A recent Airforwarders Association survey indicated that while freight volumes have descended from the lofty highs of the last few years, most forwarders agree that cargo shipments are normalizing. However, shipment volumes are still rising compared with the levels experienced before the pandemic — although all forwarders agree that the slowdown will continue through 2023, with challenges ahead.
Despite softening or normalizing cargo volumes, recession fears and policy uncertainty are rising. However, spectacular job growth should allay fears as the slowdown remains job-rich, creating continuing talent recruiting challenges for our members and the industry. Our recent survey indicated that finding qualified workers remains a substantial struggle for most member companies.
Environmental sustainability is now a global concern. In response to this challenge, our organization recently established a committee specifically focused on reducing carbon emissions within the freight transportation industry. We applaud IATA and will work with member airlines next year to help them achieve the ambitious goal of attaining net zero by 2050.
Another significant concern for Airforwarders Association members is the safe transport of dangerous goods, specifically lithium batteries. We agree with this apprehension considering the enormous volume of e-commerce-driven postal shipments from other countries crossing US borders daily. When poorly made batteries are shipped or not declared in air cargo shipments, our industry and airline partners have legitimate cause for alarm, even for those of us who are the most knowledgeable in dangerous goods regulations.
Our aggressive plan for 2023 continues with the execution of a strategy urging lawmakers in Washington, DC, to make additional investments in airport cargo area facilities throughout the country. We know that if International Longshore and Warehouse Union talks prove unsuccessful and our nation’s railroads unions fail to ratify their agreement, airfreight volumes could surge again. As our recently published joint white paper explains, the past two years of long lines of trucks and unsurpassed waiting times at major gateway airports call for immediate and decisive action to address the issue. In addition, we plan to continue an aggressive media effort and educational awareness campaign to call attention to this enduring problem to the White House, Capitol Hill, and state regulators.