April kept the Airforwarders Association moving at full speed, with our committees continuing to drive real work on real issues. My thanks to David King and the Cargo Theft Committee, Bob Imbriani and Tom Paciello leading Regulatory Compliance, Amanda Barlow with Technology, Aaron Ambrite guiding Membership, and Warren Jones for his leadership of our Education Committee. Their focus and consistency are what keep this association grounded in what actually matters to members.
This month’s standout was our IATA One Record webinar, made possible by Charles Marrale of ExFreight and Amanda Barlow of Rock-It Cargo. They pulled together a strong lineup of subject matter experts, and the member turnout reflected the strong interest in where digital cargo data standards are heading. It was exactly the kind of substantive, member-driven programming we aim to deliver.
The association also found its way into the mainstream conversation last week when I joined BBC Radio to discuss the Middle East conflict and its direct impact on air cargo—and specifically on our members. Tight capacity, elevated rates, and rising insurance costs are not abstract concerns; they’re the daily reality for forwarders navigating this environment, and I was glad to have the opportunity to bring that perspective to a global audience.
On a different note, last week I had the honor of visiting a supply chain class at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. These visits remind me why industry engagement with the next generation matters. The students were sharp, and the questions were insightful.
As I write this, I’m preparing to travel to Los Angeles for the annual American Airlines Enterprise Council. I always look forward to this gathering—it’s a chance to hear directly from a carrier partner we work closely with, and to connect with many of you who will be there.
May is shaping up to be a full month. I’ll be joining a distinguished panel of industry experts at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management for a discussion on air cargo and aviation supply chain challenges—a conversation that’s as timely as it gets. From there, I head to San Francisco for the CNS Partnership Conference, where I’ll deliver the keynote address on Tuesday morning, May 19th. I look forward to seeing many members at both.
The broader environment hasn’t gotten simpler. Tariff volatility, capacity pressures, and the ongoing strain on global trade lanes are keeping our members in constant problem-solving mode. We’re tracking these developments closely and will continue to bring the forwarder perspective to every table we’re invited to.
Thanks, as always, for your engagement and trust. There’s plenty ahead—and we’re ready for it.
Sincerely,
Brandon
