Dear AfA Members,
This month, the Airforwarders Association submitted comments to the TSA in response to proposed changes to the Indirect Air Carrier Standard Security Program (IACSSP) and the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP). We included many of your comments in the submission, especially regarding concerns over the proposed Known Shipper and cargo acceptance changes. Your insights were valuable, and we hope the TSA will consider them as they finalize the program documents. Special thanks go to Braden Core, Esq. of the Scopelitis Law Firm, and Marc Topel of AIT Worldwide. Their assistance in collecting comments and preparing the submission was greatly appreciated.
Enhanced TSA Engagement with AfA Members
On a positive note, we are pleased to see Ben Currier, the new TSA Air Cargo Division Chief, actively engaging with the AfA membership. Ben and his staff are touring the country to visit AfA members. They aim to gain a deeper understanding of the Indirect Air Carrier community. This outreach aligns well with the agency’s Air Cargo Roadmap, which was developed with AfA input. The roadmap outlines four goals, eight objectives, and twenty-two initiatives to improve air cargo security and efficiency.
Market Growth and De Minimis Policy Concerns
The global air and ocean cargo market has grown for the fifteenth consecutive month since the pandemic began. This surge is largely driven by high e-commerce volumes originating in Asia. The current de minimis threshold allows low-value goods to enter the US duty-free. While several AfA members are actively involved in transporting these goods, there are concerns surrounding the policy’s future. The impact on international trade is significant, and Congressional debates about the de minimis threshold are ongoing.
Capacity Constraints and Port Disruption Risks
Another factor impacting the cargo market is limited capacity. The increase in cargo is steadily consuming ocean space, leading to higher air cargo volumes. Retailers are concerned about a potential labor work stopage at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports. This disruption could significantly affect cargo flows this fall.
AirCargo 2025 Planning Begins
Looking ahead, July marks the beginning of preparations for AirCargo 2025. The planning team will meet in Arlington, Texas, to lay the groundwork for another successful event next March. We encourage all members to get involved by submitting session ideas and speaker suggestions.
The subheadings I created organize the content into clear, logical sections that make the newsletter easier to scan and navigate while maintaining the professional tone appropriate for AfA members.
Thank you for your continued membership and engagement. We are excited to keep you updated on these and other industry developments.
Sincerely,
Brandon Fried