As 2017 air cargo continued its unprecedented growth throughout global markets, freight forwarders continue to provide essential solutions in meeting customer demand. The Airforwarders Association remains optimistic for 2018, provided the current geopolitical situation stays almost the same as it has been throughout 2017.
Security remains a top priority within the forwarding community with several enhancements our industry would like to see soon. For example, the Known Shipper Program, a required US air cargo program should be enhanced to use existing, readily available data allowing a faster risk-based assessment of shippers. The system should leverage current platforms such as the Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Commercial Environment in its targeting scheme. Making such a change would not only increase efficiency but save taxpayer money.
We also hope to see the long-awaited Interim Final Rule for the Air Cargo Advanced Screening initiative, allowing shipment data targeting before flight departure on shipments destined for the United States. Combined with a third-party, privatized canine air cargo screening program, in which forwarders may use dogs to screen shipments, both initiatives will make a safe air cargo system even safer through the leveraging of data and a relatively "low-tech" solution to screen shipments.
As the presidential administration enters its second year, we hope to see the passing of a progressive tax package that puts more money in the hands of consumers and businesses that drive commerce. We also look forward to infrastructure legislation providing needed funding for our nation's highways, bridges, and air traffic control system. Our commercial success depends upon the ability to move products to markets faster, and a robust, well-built transportation system is essential to meet this goal.
Finally, we look forward to new trade agreements that reflect the commercial realities of online e-commerce shipping through unfettered access between borders.