A minimalist workspace featuring a coffee cup, laptop, and wooden desk, offering a productive and stylish environment.

Brandon’s Musings : From the Executive Director’s Desk

Dear Members,

It was great seeing so many of you at the recent Cargo Network Services (CNS) Partnership Conference in Miami. The event was well attended. It was filled with meaningful discussions and valuable connections that reaffirm the strength and resilience of our industry.

I was honored to deliver opening remarks and convey a clear message that resonated with many: “Stop tariffs, not trade.” As global commerce continues to face policy uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we speak with one voice in advocating for policies that foster—not hinder—growth and opportunity.

My travel schedule continues to keep me on the move in June. I’ll be heading to Denver to celebrate the opening of a new freight facility for Southwest Airlines. This is another example of how our members continue to invest in the future of air cargo.

Shortly after, I’ll return to Miami to address the World Cargo Alliance, one of our active and engaged members. Then, I’m off to New Jersey to speak at the Rutgers University Freight Academy. There, I’ll discuss the critical role airforwarders play in the broader freight and logistics ecosystem.

In regulatory news, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently issued revisions to both the Certified Cargo Standard Security Program (CCSSP) and the Standard Screening Procedures for Air Cargo (SSPAC). These changes could have important implications for many of our members. We strongly encourage everyone to take the time to carefully review both documents.

Your feedback is essential in ensuring our collective voice is heard and considered.

Please send any comments, questions, or concerns directly to me at bf****@***********rs.org and to Regulatory Compliance Committee member Marc Topel, at mt****@**********de.com.

As always, thank you for your continued support of the Airforwarders Association. Whether it’s advocating on Capitol Hill, engaging with regulators, or sharing best practices across our membership, we are proud to be your voice and your partner. Stay safe, stay engaged—and I hope to see many more of you as I continue my travels this summer.

Sincerely,

Brandon Fried
Executive Director
Airforwarders Association