Airforwarders’ Association Executive Director, Brandon Fried, third from left, with Miami Air Cargo Association Board Members (left to right): Warren Jones, Gizelle Sarmento, Christine Richard, Dmitrios “Jimmy” Nares, and Richard Garcia
Executive Director Brandon Fried pledges joint action on shared operational challenges at Miami International Airport
Miami, United States, Wednesday 21st January 2026: The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has welcomed the launch of the Miami Air Cargo Association (MACA) and confirmed its commitment to work with the new organization to support the air cargo community at Miami International Airport.
Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the AfA, addressed the MACA at its launch and pledged collaboration on practical challenges, including truck congestion, infrastructure efficiency, and operational resilience.
“The Miami Air Cargo Association provides an important new platform for collaboration at one of the United States’ busiest cargo gateways,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.
“Working together, we will press for solutions to tackle truck congestion and stand up for the day-to-day operational needs of freight forwarders.”
The MACA has been established as a 501-C non-profit organization with full bylaws and an appointed Board of Directors, and aims to strengthen engagement across the local cargo community.
“The creation of the Miami Air Cargo Association gives our local industry a focused platform to connect, collaborate, and give back,” said Warren Jones, President and Director, Miami Air Cargo Association.
“We appreciate the Airforwarders Association’s willingness to partner with us on issues that directly affect day to day operations at Miami International Airport, and look forward to working with them.”
The MACA plans a program of five industry lunches in 2026, alongside a fall golf outing, a year-end holiday event, charitable initiatives, and the development of a scholarship program for members.
Members of the MACA Board of Directors include Warren Jones, Vice President of Business Development, Alliance Ground International; Richard Garcia, Chief Operating Officer, Sterling Transportation; Patrizia Harmeier, USA Vice President of Sales, Swissport; Gizelle Sarmento, Regional Sales Director, Cargo Solutions Network; Dimitrios “Jimmy” Nairs, Section Chief of Aviation Marketing, Miami-Dade Aviation Department; Christine Richards, Cargo Consultant.
About the Airforwarders Association
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) represents hundreds of U.S companies dedicated to moving cargo through the supply chain on all modes of transport.
AfA has been supporting member companies of all sizes for 35 years, acting as the voice of the industry and lobbying legislators to help drive sustainable practices and ensure resilient, safe, secure supply chains.
As an alliance of indirect air carriers, cargo airlines and related businesses operating across the global transportation community, we represent member companies dedicated to moving air cargo through the supply chain.
Our members include not only air forwarders, but truckers, airlines, warehouse operators and businesses delivering a range of supporting services including technology, training, compliance, insurance and legal, just to name a few industries.
From campaigning for better national infrastructure to opening discussions about carbon reductions and digitilization – AfA has promoted hundreds of its members and streamlined business models to continue the growing industry.
More information at airforwarders.org/