions.

General Questions

What is a Centralized Receiving and Distribution Center (CRDC)?

A CRDC is a facility where goods are consolidated, inspected, and distributed to their final destinations, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing traffic congestion.

CRDCs streamline logistics by reducing delivery vehicle traffic, minimizing delays, improving security, and supporting sustainability goals by lowering carbon emissions and recycling goods.

CRDCs receive goods from multiple suppliers, screen the goods destined for the airport terminal complex, sort and consolidate shipments, and distribute them to various airport locations or tenants using optimized routing.

Benefits

What are the environmental benefits of a CRDC?

By reducing vehicle trips and idling, CRDCs help lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and support sustainable transportation goals.

CRDCs centralize inspections, ensuring all goods entering the airport are thoroughly screened, reducing risks associated with unchecked deliveries and unvetted commercial vehicles.

Yes, CRDCs decrease the number of individual deliveries and vendor vehicle trips being made to the airport by consolidating shipments into fewer, more efficient trips, by up to 60%-70% on average (based on Bradford’s customer airport sites).

Implementation & Operations

What is involved in the implementation of a CRDC operation?

Bradford Airport Logistics operates CRDCs at airports around the US and globally. This includes performing necessary design and buildout of CRDC facilities, provisioning of vehicles, material handling equipment and technology, and hiring/managing a local Bradford workforce to perform CRDC services for the airport.

Typically the airport or terminal developer/operator will hire Bradford to perform CRDC services, in which its tenants use our services, agree on delivery schedules, and coordinate their supply chain needs with us.

Goods include airport operations & maintenance, airline office supplies, janitorial goods, regulatory tenants (Fire/Safety, FAA, TSA, Airport Police, etc.), airport hotels, airline clubs, strategic parts stores, airport art/foundations, armed services centers (ASC/USO), and numerous other types of tenants. Anything not destined on an aircraft can be moved through a CRDC.

Cost and Efficiency

How much does it cost to use a CRDC?

Costs vary based on the size and complexity of the operation, but the goal is always to provide tenants with cost-effective logistics solutions.

CRDCs can reduce delivery costs, improve operational efficiency, and minimize penalties for non-compliance with airport aviation security/TSA.

Sustainability

Does a CRDC support sustainability goals?

Yes, CRDCs align with global sustainability initiatives by reducing carbon footprints and supporting green airport practices. Our CRDCs serve as a recycling operations “hub” for goods that can be collected and reused/repurposed.

Technology

What technologies are used in a Bradford CRDC?

Our CRDCs use our custom-built, proprietary platform known as Airport Material Intelligence System (AMIS™) along with necessary CCTV, Wi-Fi/networking, PC hardware, printers/scanners, and AMIS™-powered handheld devices to perform secure logistics operations.

Yes, our AMIS™ Extranet allows end-user recipients (airport concessionaires and tenants) to have online tracking of their goods to monitor incoming delivery times and status.

CRDC Industry Growth

Are CRDCs being implemented globally?

Yes – many airports worldwide are adopting CRDCs as part of their logistics strategies to enhance operational efficiency, stronger security of goods, sustainability, and the overall passenger experience.

Any additional questions?

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