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 CONDEMNS PLANNED CUTS TO SANCTUARY CITY AIRPORT CUSTOMS
The Association warned that reduced customs processing at major Ports of Entry could threaten time critical cargo, trade enforcement, and supply chain resilience
Washington D.C., United States, Monday 1st June 2026: The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has written to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warning that any reduction in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at major Ports of Entry could disrupt high value, time critical, and security sensitive cargo entering the United States.
The letter follows reports that the DHS is considering reducing or halting CBP processing at certain airports in so called ‘sanctuary cities’, and the AfA has joined Airports Council International and other industry voices raising concerns about the consequences.
“Any significant reduction in cargo processing capacity at major gateway airports would create immediate disruption throughout time sensitive supply chains,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.
“CBP cargo operations are not merely an administrative processing function; they are a critical part of our national security and economic resilience.”
AfA said CBP clearance is essential to the movement of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, manufacturing components, e-commerce, perishables, and other goods that rely on the speed and certainty air freight delivers.
The Association warned that cargo networks cannot be rebooked or rerouted overnight because airline schedules, warehouse capacity, trucking links, bonded facility agreements, and customs compliance processes are built around established gateway airports.
“Airports serve businesses, consumers, and communities far beyond the cities where they are located,” added Fried.
“A disruption at just one major gateway would have national consequences for supply chains that depend on secure and timely clearance.”
The AfA urged the DHS and CBP to preserve current staffing levels at Ports of Entry and consult the freight forwarding and air cargo industry before considering changes that could affect clearance capacity.
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
Latest from Airforwarders Association
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Airforwarders Association condemns planned cuts to Sanctuary City airport customs
The Association warned that reduced customs processing at major Ports of Entry could threaten time critical cargo, trade enforcement, and supply chain resilience
Washington D.C., United States, Monday 1st June 2026: The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has written to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warning that any reduction in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at major Ports of Entry could disrupt high value, time critical, and security sensitive cargo entering the United States.
The letter follows reports that the DHS is considering reducing or halting CBP processing at certain airports in so called ‘sanctuary cities’, and the AfA has joined Airports Council International and other industry voices raising concerns about the consequences.
“Any significant reduction in cargo processing capacity at major gateway airports would create immediate disruption throughout time sensitive supply chains,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.
“CBP cargo operations are not merely an administrative processing function; they are a critical part of our national security and economic resilience.”
AfA said CBP clearance is essential to the movement of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, manufacturing components, e-commerce, perishables, and other goods that rely on the speed and certainty air freight delivers.
The Association warned that cargo networks cannot be rebooked or rerouted overnight because airline schedules, warehouse capacity, trucking links, bonded facility agreements, and customs compliance processes are built around established gateway airports.
“Airports serve businesses, consumers, and communities far beyond the cities where they are located,” added Fried.
“A disruption at just one major gateway would have national consequences for supply chains that depend on secure and timely clearance.”
The AfA urged the DHS and CBP to preserve current staffing levels at Ports of Entry and consult the freight forwarding and air cargo industry before considering changes that could affect clearance capacity.
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