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As the premier trade association for the forwarder and logistics industry, AfA members range from small businesses employing fewer than 20 people to large companies with well over 1,000 employees.

By being a member we protect your business, we offer your company the opportunity to network with industry colleagues at employees and dedicated contractors. As a member of you will increase your knowledge of industry standards, practices and ongoing developments.

Air Cargo Industry News

Airlines feel pressure to maintain minimum level of domestic service
The rapid spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. is raising questions among shippers about whether domestic airlines will virtually stop flying or the U.S. government will shut down the aviation system. Either move is extremely unlikely, but air traffic is so depleted already that companies with cargo to move have few options for expedited transport by air. Even though airlines are bleeding cash and looking for every way to eliminate costs, they still have some incentives to keep part of their fleet in the air. There were only 154,000 domestic travelers at U.S. airports on Monday, a 93% decrease from normal levels, according to the Transportation Security Administration. And the screening levels likely include airline crews. Airlines say flights are only 10% full and many are nearly empty. Last week, the governor of Hawaii imposed a 14-day quarantine on all travelers to the state, prompting Hawaiian Airlines and others to suspend most flights to Honolulu. Southwest Airlines [NYSE: LUV] on Tuesday published a new schedule for May through June 5 that reduces flight activity by more than 40% to about 2,000 flights per day. Continue Reading
US forwarders welcome government support for businesses
US forwarders have welcomed the introduction on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic (CARES) Act but said the failure to specifically reference the sector is “worrisome”. The CARES Act delivers $2.2trn in direct payments to Americans, provides loans and grants for businesses and gives states much-needed money for public health, personal protective equipment (PPE) and to help first hospitals, medical centers, doctors and other first responders on the front line of this accelerating pandemic. The Airforwarders Association (AfA) thanked congress for their speedy passage of the act but said that some of the provisions it had previously called for in a letter to the White House and party leadership are not included. The AfA said it laid out what it felt members could benefit from including regulatory relief, financial assistance and the continued assurances of the availability of affordable and sufficient air cargo lift. “Where other air cargo industry stakeholders including aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports and ground handlers were specifically cited and had billions of dollars specifically allocated, the freight forwarder who serves as the key intermediary between shippers and those entities went unmentioned,” said Brandon Fried, AfA executive director. Continue Reading
Congress finalizing economic stimulus, airline bailout
A massive emergency stimulus package totaling $1.8 trillion is stalled in the U.S. Senate – and with it $58 billion in aid for airlines – with Republicans and Democrats finger pointing over who is to blame as the pandemic brings the economy to its knees. But a new round of talks Tuesday has improved prospects for a bipartisan deal, according to news reports. The disagreement centers on $500 billion for loans to big businesses, transparency over how the money is distributed and used, and money for hospitals and state and local governments. A second procedural vote to move the legislation failed on Monday, further shaking financial markets. Democrats say the Republican plan doesn’t have sufficient protection for workers or oversight for money aimed at corporations. Conditions prohibiting stock buybacks and limiting executive pay for two years can be waived by the Secretary of the Treasury, who also has the power to decide how to distribute the money without having to disclose recipients for up to six months, according to the New York Times. Another provision would give the Federal Reserve access to $425 billion for loans to various industry sectors with little input from Congress. Continue Reading
US forwarders urge government to keep freight flying as lay offs begin to bite
US forwarders have appealed to the federal government not to suspend domestic air travel, and have asked for more support as some 40% of companies indicate lay-offs are underway or imminent. In an open letter to seven high-level politicians, the US Airforwarders Association (AfA), while offering support to measures implemented to “flatten the curve”, argue that they must have access to transport systems. “As the coronavirus crisis continues, the number [of lay-offs] is likely to significantly increase without government financial help. Urge airlines to consider scheduled freight-only flight operations to ensure an adequate supply of affordable air cargo for shippers. “With the near-total suspension of domestic and international passenger services by US and foreign airlines, the ability for shippers to secure space for the critical goods which need to move within the United States and between the US and other countries has been severely constricted, leading to space shortages and a lack of affordable options in a time of crisis.” The letter, written by AfA chief Brandon Fried, adds: “Domestic air travel must not be interrupted or suspended, and international services must be restored as soon as possible. We urge Congress and the White House to avoid the grounding of domestic passenger flights at all costs and to expedite the restoration of international services between the United States and Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Europe and the Middle East as soon as possible. Continue Reading

Upcoming Events

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Department of Commerce Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness Meeting

April 15 - 16

AfA to participate in this crucial advisory group to the Secretary of Commerce Read More

AfA Town Hall Event - Seattle, Washington

June 2

AfA is taking it on the road again. Join us in Seattle June 2. Read More

AfA Town Hall -- Dallas, Texas

September 28

AfA is taking it on the road, again! Join us in Dallas on Sept 28 Read More

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Air Cargo Industry News

Airlines feel pressure to maintain minimum level of domestic service

US forwarders welcome government support for businesses

Congress finalizing economic stimulus, airline bailout

US forwarders urge government to keep freight flying as lay offs begin to bite

Upcoming Events

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