Washington, D.C. (Nov. 16, 2005): Brandon Fried, the Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association, issued the following statement in response to the GAO report issued today:

"Today's GAO reports what many of us in the industry recognize - we have made many improvements to the security infrastructure of the cargo industry but there is still work to be done. The Airforwarders Association strongly supports the layered approach to cargo security endorsed by the TSA. We continue to support screening of cargo and identification and inspection of high-risk cargo.

"The Airforwarders Association has made a number of efforts, both with the agency and as an industry, to implement timely and effective reforms that are necessary to ensure American economic and personal security. We will continue this proactive working relationship with TSA and other regulatory agencies to assist in the implementation of the expected air cargo rules and other studies.

"The GAO report recommends a number of studies be completed to ensure that any reforms accurately assess the issue at hand and are enacted in a economical and efficient manner. The Airforwarders Association strongly supports this reasoned, thoughtful approach to air cargo issues. The industry provides just-in-time cargo for consumers, manufacturers and producers and is an important part of the American economy. It is necessary to understand the nature of cargo transportation before imposing costly and unwieldy solutions that would bring cargo transportation to a virtual standstill, resulting in higher costs for America's companies and consumers.

"We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Congress, TSA and the Bush Administration to ensure the utmost levels of security in the transportation of air cargo."

About the Airforwarders Association
The Airforwarders Association, with a full membership of more than 250 members, was founded in 1990, and today provides lobbying, training, information, and other beneficial services to the air forwarding community. The association works closely with the U.S. Congress, U.S. federal regulatory agencies and administration departments, air carriers, service providers, and other industry-related entities throughout America and abroad. For more information visit www.airforwarders.org