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On October 22, CLDA President-Elect Ralph Perrothers joined the Air Forwarders Association’s (AFA) Fourth Annual Congressional Staff Visit to BWI Marshall Airport at the invitation of Brandon Fried and Steve Smith. Hosted by AFA, the Maryland Aviation Administration, Southwest Airlines Cargo and Amazon Air, the event gave congressional staff a firsthand look at the scale, value and complexity of commerce moving through our nation’s airports.
Visits to Southwest Cargo and Amazon Air highlighted different operating models and how each supports the flow of commerce. The experience gave staff members a clearer picture of the shipments, customers, security requirements and daily challenges behind the policy issues our industry brings to Washington.
Special thanks go to Wally Devereaux and his expert Southwest Cargo team for an outstanding presentation and tour. Their detailed explanation illustrated the many layers of an airport cargo operation and the different types of commerce that airlines, freight forwarders, and courier and delivery companies serve together. Hats off to the entire BWI Southwest team for representing our industry so well.
CLDA also thanks Brandon Fried and Steve Smith for their continued partnership on forwarder modernization, including support for CLDA’s contributions to the proposed legislation addressing Security Threat Assessment (STA) identification and the creation of a Regulated Agent structure. These proposals seek practical improvements that recognize our members’ essential role in the air cargo supply chain while supporting effective security.
The visit reflects CLDA’s broader, year-round advocacy effort. This year, we have participated in as many as 34 congressional and committee calls, alongside continued engagement with TSA and industry partners. These conversations and operational visits help connect our proposals to real-world needs, build support and keep our members’ concerns moving forward.
CLDA Government Affairs Update
CLDA President-Elect Ralph Perrothers met with senior officials from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Air Cargo Division to continue the association’s longstanding dialogue with the agency on air cargo security, industry collaboration, and opportunities for modernization.
The meeting included Chris Chipps, newly appointed Acting Director of TSA’s Air Cargo Division; Marc Rossi, TSA Industry Engagement Director; Manny Melendez, former Acting Director of the Air Cargo Division; and Ingrid Robicheau, TSA International Industry Representative.
The discussion provided an opportunity to reflect on the longstanding working relationship between CLDA and TSA and to exchange perspectives on the evolving needs of the air cargo transportation industry.
Topics included the potential modernization of existing regulatory frameworks, improvements in identity verification and credentialing, and opportunities to use technology to support effective security and operational efficiency.
The meeting was productive and constructive, with participants expressing a willingness to continue the dialogue and explore opportunities for further industry engagement.
“CLDA has enjoyed a longstanding and productive relationship with TSA leadership, and we appreciate the opportunity to continue that collaboration,” said Perrothers. “Our goal is to help advance practical solutions that strengthen security while recognizing the operational realities of the transportation providers who support the air cargo supply chain.”
CLDA remains committed to constructive engagement with TSA and other federal agencies to represent its members and support a secure, efficient, and modern air cargo transportation system.
