In this episode of Logistically Speaking, Scott Case and Cameron Roberts sit down with Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association, at AirCargo 2025 in Dallas. Brandon shares his insights on the current state of the air cargo industry, critical challenges facing forwarders, and emerging opportunities in a changing global landscape.

This episode was recorded on Sunday, March 2nd and at the conference, the imposition of Canadian, Mexican and Chinese tariffs were discussed, came into existence and then in the case of Canada and Mexico, were partially removed two days later on USMCA-qualifying goods.

Key Topics:

• The evolution of the air cargo industry and the shift to multimodal transportation
• Impact of potential tariffs on trade with China, Mexico, and Canada
• Changes to de minimis regulations and their effect on e-commerce
• Air cargo security developments since 9/11
• Infrastructure challenges at U.S. airports and the AfA/NCBFAA white paper initiative
• Future of air cargo including autonomous aircraft and the need for freighter capacity

About Brandon Fried: Brandon Fried was appointed Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association in November 2005. He began his career as a sales representative in Los Angeles before moving to Washington DC, where he owned and operated the Washington office of a global freight forwarder specializing in time-definite air cargo transportation. Brandon joined the Air Forwarders Association in 2000 and was elected Chairperson in 2001, serving for two consecutive terms. He has served on the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, COAC, the CNS Advisory Board, and numerous other industry associations. Brandon brings decades of hands-on experience in the forwarding industry and continues to be a leading voice for air cargo interests in Washington.

In this episode of Logistically Speaking, hosts Scott Case and Cameron Roberts welcome Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, to discuss:

• The upcoming TPM (Trans-Pacific Maritime) Conference and its significance for the port industry

• Long Beach's initiatives in sustainable cargo movement and zero-emission technologies

• Adapting to larger vessel sizes and improving port infrastructure

• The impact of tariffs and changing trade patterns on port operations

• Efforts to increase exports and address trade imbalances

• The role of foreign trade zones in mitigating tariff impacts

• Updates on detention and demurrage issues following OSRA 2022

• Challenges and opportunities in reshoring manufacturing

Mario Cordero's Bio:

Mario Cordero is the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, a position he has held since 2017. His career in Long Beach began as a member, vice president, and president of the Long Beach Board of Harbors Commission.

In 2011, President Obama appointed Cordero as a Democratic commissioner at the Federal Maritime Commission, where he served until 2017, including as the agency's chairman from 2013 onwards. Cordero's leadership has been instrumental in the Port of Long Beach's status as part of the largest container trade gateway in the United States, handling trade valued at $200 billion annually and supporting 2.6 million jobs across the nation.

Under his guidance, the port has made significant strides in environmental initiatives, achieving remarkable reductions in emissions and implementing innovative green energy projects.

In this episode of Logistically Speaking, hosts Scott Case and Cameron Roberts sit down a day after President Trump's second inauguration to discuss the flurry of Executive Orders and trade rhetoric with Carlos Sesma, Senior Partner at Mexican law firm Sesma, Sesma & McNeese. The conversation explores the complex interplay between politics, trade, and regional economic integration.

• President Trump's announcement of potential 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada
• Changes to Mexico's IMMEX program affecting chapters 61, 62, and 63, introducing a 35% duty rate
• Impact on e-commerce companies using Mexico as a distribution hub
• Relationship between trade policies and immigration concerns

• Mexico's critical dependence on US trade (86% of exports)
• Analysis of Mexico's strategic position between US and China
• Discussion of USMCA renegotiation possibilities
• Impact of potential tariffs on regional manufacturing and supply chains

• Major Mexican infrastructure projects:
  • The Mayan Train project connecting the Yucatan Peninsula
  • Trans-isthmic railway development as Panama Canal alternative
  • New Tulum Airport with cargo capabilities
  • Focus on developing Mexico's southern regions

• Evolution of North American trade relationships
• Role of rail infrastructure in regional connectivity
• CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) railway expansion plans
• Impact of new administrations in all three countries

• Preparation for potential USMCA negotiations
• Changes in Mexican governance and judicial system
• Importance of maintaining business relationships despite political rhetoric
• Regional economic development strategies

• America First Trade Policy
• Mexico Issues 35% Tariff on Textiles