Airforwarders Association
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) is a global alliance of indirect air carriers, cargo airlines and affiliated businesses. The association represents member companies, ranging from small businesses to those with over 1,000 people, dedicated to moving cargo throughout the supply chain.
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AIRFORWARDERS ASSOCIATION WARNS OF IMPACT TO CARGO SERVICES FROM DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SHUTDOWN
Washington D.C., United States, Tuesday 17th March 2026: Ahead of the latest vote in Congress to end the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and restore pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel, we are increasingly concerned about the growing operational risks to the U.S. aviation system and the wider supply chain.
The shutdown has now been ongoing since February 13, and more than 300 TSA officers have already resigned, raising serious questions about staffing resilience across the aviation security system.
While the immediate impact is being felt at passenger checkpoints, prolonged disruption to TSA staffing inevitably creates knock-on effects for airport operations, and the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the potential impact on cargo processing, airport access, and overall airside efficiency.
Cargo security and screening remain robust, with stringent protocols in place.
However, freight forwarders depend on predictable airport operations and stable security programs to move time-sensitive shipments, and any sustained degradation in staffing or operational performance makes it harder for the industry to plan capacity, manage customer expectations, and maintain reliable supply chains.
The longer this shutdown persists, the more disruption will spread, the greater the risk to cargo operations, and the harder recovery will become.
Forwarders are already navigating a complex operating environment shaped by new tariff measures and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The priority now must be to restore stability and predictability for businesses that rely on the movement of goods.
We urge policymakers to move quickly to resolve the DHS shutdown, ensure TSA personnel are paid, and provide the stable policy environment that U.S. businesses and global supply chains depend upon.
About the Airforwarders Association
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) represents hundreds of U.S companies dedicated to moving cargo through the supply chain on all modes of transport.
AfA has been supporting member companies of all sizes for 35 years, acting as the voice of the industry and lobbying legislators to help drive sustainable practices and ensure resilient, safe, secure supply chains.
As an alliance of indirect air carriers, cargo airlines and related businesses operating across the global transportation community, we represent member companies dedicated to moving air cargo through the supply chain.
Our members include not only air forwarders, but truckers, airlines, warehouse operators and businesses delivering a range of supporting services including technology, training, compliance, insurance and legal, just to name a few industries.
From campaigning for better national infrastructure to opening discussions about carbon reductions and digitilization – AfA has promoted hundreds of its members and streamlined business models to continue the growing industry.
More information at airforwarders.org
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Airforwarders Association warns of impact to cargo services from Department of Homeland Security shutdown
Washington D.C., United States, Tuesday 17th March 2026: Ahead of the latest vote in Congress to end the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and restore pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel, we are increasingly concerned about the growing operational risks to the U.S. aviation system and the wider supply chain.
The shutdown has now been ongoing since February 13, and more than 300 TSA officers have already resigned, raising serious questions about staffing resilience across the aviation security system.
While the immediate impact is being felt at passenger checkpoints, prolonged disruption to TSA staffing inevitably creates knock-on effects for airport operations, and the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the potential impact on cargo processing, airport access, and overall airside efficiency.
Cargo security and screening remain robust, with stringent protocols in place.
However, freight forwarders depend on predictable airport operations and stable security programs to move time-sensitive shipments, and any sustained degradation in staffing or operational performance makes it harder for the industry to plan capacity, manage customer expectations, and maintain reliable supply chains.
The longer this shutdown persists, the more disruption will spread, the greater the risk to cargo operations, and the harder recovery will become.
Forwarders are already navigating a complex operating environment shaped by new tariff measures and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The priority now must be to restore stability and predictability for businesses that rely on the movement of goods.
We urge policymakers to move quickly to resolve the DHS shutdown, ensure TSA personnel are paid, and provide the stable policy environment that U.S. businesses and global supply chains depend upon.
Latest from Airforwarders Association
About the Airforwarders Association
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) represents hundreds of U.S companies dedicated to moving cargo through the supply chain on all modes of transport.
AfA has been supporting member companies of all sizes for 35 years, acting as the voice of the industry and lobbying legislators to help drive sustainable practices and ensure resilient, safe, secure supply chains.
As an alliance of indirect air carriers, cargo airlines and related businesses operating across the global transportation community, we represent member companies dedicated to moving air cargo through the supply chain.
Our members include not only air forwarders, but truckers, airlines, warehouse operators and businesses delivering a range of supporting services including technology, training, compliance, insurance and legal, just to name a few industries.
From campaigning for better national infrastructure to opening discussions about carbon reductions and digitilization – AfA has promoted hundreds of its members and streamlined business models to continue the growing industry.
More information at airforwarders.org