The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has welcomed a newly released report from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), describing it as a “truly significant moment” for the nation’s air cargo and logistics industry.

The 82-page study – commissioned under the FAA Reauthorization Law – confirms a number of infrastructure and data shortcomings that AfA has long flagged in its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.

“For years, we have highlighted the critical need for investment in our ground-based air cargo infrastructure,” said Brandon Fried, executive director of the AfA. “This report provides the irrefutable, government-backed evidence we need to drive real change and secure essential federal funding.”

The report outlines a series of operational challenges across the US air cargo sector, notably outdated infrastructure, inefficient layout of facilities, and limited federal engagement with stakeholders. Key findings include:

• Ageing infrastructure: Many airport cargo facilities – including warehouses, aprons and truck areas – are no longer fit for purpose and are struggling to handle the demands of modern logistics and larger aircraft.

• Bottlenecks and congestion: Poorly designed access roads, limited truck parking, and congested cargo ramps contribute to costly delays and inefficiencies across the supply chain.

• Gaps in data: The report identifies limitations in air cargo data collected by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which hamper effective planning and infrastructure investment.

• Lack of stakeholder engagement: The GAO points to insufficient federal dialogue with air cargo players, leaving key operational pain points unresolved.

According to AfA, these deficiencies not only result in higher operating costs for freight forwarders but also threaten the competitiveness of US trade, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive goods.

“This GAO report is more than just an analysis; it’s a critical tool that empowers the Airforwarders Association to intensify our efforts to seek dedicated federal funding,” Fried added. “Our goal is clear: to reduce airport truck lines, modernise facilities, and ultimately lower operational costs for our members, ensuring a more efficient and resilient supply chain for all US commerce.”

The AfA now plans to use the GAO’s findings to press for more targeted investment in air cargo infrastructure, as the industry calls for concrete action to address systemic challenges that have long gone unheeded.

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