• US cargo handling at major gateways like JFK faces record demand, processing 1.67 million tonnes in 2024 and handling 25% of low-value international e‑commerce parcels.
• Operators manage a mix of full freighters and piece-intensive shipments while adhering to CBP, TSA, and FAA regulations, with Latin America and Asia-Pacific lanes growing rapidly.
• Temperature-sensitive cargo drives infrastructure upgrades, including expanded cool rooms and integration into global Pharma Centre networks with GDP and CEIV Pharma certification for regulatory compliance.
• e-commerce requires piece-level control, real-time visibility, optimised layouts, dedicated zones, and automated data capture to ensure accurate, traceable handling from offload to warehouse release.
• Specialised handling extends to live animals (CEIV Live Animals certification), intermodal integration, skilled personnel training via AI-enabled platforms, and sustainability initiatives like electric ground fleets, recycled packaging, LED warehouses, and energy-efficient operations.

Cargo handling operations in the United States are facing unprecedented demand, particularly at major transatlantic gateways. In 2024, New York’s JFK Airport handled 1.67 million tonnes of cargo, up five percent from 2023, and roughly 25 percent of the country’s low-value international e‑commerce parcels flow through the airport.

For operators, this means dealing with both large freighters and piece-intensive shipments simultaneously, all while meeting strict regulatory requirements from CBP, TSA, and FAA. Across the Americas, trade flows are evolving, with Latin American and Asia-Pacific lanes seeing rapid growth, and the need for speed, visibility, and traceable handling is higher than ever.

“We’ve built for the real world at JFK: a 180,000+ sq ft, state-of-the-art facility designed to handle serious volume, whether it’s full freighters or belly cargo,” says Ajay Barolia, Executive Vice President – Cargo NOAM at Swissport. “Sitting at one of the world’s busiest gateways gives airlines direct access to the transatlantic, transpacific and Latin American lanes, and being on-airport with aircraft parking means a smooth air-to-ground handover.”

Adapting for key verticals

Temperature-sensitive cargo is increasingly central to airfreight operations. “We’re upgrading JFK in 2026, expanding our temperature-controlled cool rooms to handle more time- and temperature-sensitive freight,” Barolia notes. “The site will be part of our global Pharma Centre network, with plans to certify under GDP and CEIV once complete. CEIV Pharma is the benchmark—it goes beyond basic GDP and validates nearly 300 criteria—so airlines get assurance that products stay in spec and the risk of temperature deviation is kept to a minimum.”

e-commerce, by contrast, introduces challenges around piece-level handling. “e-commerce isn’t just more freight—it’s more individual pieces,” Barolia says. “At JFK, CargoSpot gives piece-level control and real-time visibility, while optimised layouts, dedicated processing zones and flexible staffing keep the pace up. Integrated weighing and mobile processing let us capture data instantly, which is vital with varied dimensions. Automated status updates keep customers in the loop.”

For Asian carriers operating in the Americas, such as Korean Air, Swissport tailors operations to high-volume, piece-heavy shipments. “You get excellent accuracy, real-time status and clean integration with airline systems, so visibility is complete from offload to warehouse release,” Barolia explains. “Add tailored ramp and warehouse workflows and you’ve got the precision, flexibility and speed international operators are after.”

Navigating regional complexities

Cargo handling in the US is tightly regulated, particularly for sensitive or restricted goods. “Live animals, for example, go via The ARK at JFK, a USDA-approved facility with CEIV Live Animals certification, equine quarantine, in-transit space for exotics, and an on-site USDA-accredited vet overseeing biosecurity and health certs,” Barolia explains. “Across the board, our customs integration platform provides live, two-way comms with CBP, and automated stops mean nothing is released before clearance.”

Intermodal integration is another key operational focus. “We treat every truck like a flight. That means full acceptance, a manifest, and complete documentation before departure, with the manifest sent to the downline station alongside the FFM for their system,” he says. 

Preparing the workforce and building for sustainability

Meeting evolving service expectations requires skilled personnel. “It starts with the basics done well—comprehensive onboarding, recurrent regulatory training and specialist modules for pharma, perishables and live animals,” Barolia explains. “Then we add pace and consistency with Swissport OneKnowledge, our AI platform trained on our SOPs and learning materials. Colleagues can ask a question and get a factual, procedure-based answer in seconds—no hunting through manuals.”

Sustainability is also increasingly integral to operations. “At JFK, the ground support fleet goes fully electric within the first five years—from ramp equipment to forklifts and other handling machinery,” he says. “We’re moving towards a contract for 100 percent recycled plastics to cut waste and support circularity in packaging and material handling. Add energy-efficient warehouse systems, LED upgrades and waste-reduction programmes, and the aim is straightforward: high-performance operations with a lighter footprint, every day.”