April 2025

To kick off this year’s DC Fly-In, CLDA brought together a powerful group of transportation security stakeholders for a strategic meeting at the Washington, DC offices of our advocacy partner, Prime Policy Group. The meeting included leadership from the TSA’s Cargo Division, members of CLDA’s Air Cargo Sub-Committee, and key representatives from across the industry, reinforcing CLDA’s role as a trusted voice for customized logistics.

Representing TSA were Thomas Friedman, Industry Engagement Manager for Air Cargo, and Marc Rossi, Aviation Engagement Manager for Air Cargo & eCommerce. They were joined by Michael Taylor from the Airforwarders Association, as well as CLDA members Ralph Perrothers (On The Go Cargo), Joel Pinsky (Global Messenger and Logistics), Noah Alvarez (Alvy Delivers), David Pickerell (Gigsafe), and Paul Pantin (eZone). Andrew Terp and Casie Daughtery of Prime Policy Group also participated.

The conversation built on CLDA’s recent white paper advocating for direct regulation of Authorized Representatives (ARs), with the goal of creating more accountability and clarity across the air cargo chain. The group also discussed the critical role of independent contractor drivers in secure deliveries, the need for faster STA processing, and TSA’s ongoing technology challenges.

TSA leaders noted that, as a Congressionally mandated agency, they need legislative support to implement the proposed changes. They encouraged CLDA to seek Congressional backing to update the Code of Federal Regulations accordingly. The group also received updates on the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), which is expected to be reconstituted by the end of the year. Attendees agreed that CLDA, AfA, and other allied associations should submit a letter to the Acting TSA Administrator addressing their concerns.

The meeting reflected a shared commitment to advancing secure, efficient logistics operations and a growing opportunity for CLDA and its members to shape the future of federal air cargo policy. Thank you to all that participated in this meeting. It is an important step forward in our relationship with TSA.