The Airforwarders Association (AfA) serves as the voice and advocate of the airforwarder and the wider air cargo industry in the United States. Our mission is to support and bolster the interests of these vital sectors.
The AfA doesn’t just represent the industry—we drive it forward, ensuring that the businesses moving cargo across the globe have the representation and voice in Washington, DC, and with regulators across the globe. From advocacy to innovation, the AfA is committed to keeping air cargo efficient, secure, and competitive.
Our membership includes every component of the air cargo ecosystem, including:
- Air freight forwarders and indirect air carriers
- Trucking companies and ground handlers
- Airlines and airport operators
- Warehouse operators and logistics providers
- Experts in technology, training, compliance, insurance, and legal services
- Other essential supply chain partners
Whether a small business with a handful of employees or a multinational corporation with a global footprint, our members have vital roles in keeping air cargo moving. Think of them as the travel agents for air freight, working in concert with other stakeholders in land, rail and ocean multimodal supply chains to move goods. At the AfA, we bring these businesses together to strengthen the industry, advocate for smarter policies, and ensure the future of air cargo remains strong.
What We Do
The AfA focuses on several key areas to support and advance the industry:
Advocacy
We work proactively with cargo airlines, federal regulatory agencies, and Congress to promote efficient cargo operations and influence pending regulations. Our executive director and leadership team maintain a strong presence in Washington D.C., serving on critical federal advisory committees and ensuring the industry’s voice is heard on issues ranging from security to infrastructure.
Security Leadership
As security is the industry’s top priority, we partner closely with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other agencies to develop and implement effective cargo screening protocols while maintaining efficient freight movement.
Education & Professional Development
Through partnerships with leading training providers, we offer members access to comprehensive professional development programs covering essential topics from hazardous materials handling to export controls.
Industry Advancement
We work to modernize and improve air cargo facilities, technology, and processes through research, recommendations, and collaboration with stakeholders across the supply chain.
Networking & Knowledge Sharing
Through conferences, regional events, and committees, we facilitate connections and best practice sharing among industry professionals.
Air Cargo Forwarding: Driving Global Trade for Over 70 Years
For more than seven decades, the air cargo forwarding industry has been the invisible force behind global commerce. While air freight makes up less than 5% of total global shipments by volume, it moves an astounding 35% of world trade by value—over $6.8 trillion annually.
Throughout this evolution, the Airforwarders Association (AfA) has been at the forefront, shaping the industry’s progress in key areas such as:
- Strengthening security protocols and cargo screening in the post-9/11 landscape
- Advancing modern technology and automation to improve efficiency
- Developing and expanding canine screening programs for enhanced security
- Advocating for infrastructure investment and modernization at airports and hubs
- Supporting the rapid rise of e-commerce and its impact on global logistics
- Driving sustainability initiatives to create a more responsible air cargo industry
When the COVID-19 pandemic put supply chains to the test, AfA members stepped up, ensuring critical medical supplies, PPE, and essential goods reached their destinations despite unprecedented disruptions. Today, the association continues tackling pressing challenges like airport congestion, workforce development, and technology adoption, ensuring the industry remains resilient and future-ready.
Looking ahead, AfA remains committed to its mission: protecting the interests of air cargo forwarders while ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of freight in support of global trade.
For more information about joining the Airforwarders Association or learning about our current initiatives, please contact us.