Reassessing America's Cargo Infrastructure: Navigating Current Challenges

According to a recent report from AGI, the air cargo sector in the United States is grappling wiht a meaningful challenge: its infrastructure isn’t keeping pace with rising demand.As e-commerce continues to boom and trade dynamics shift, many airports are still focusing on passenger services while cargo facilities struggle under pressure.

Jared Azcuy, CEO of AGI—one of North America’s leading self-reliant ground handling firms—points out two main issues. “First off, there’s a lack of cohesive long-term planning for cargo development at many airports. Secondly, there’s a disconnect between sustainability ambitions and the necessary infrastructure,” he explains.

While billions are funneled into upgrading passenger terminals,cargo operations often rely on outdated facilities with limited room for growth. “Cargo infrastructure is progressing but still has plenty of potential for expansion,” Azcuy adds.Airports that have strategically planned for increased capacity are positioning themselves as vital partners for airlines during times when space is scarce.

This unpreparedness becomes glaringly obvious during geopolitical shifts that alter global trade patterns. With new tariffs coming into play and ongoing tensions with China, uncertainty looms large over the industry.

“We’re monitoring how these tariffs will affect us,” says Azcuy. “At AGI, we’ve expanded significantly by remaining flexible to adapt quickly to our clients’ evolving needs.”

The key to resilience? Long-term visioning. “Planning shouldn’t just cover the next year; you need to look 15-20 years down the line,” he emphasizes. Companies that remain nimble and innovative will thrive amid disruptions—a strategy AGI fully embraces.

Taking Lessons from Post-Pandemic Challenges

The congestion seen at major U.S. airports isn’t new; however, COVID-19 made it impossible to ignore any longer as volume spikes revealed vulnerabilities in existing systems.

“We noticed some carriers reevaluating their routes and opting for option gateways where operations were more adaptable,” recalls azcuy.

The takeaway? Trust now hinges on effective infrastructure planning and handler efficiency in this dynamic air cargo landscape. “given how volatile air freight can be,” he notes, “long-term planning becomes crucial.” Historical trends show that supply chain pressures often lead to rapid recovery phases which can cause temporary congestion spikes afterward.

Sustainability Efforts: Progress or promise?

Sustainability remains a hot topic in airport master plans across North America; however, actual progress varies widely.
“Many airports tout their environmental goals,” says Azcuy, “but few provide practical solutions needed on-site.”

Aiming to bridge this gap is AGI itself: “We’re looking into portable GSE chargers and using biodegradable materials wherever possible,” he shares proudly about their initiatives aimed at reducing waste—like uniforms made from recycled water bottles diverting millions from landfills!

The company also focuses on tracking energy use effectively: “We’re implementing tech solutions that monitor carbon emissions linked directly to our ground operations.” Their fleet is gradually transitioning towards electric vehicles as part of broader decarbonization efforts.

E-commerce may be driving growth but it also brings operational challenges along with safety concerns due its complexity: “Handling e-commerce freight increases ergonomic risks,” explains Azcuy who emphasizes workforce training tailored specifically around these unique demands while prioritizing safety measures throughout all processes involved.
AGI has introduced AI-driven video systems like Voxel designed not only monitor safe practices during loading/unloading but also foster an ingrained culture focused heavily upon safety standards within every lift operation performed!