Through the steady buzz of conveyor belts and rolling dollies against the concrete floor, the stacked boxes the noises emanate from don’t look like anything special. Just another shipment. But, as the sound rises and falls, weaving itself into the hum of the day, it’s clear the boxes hold something far from ordinary.

The boxes shift ever so slightly. Yellow, fluffy down presses against the beehive air holes, pushing against the openings.

Inside those boxes are baby chicks. Dozens of them.

A small but special shipment waiting for its turn to fly at an equally small, but special hub – the Dulles International Airport (IAD) United Cargo hub.

Small but Mighty

Just outside Washington, D.C., United Cargo’s IAD hub is a quiet powerhouse. It may not be the biggest or flashiest station, but its prime location, agility, and veteran team make it one of the most important links in United’s global network.

IAD sits at the center of the mid-Atlantic, perfectly placed to move cargo quickly across the U.S. and beyond. Its overnight trucking lane to Atlanta, which is the busiest in United’s network, gives shippers next-day speed in one of the nation’s most competitive markets.

It’s also a gateway overseas. Frequent flights to Brussels fuel United Cargo’s largest pharma lane moving life-saving medications through its temperature-controlled rooms, while connections to Africa open trade to fast-growing markets. And with embassies and government offices nearby, Dulles plays a trusted role in handling sensitive diplomatic shipments.

From Chirps to Critical Care

The freight moving through IAD is as varied as it is vital. Temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, critical medical supplies, live animals – IAD knows a thing or two about handling special shipments.

For example, when a life-saving shipment of critical medical supplies found its way to the hub. it needed to reach London and every minute counted. So, a United Cargo employee carried the package, and hand-delivered it onto the plane.

While life-saving cargo takes the spotlight, everyday shipments matter too. Over the years, IAD has moved lots of special packages (like the dozens of rowdy chicks), each reflecting the hub’s ability to adapt and deliver on unique customer needs.

What’s Next for Dulles

Looking ahead, IAD is preparing for a major terminal remodel and infrastructure upgrade. As one of United’s more historic facilities, the investment will modernize the space with new technology, expanded capacity, and updated workflows designed for the demands of tomorrow’s cargo.

For customers, the upgrades signify a facility that’s equipped to handle the growing diversity of shipments moving through IAD with even greater precision and care. The remodel reinforces IAD's role as a strategic mid-Atlantic hub, ensuring it remains a strong, reliable connection point for years to come.