The air cargo sector has always operated in a world shaped by change, but the current combination of regulatory disruption, economic pressure and geopolitical instability is creating an especially difficult environment for freight forwarders in North America.
Across the region, forwarders are managing a series of overlapping challenges that are affecting day-to-day supply chain performance and making it harder to plan with confidence.
One immediate issue is the continuing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Cargo is still moving safely and securely, supported by established screening processes and close cooperation between industry stakeholders and the Transportation Security Administration. But the wider operational impact is becoming harder to ignore.
When passenger flights are disrupted, bellyhold capacity falls with them. Even small schedule changes can create delays for time-sensitive shipments, underlining how closely cargo reliability depends on overall aviation system stability.
Forwarders are also contending with persistent uncertainty over tariffs and trade policy. Recent developments, including the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs and the introduction of a temporary import surcharge, have added another layer of complexity at a time when supply chains are already under pressure.
The Airforwarders Association has repeatedly called for more predictability in this area. Supply chains rely on planning cycles that often stretch weeks or months into the future, and sudden policy shifts can force immediate changes to routing, pricing and inventory management.
The effect is already visible. Eight out of ten forwarders say they are seeing lower shipping volumes as a result, reflecting both weaker demand and customer hesitation. In many cases, it is not a single decision that creates the problem, but the cumulative weight of uncertainty, which makes it harder to commit capacity, manage cost exposure and make reliable commercial decisions.
Developments in the Middle East are adding further pressure. The region plays a central role in global air cargo flows, and changes in flight paths, available capacity and operating costs can quickly ripple through international logistics networks.
Taken together, these factors reinforce the industry’s need for stability and coordination. Freight forwarders sit at the intersection of the system, connecting shippers, airlines and regulators, and they have repeatedly shown they can adapt under pressure. But even the most agile operators still need a stable framework in which to plan.
That is why continued dialogue between policymakers and industry remains essential. The Airforwarders Association says it is working with government bodies, international partners and industry organisations on practical responses, including reducing truck congestion at airports, improving communication around policy changes and maintaining a secure, efficient air cargo system.
For forwarders, the priority remains unchanged: keeping cargo moving safely, efficiently and reliably, even as the operating environment becomes more unpredictable.
