US Air Cargo Infrastructure in Crisis: Lack of Investment Threatens Future
According to the Airforwarders Association (AfA), major airports in the US are facing a significant lack of investment in air cargo infrastructure and operations. This has put the future of air cargo at risk, as explained by AfA executive director Brandon Fried at the CNS Partnerships Conference in Dallas.
One consequence of this inadequate investment is the lengthy waiting times that trucks are experiencing at airports. Even with decreased shipment volumes, truck waiting times at airports can routinely reach two to three hours. This inefficiency disrupts supply chains and hinders economic growth.
Fried also highlighted the need to prioritize safety and security of infrastructure, citing the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore after being struck by a container ship. To address these issues, AfA and the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America released a whitepaper outlining key areas requiring investment.
Some of the recommended actions include public sector financial support for infrastructure development, digitalization and automation to improve efficiency, training programs for workforce development, modernizing security badging processes at airports, and consistent policy enforcement. The AfA has enlisted the support of three US Senators to urge the Government Accountability Office to review the airport congestion issues.
Fried emphasized the importance of preventing the flow of illegal substances like fentanyl while cautioning against implementing 100% physical inspections of pharma packages. Instead, he recommended leveraging advanced data analysis and protection technologies to target suspicious shipments without impeding legitimate trade.
In conclusion, Fried hopes that the Government Accountability Office study will validate the challenges faced by the air cargo industry and lead to legislation requiring federal funding to alleviate congestion and improve truck throughout at US airports.
