The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has welcomed the release of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the nation’s airport air cargo infrastructure, which validates concerns raised repeatedly by AfA with legislators about the knock-on effects of inadequate investment and maintenance in this area.
The pivotal document, directly mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Law, validates long-standing industry concerns and follows AfA’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
“The release of this GAO report marks a truly significant moment for the entire air cargo and logistics industry,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association.
“For years, we have highlighted the critical need for investment in our ground-based air cargo infrastructure. This report provides the irrefutable, government-backed evidence we need to drive real change and secure essential federal funding.”
The 82-page report’s initial findings strongly confirm the challenges faced by freight forwarders and stakeholders across the U.S. supply chain, highlighting;
Aging Infrastructure: A substantial portion of airport cargo facilities, including warehouses, truck areas, and aprons, are outdated and struggling to keep pace with modern operational demands and larger aircraft.
Operational Bottlenecks: The report clearly identifies how issues such as insufficient truck parking, poorly configured roadways, and crowded cargo aprons lead to costly congestion, delays, and inefficiencies across the supply chain.
Data Deficiencies: It highlights limitations in the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) air cargo data, hindering effective infrastructure planning and decision-making.
Lack of Federal Engagement: The report critically points out DOT’s insufficient engagement with air cargo stakeholders, underscoring a gap in understanding and addressing industry challenges.
The implications for industry stakeholders and U.S. commerce are profound. These infrastructure deficiencies directly contribute to increased freight forwarder costs, impede the timely flow of goods, and can diminish the competitiveness of U.S. businesses in the global marketplace.
The report’s findings underscore that, while air cargo is vital for high-value, perishable, and time-sensitive goods, its efficiency is severely hampered by inadequate ground support.
“This GAO report is more than just an analysis; it’s a critical tool that empowers the Airforwarders Association to intensify our efforts to seek dedicated Federal funding,” said Fried.
“Our goal is clear: to reduce airport truck lines, modernize facilities, and ultimately lower operational costs for our members, ensuring a more efficient and resilient supply chain for all U.S. commerce.”
On behalf of AfA, Fried extended his sincere gratitude to Government Relations Director Michael Taylor for his outstanding efforts in advocating for this report.
“We also thank our coalition partner, the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), and acknowledge all contributors to our 65-page briefing paper, especially the late Dan Muscatello, whose foundational insights were instrumental in making this report a reality,” said Fried.
AfA remains committed to working with policymakers and industry partners to leverage these findings into tangible improvements for the nation’s air cargo infrastructure.
