What Airforwarders Association does

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) is a U.S. trade association founded in 1991 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., that serves as the collective voice for the air cargo freight forwarding industry. It represents 225+ member companies spanning the full air cargo supply chain — including U.S. and international cargo airlines (American, Delta, United, Southwest, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Air France/KLM, Icelandair, MSC Air Cargo), large logistics operators (SEKO, AIT Worldwide, C.H. Robinson, Lynden, Allstates WorldCargo, Rock-it Global), ground handlers and cartage firms (Swissport, Alliance Ground International, Sterling Transportation, Forward Air), and a long tail of technology, insurance, legal, and training vendors. AfA delivers value through four pillars: (1) regulatory advocacy — a statutory seat on the TSA Aviation Security Advisory Committee, primary sponsorship of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, and ongoing engagement with Congress, DOT, CBP, and FAA on cargo security, infrastructure, and trade policy; (2) education and training — discounted access to GISTnet, WiseTech Academy (IATA dangerous goods), IAC Training (TSA compliance), and Roanoke's cyber risk program; (3) industry events and networking — the flagship annual AirCargo Conference (~1,100 attendees, 100+ exhibitors, 45 sponsors), CNS Partnership Conference participation, six active committees, regional speaking engagements, and the Member Marketplace directory; (4) intelligence — FORWARD Magazine (quarterly), AIRMAIL real-time bulletins, and published playbooks (e.g., AfA Cargo Theft Playbook). The Platinum Membership tier offers premium engagement including an advisory board seat, VIP conference hospitality, preferred booth selection, and magazine advertising.

The association's business model is annual subscription revenue, with tiered membership pricing by company type and scale: Regular Members (Indirect Air Carriers and freight forwarders) pay USD 1,305–4,110/year based on headcount plus USD 90 per additional U.S. office; Airline Members pay USD 1,835–2,930/year based on number of U.S. airports served; Affiliate Members (pickup/delivery firms) pay USD 555–925/year; Associate Members (technology, insurance, legal, airports) pay USD 1,835–2,930/year. Platinum is an additional premium tier atop any base membership. Secondary revenue streams include AirCargo Conference sponsorships, exhibitor fees, and attendee registrations; FORWARD Magazine advertising (sold via E&M Consulting); and institutional partnerships with government relations firm Diakon Partners. The technology stack is lightweight and not proprietary: SilkStart's association management software powers the member portal (members.airforwarders.org), event registration, and directory; training delivery is outsourced to GISTnet, WiseTech Academy, and IAC Training. AfA does not develop its own software products. AfA is governed by a Board of Directors elected from member companies and operates six standing committees (Cargo Theft, Regulatory Compliance, Technology, Membership, Education, Airport Congestion). Executive Director Brandon Fried has led the association for nearly two decades and announced retirement at year-end 2025/2026, with a structured handover underway. The association has a 501(c)-affiliated regional chapter (Miami Air Cargo Association) established in February 2026 and partnerships with NCBFAA, ACI-NA, A4A, and ASPA via the co-founded Airport Congestion Committee.

Name

Airforwarders Association

Legal name

Airforwarders Association

Website

https://airforwarders.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Airforwarders Association, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Washington D.C., is a U.S. trade association representing 225+ air cargo freight forwarders, cargo airlines, ground handlers, and service providers through tiered annual memberships, regulatory advocacy, training, and the annual AirCargo Conference.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Logistics Trade Association

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Conferences & Conventions Operations Services (Registration, AV, Logistics) (MPAGAGAM)

Keywords

• Air cargo advocacy
• Freight forwarding association
• Industry trade association
• Logistics training programs
• Cargo industry networking

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The association's primary revenue is annual membership dues paid by Regular Members (air freight forwarding companies, Indirect Air Carriers), Airline Members, Affiliate Members, and Associate Members. Pricing is tiered by employee count or U.S. airports served. Platinum Membership at a premium tier offers additional benefits including advisory board access, VIP conference perks, and advertising placements in FORWARD magazine.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

The Airforwarders Association is a U.S. trade association that delivers tiered annual memberships, industry advocacy before federal regulators (TSA, DOT, CBP, FAA, Congress), training programs through partner providers, and networking via the annual AirCargo Conference and committee structure. Members also receive FORWARD Magazine, AIRMAIL bulletins, access to a curated Member Marketplace, and member-only programs such as the Roanoke Cyber Risk Management Program and the AfA Cargo Theft Playbook.

Product overview

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) is a membership-based industry association serving the U.S. air cargo forwarding community. Its portfolio is organized around four core pillars: advocacy (representing members before legislators, regulators, and policymakers including TSA, FAA, and Congress), education (training programs through GISTnet, IAC Training, and WiseTech Academy), industry events (annual AirCargo Conference, webinars, and networking), and member resources (FORWARD Magazine, AIRMAIL Updates, AfA Cargo Theft Playbook, and a Platinum Membership tier). AfA also offers an exclusive Cyber Risk Management and Insurance Program in partnership with Roanoke. The association does not offer a proprietary software platform but provides its members with access to third-party service providers through its Member Marketplace directory, and publishes industry research including the AfA/NCBFAA whitepaper on air cargo infrastructure investment needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Advocacy Services Direct representation before federal regulators, Congress, and international bodies on behalf of air cargo forwarding members, including a statutory seat on the TSA Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC).
• AirCargo Conference Annual in-person industry event combining exhibitor marketplace, panel sessions, awards, and networking for airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, surface carriers, technology vendors, and service providers.
• FORWARD Magazine Quarterly print and digital publication covering air cargo industry trends, regulatory updates, and global market shifts for AfA members and advertising clients.
• AIRMAIL Updates Real-time member bulletins and monthly newsletters delivering urgent industry developments, regulatory changes, and association updates to AfA members.
• Member Marketplace Curated online directory of AfA member companies across more than 20 categories, enabling Regular Members to identify vendors and partners among Airline, Affiliate, and Associate members.
• GISTnet Training Program Web-based training and operational support program made available to AfA members at discounted rates, covering air cargo operations and logistics topics.
• IAC Training IAC security coordinator training offered to AfA members at a 15% discount, covering TSA Indirect Air Carrier security program requirements via regularly scheduled Zoom IACSSP courses.
• WiseTech Academy Courses Discounted logistics training and IATA-approved dangerous goods (Hazmat) accreditation courses available to AfA members through the WiseTech Academy platform.
• AfA Cyber Risk Management Program Exclusive member-only cyber risk management and insurance program delivered with Roanoke, providing industry-specific coverage, risk awareness tools, staff training, ransomware and phishing protection, and 24/7 incident response.
• AfA Cargo Theft Playbook Operational playbook that guides AfA and AEMCA members on identifying, mitigating, and preventing cargo theft, updated periodically.
• Jim Foster Award Prestigious annual industry award presented by AfA at the AirCargo Conference, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the air forwarding industry, the association, and its membership.
• Annual Industry Awards Program Annual awards program voted on by AfA membership recognizing outstanding airline, carrier, and vendor service providers across international airline, domestic airline, surface carrier, and vendor categories.
• Platinum Membership Premium add-on membership tier providing a seat on the AfA Advisory Board, VIP conference hospitality and amenities, preferred booth selection at the AirCargo Conference, and featured advertising in FORWARD Magazine and AfA newsletters.
• AfA/NCBFAA Whitepaper Joint research whitepaper with NCBFAA titled 'Safeguarding the Future of Air Cargo: Its Economic Importance and Critical Need for Investment,' providing evidence-based recommendations for federal investment in U.S. air cargo infrastructure.

Quantifiable outcome

• AfA's advocacy contributed to FAA Reauthorization legislation (2024) authorizing over USD 105 billion for FAA, including USD 19.35 billion for airport infrastructure grants.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers27 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, peripheral and minor.

• Miami Air Cargo Association (MACA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 February 2026MACA was established as a 501(c) non-profit organization in partnership with AfA to address truck congestion and improve operational efficiency at Miami International Airport. MACA serves as a forum for carriers, forwarders, ground handlers, terminal operators, and airport authorities. The Board comprises representatives from Alliance Ground International, Sterling Transportation, Swissport, Cargo Solutions Network, and Miami-Dade Aviation Department. Immediate priorities focus on truck flow optimization, infrastructure management, and operational resilience, aiming to reduce delays and costs for shippers and carriers operating through this major gateway for Latin American and Caribbean trade.
• U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)coreOthers · 24 July 2025GAO released a report on U.S. airport air cargo infrastructure directly mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Law championed by AfA. The 82-page report validates AfA's long-standing concerns about aging infrastructure, operational bottlenecks, data deficiencies, and lack of federal engagement. AfA Government Relations Director Michael Taylor advocated for this report, and AfA intends to use it to push for dedicated federal funding for cargo infrastructure modernization.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act 2024coreOthers · 20 May 2024AfA was the primary sponsor of provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, signed into law by President Biden, authorizing over USD 105 billion for the FAA including USD 19.35 billion for airport infrastructure improvement grants across 3,300+ U.S. airports. The legislation includes a GAO study on air cargo truck delays and infrastructure. AfA worked with NCBFAA and other industry partners to secure passage.
• Diakon Partners (Michael Taylor, Senior Lobbyist)coreOthers · 23 March 2023AfA appointed Michael Taylor, Managing Partner at Diakon Partners, as a senior lobbyist to represent AfA and NCBFAA interests before Congress. Taylor has over 30 years of government and public affairs experience and 15+ years in multimodal transportation policy. His three objectives include educating Congress on air cargo's economic importance and the need for federal investment.
• National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2022AfA and NCBFAA jointly issued a whitepaper calling for federal investment in air cargo infrastructure, following a nationwide survey of 400+ air cargo stakeholders. Both associations co-sponsored FAA Reauthorization legislation including provisions for airport cargo infrastructure study and improvement. The partnership also includes joint advocacy on Capitol Hill, shared committee work, and co-authored position letters on tariffs and trade policy.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC)coreOthers · 22 September 2022AfA holds a statutory seat on the TSA Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), a committee established in 1989 following the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. AfA's Executive Director Brandon Fried participates in developing, refining, and implementing policies, programs, rulemaking, and security directives pertaining to aviation security. The committee shapes the TSA Air Cargo Security Roadmap with four goals, eight objectives, and 22 initiatives. AfA was appointed for a second two-year term.
• Airport Congestion Committee (ACC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2022AfA co-founded the Airport Congestion Committee (ACC) in 2022 with NCBFAA and Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), later joined by Airlines for America (A4A) and Airline Service Providers Association (ASPA). The 35-strong committee addresses five critical issues: technology and automation, service standards, airport facilities and infrastructure, staffing and hours of operation, and regulatory and paperwork challenges.
• GISTnetperipheralTechnology or IntegrationAfA offers members discounted access to GISTnet, a web-based training and operational support provider for the logistics industry.
• WiseTech AcademyperipheralTechnology or IntegrationAfA partnered with WiseTech Academy to deliver discounted logistics industry training and IATA-approved dangerous goods (Hazmat) accreditation directly to members.
• IAC Training / IACSSPperipheralTechnology or IntegrationAfA provides members 15% off regularly scheduled Zoom IACSSP courses and a '3rd Attendee Free' bonus offer. Courses are designed for Direct Employees, IAC Security Coordinators, and Authorized Representatives to stay current with TSA requirements.
• Roanoke (Cyber Risk Management Program)peripheralTechnology or IntegrationAfA partnered with Roanoke to offer an exclusive Cyber Risk Management and Insurance Program designed specifically for air forwarding and logistics companies. The program includes industry-specific coverage, risk awareness tools, staff training materials, ransomware and phishing protection, competitive pricing exclusive to AfA members, and 24/7 incident response support.
• Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of the Airport Congestion Committee with AfA and NCBFAA. ACI-NA represents airport authorities and contributes to the joint effort to address airport truck congestion and cargo infrastructure deficiencies.
• Airlines for America (A4A)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoined the Airport Congestion Committee to contribute airline perspective to solutions for cargo congestion at U.S. airports.
• Airline Service Providers Association (ASPA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoined the Airport Congestion Committee to bring service provider perspective to airport cargo congestion solutions.
• E&M Consulting, Inc.minorOthersHandles advertising sales for FORWARD Magazine. Contact: 240-334-7154 / 800-572-8005 x8005, [email protected].
• SilkStart Technology Ltd.peripheralTechnology or IntegrationSilkStart provides association management software powering the member portal (members.airforwarders.org), including membership join/renew, event registration, FORWARD Magazine delivery, and member marketplace.
• ExFreight (Charles Marrale)peripheralStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharles Marrale of ExFreight co-led the IATA One Record webinar with Amanda Barlow of Rock-It Cargo, bringing subject matter experts to AfA members on digital cargo data standards.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA): U.S. trade association for customs brokers and freight forwarders; the most direct analogue to AfA. The two organizations co-founded the Airport Congestion Committee and have jointly published the whitepaper on federal air cargo infrastructure investment and run shared advocacy campaigns before Congress.
• Miami Air Cargo Association (MACA): Regional air cargo association established as a 501(c)(6) non-profit in partnership with AfA, focusing on truck congestion and operational efficiency at Miami International Airport. Board includes Swissport, Alliance Ground International, Cargo Solutions Network, and Miami-Dade Aviation Department — same supply-chain ecosystem as AfA.
• Cargo Network Services (CNS): Operates the annual CNS Partnership Conference — a regional air cargo conference where AfA Executive Director delivers opening keynotes. CNS is one of AfA's closest conference partners and serves a substantially overlapping forwarder/cargo audience.

Broad incumbents

• American Trucking Associations (ATA): U.S. national trade association for the trucking industry, with a similar federation-of-state-associations governance model, federal advocacy focus, large annual convention, and tiered membership. AfA partners with ATA and trucking members (Sterling, Forward Air, Lynden) on airport truck congestion initiatives.
• National Industrial Transportation League (NITL): U.S. trade association for industrial transportation and logistics users. Comparable trade-body model spanning shippers, carriers, and intermediaries; competes for some of the same regulatory/policy voice on Capitol Hill and at federal agencies.
• FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations): Global non-governmental federation representing 40,000+ forwarding and logistics firms worldwide. Comparable to AfA in mission and structure but operating at global scale rather than national; FIATA sets the standards framework (FIATA documents) that many of AfA's members operate under.
• International Air Transport Association (IATA): Global trade association for airlines that also runs the IATA Cargo Industry Affairs program, including the One Record standard AfA champions to members. Broader remit (passenger + cargo, 300+ member airlines) but overlapping on cargo security, standards, and training.

Regional players

• British International Freight Association (BIFA): UK trade association for freight forwarding, customs, and logistics companies. Closest national-level equivalent to AfA in another major market, with similar structure of membership tiers, training programs, advocacy, and an annual conference (BIFA Freight Service Awards).
• JFK Air Cargo Association: Local air cargo association serving the JFK gateway in New York. One of several regional air cargo bodies (alongside LAACA, Orlando ACA) where AfA's Executive Director regularly appears as a keynote speaker; operates a substantially smaller and more geographically narrow version of AfA's mission.

Others

• Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA): Trade association for North American airport operators. Co-founder of the Airport Congestion Committee with AfA and NCBFAA, and serves overlapping infrastructure advocacy goals. Not a direct competitor (members are airports, not forwarders) but a strategic partner in cargo infrastructure campaigns.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Airforwarders
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-airforwarders-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Airforwarders Association