Washington D.C., U.S., Monday, 20th May, 2024: President Biden has signed significant legislation aimed at reducing airport truck congestion, a move sponsored by the Airforwarders Association (AfA) in collaboration with the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA). This initiative is part of the broader Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization legislation, which seeks to modernize the U.S. aviation system and improve national infrastructure.
The FAA Reauthorization legislation earmarks over $105 billion in appropriations for the FAA over the next four years, including $19.35 billion specifically allocated for airport infrastructure improvement grants. These funds are expected to support enhancements at more than 3,300 airports across the United States, addressing critical infrastructure issues that have long plagued the supply chain and led to increased costs for consumers.
Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the AfA, expressed the association’s enthusiasm for the new law. “This legislation is music to our ears. We have been working relentlessly with our members and the NCBFAA to make sure it is supported and passed,” Fried stated. He emphasized that the current infrastructure has been a bottleneck, causing delays and inefficiencies that ripple through the supply chain, ultimately raising prices for consumers. The new law represents a crucial first step in modernizing the logistics and supply chain industry to maintain competitiveness and efficiency.
Bob Imbriani, President of the AfA, highlighted the importance of this legislative achievement. “This is a major step forward in addressing the cargo congestion problem that has existed for quite some time at many airports across the country,” Imbriani said. He praised the dedicated efforts of the AfA members, the Executive Director, Legislative Consultant, Industry Partners, and Board of Directors in bringing this issue to the forefront and securing the necessary legislative support.
The AfA and NCBFAA represent key players in the freight forwarding industry, which includes the U.S. trucking sector valued at $875.5 billion in 2021. Their advocacy has been pivotal in pushing for this comprehensive infrastructure overhaul.
One of the critical components of the new law is the directive for the General Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough assessment of air cargo operations across the country. This assessment will focus on identifying and addressing issues related to truck delays and inadequate infrastructure at airports. The administration has been given a year to complete this investigation and recommend steps to mitigate these long-standing problems.
By tackling these congestion issues head-on, the legislation aims to create a more efficient and cost-effective supply chain. As infrastructure improvements are implemented, the benefits will likely extend beyond the freight forwarding industry, enhancing overall economic performance and consumer satisfaction.
This landmark legislation marks a proactive approach by the federal government to address systemic issues within the U.S. aviation and logistics sectors. It is a testament to the power of industry collaboration and persistent advocacy in driving meaningful policy changes that benefit the broader economy.
