At Cargo Network Services Conference going on right now in Miami came rarity just out of the gate as Brandon Fried, the erstwhile President of the important U.S.-based Airforwarders Association (AfA) struck a critical chord in the air cargo discussion with some background and keen advice on navigating the changing business climate in 2025.
     No way the FlyingTypers would miss the opening of the CNS Partnership Conference, so we wish to start our coverage with Brandon. the person who has embodied the interests of the American forwarding community for a number of years. Fried noted that the CNS Partnership Conference is “one of the most important events in our industry’s calendar.”
     Brandon continued commending Alicia Lines’s “steadfast leadership” in conjunction with “the dedicated CNS staff and Industry Advisory Board”.  Brandon noted that “as a subsidiary of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), CNS plays an essential role in uniting stakeholders across the air cargo supply chain.” In conclusion, “providing a platform for meaningful dialogue is exactly what our industry needs—especially now.”
     Brandon then continued mentioning the challenges that the industry faces “since the inauguration of the Trump administration”; in particular, it was noted that tariffs are not a problem in themselves, but uncertainty surely is.
     “These tariffs, intended to reduce the U.S. trade deficit—which last year stood at $4.1 trillion in imports versus $3.2 trillion in exports—have instead intensified unpredictability and led to costly front-loading by shippers,” observed Brandon Fried.
     Attributing this result to instability, it was noted that “the IMF recently revised its 2025 global growth projection down from nearly 3% to 1.8%.” It was also stressed that “our industry is feeling the pressure, not just in numbers, but in real-world disruptions to planning, pricing, and capacity.”
     Brandon Fried was crystal clear in his conclusion, excluding the fact that tariffs are not a problem in themselves, “but policy unpredictability is a dangerous destabilizer.”
     The Airforwarders’ Association “continues to advocate for smart, long-term investment in transportation infrastructure and policies that support business continuity.”
     “We need consistency. We need planning certainty. And most of all, we need collaboration.” This was the unmistakably clear conclusion of this chain of thoughts, leading to extolling CNS and its role in ensuring collaboration among the stakeholders. “In moments of disruption, this conference—and the relationships it helps build—are our strongest assets. It’s here that we come together as forwarders, carriers, shippers, and regulators to share solutions and shape the future.” 
     Talking of the omnipresent concern regarding security, Brandon said: “We see an opportunity for TSA to re-examine outdated or overly rigid regulatory frameworks—particularly in light of the Trump administration’s directive to roll back regulations that exceed statutory authority. There’s room for improvement in many areas:

        •   A streamlined Alternate Method of Compliance (AMOC) process,
        •   A clear definition of “Cargo Acceptance,”
        •   Practical enhancements to drum-screening procedures,
        •   Improved oversight of authorized trucking representatives, and
        •   A revamp of the Known Shipper Program.

     Additionally, recent revisions to the Standard Screening Procedures for Air Cargo (SSPAC) and the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) are now out for review. “AfA will submit comments to TSA by June 30.”
     Before his conclusion, with thanks for the organization, Brandon Fried made a forward looking remark: “Looking ahead, our mission remains unchanged: to promote security, facilitate trade, and strengthen infrastructure. But we cannot do it alone. That’s why partnerships like those fostered through CNS and IATA are so valuable. Together, we can weather today’s storms and prepare our industry for tomorrow’s opportunities.”
     As repeatedly stated at the meeting, these are not easy times: we still hear the echoes of the timeworn rumours, probably uncalled for, from those who suggested IATA wanted to shut CNS for good. Listening to the Airfreight Forwarders and looking at their generous involvement, nothing could sound more out of place at this point in time.
     Collaboration is key and that is what CNS is all about. Long live CNS!