Updates from the Airforwarders Association
Dear Members,
A Month of Industry Engagement and Advocacy
October has been a busy and productive month for the Airforwarders Association. We’ve been actively engaged in various initiatives to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing our industry.
Industry Outreach and Collaboration
The month began with our participation in the JOC Inland Distribution Conference in Chicago. Here, we had the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and discuss the latest trends and challenges. We followed this up with appearances at the Descartes Innovation Forum in Chicago and the WESCCON conference in San Diego. At these events, we engaged with members and stakeholders to gain valuable insights and feedback.
Meeting with our members in person at these events was particularly inspiring. These face-to-face interactions allow us to better understand the unique challenges faced by our diverse membership. In turn, this understanding helps us tailor our advocacy efforts accordingly.
Advocacy and Policy
One of our key priorities has been to address the critical issue of airport cargo congestion. Thanks to our advocacy efforts, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) studies truck congestion’s impact in airport cargo areas. This study is a significant step towards finding solutions to this persistent problem and improving the efficiency of our industry.
We have also been actively involved in addressing security challenges, including the recent implementation of enhanced security measures for air cargo shipments. We have worked closely with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Together, we ensure our members are well-informed and compliant with these new regulations.
Member Engagement and Professional Development
Our commitment to member engagement and professional development remains strong. Our Sustainability and Technology Committees have been hard at work organizing webinars and other events. These events aim to share best practices and insights on industry trends. Chelsea Lamar, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, hosted a webinar on sustainable cargo infrastructure. Additionally, Amanda Barlow, Chair of the Technology Committee, led a session on leveraging LinkedIn for professional networking.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for AirCargo 2025, scheduled for March 2-4 in Dallas. This event promises to be our biggest yet. It will offer a wealth of networking opportunities, educational sessions, and insights into the future of our industry.
We encourage you to register early and take advantage of the various sponsorship and exhibit opportunities available.
As we navigate the complexities of the air cargo industry, the Airforwarders Association will continue to advocate strongly for our members. We are committed to working with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international partners. This collaboration aims to create a more efficient, secure, and sustainable future for freight forwarders and our industry partners.
Sincerely,
Brandon Fried
Executive Director
Airforwarders Association