'Time is right for me to step into retirement' – Brandon Fried to leave AfA at end of the year

(Left to right) AfA's Brandon Fried; Thomas Kenny, deputy director, FAA; John Beckius, TSA.

Updated from version published 17/02/2026 to include Mr Fried’s comments to the AfA

Airforwarders Association (AfA) executive director, industry stalwart, and Loadstar favourite Brandon Fried will retire at the end of the year.

Yesterday’s AFA general meeting heard Mr Fried’s decision had been “long-planned”, with the association moving into a transition period during which he will continue to lead advocacy, member activities, and policy – until a successor is appointed.

Addressing the association, Mr Fried said: “After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided that the time is right for me to step into retirement.

“When I began my career with the Airforwarders Association – after 25 years of owning and operating a freight forwarding company – our industry was facing one of the most uncertain periods in its history. In the aftermath of 9/11, the security of air cargo and our ability to fly freight in the bellies of passenger aircraft were under direct threat.

“We responded the only way we could—by engaging. We worked closely with Congress, regulators, airlines, and our members. We stayed at the table.”

That has been the model by which the AfA has operated under Mr Fried’s stewardship, with the association having led the charge on a number of legislative and regulatory changes, from the 9/11 Recommendations Act to the development of Certified Cargo Screening. 

Responding to Mr Fried’s announcement The Loadstar publisher Alex Lennane asked: “What will the air cargo industry do without him?”

She added: “The big question is who will replace Brandon? His are big shoes to fill and he’s not old enough to hang up his hat just yet.”

Little detail has been provided, but the AFA’s board has employed an executive search consultant to recruit the association’s next leader, an appointment expected towards the latter end of the year.

In announcing his retirement, Mr Fried is ending a quarter-of-a-century association with the AFA, having been elected to chair its board of directors in 2001, and becoming executive director in 2005, growing the number of corporate members to more than 225.

With the AFA, Mr Fried was involved in working out how to contend with the implications of post-9/11 security changes, while more recently his concern has surrounded aging airfreight infrastructure and upheaval in the dynamics of global trade.

Speaking to The Loadstar during last year’s US government shutdown, he said: “What can I say? It has been a rollercoaster ride these past few months. If there is any certainty, it is that uncertainty rules the day. The government shutdown is just this week’s flavour.”

Nonetheless, he remained confident that the US airfreight industry was in a better place than when he joined the AFA, noting that “through all of this turmoil, one bright spot has been that there is at least unanimity and joined-up thinking within the broader industry”.

He noted that, amid the chaos, the association was liaising “evermore” with associations he would have considered competitors, “allowing us to recognise that, as an industry, air cargo share similar views when it comes to stakeholder concerns”.

Mr Fried’s full address to the AfA on announcing his retirement: 

Brandon’s Closing Remarks

Airforwarders Association Annual General Meeting

February 2026

Before we wrap up today, I want to take a few minutes to share something personal and important.

“When I began my career with the Airforwarders Association—after 25 years of owning and operating a freight forwarding company—our industry was facing one of the most uncertain periods in its history. In the aftermath of 9/11, the security of air cargo and our ability to fly freight in the bellies of passenger aircraft were under direct threat.

“We responded the only way we could—by engaging. We worked closely with Congress, regulators, airlines, and our members. We stayed at the table. After a long and hard-fought battle, Congress passed the 9/11 Recommendations Act. Freight remained on passenger aircraft, though with a new set of stricter requirements that our members were forced to absorb. TSA oversight intensified, compliance was challenging, and the cost to our members was real.

“Serving on TSA’s Aviation Security Advisory Committee alongside pilots, flight attendants, airports, law enforcement, and families who lost loved ones to terrorism changed my perspective. It became clear that while keeping freight moving is critical, our higher calling is to keep the system safe and secure. We are stewards of public safety. Failure is not an option.

“I’m especially proud of the work we did to make security smarter and more effective—Certified Cargo Screening, third-party privatized screening, and the use of canine screening. These efforts strengthened security while giving our members practical tools to operate more efficiently. We also welcomed a new group of canine screening providers into our association, working hand in hand with us to keep our skies safe.

“Beyond security, I had the privilege of representing our members on trade-related issues through CBP and the Department of Commerce. Over time, I learned an important lesson about Washington: if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. The AfA has always worked to make sure our members are at the table.

“Challenges remain—truck fraud, airport congestion, and increasingly complex regulations—but this association continues to confront them head-on through dedicated committees, strong Board leadership, and an engaged membership.

“Over the past twenty years, we’ve built something special together. Twenty AirCargo conferences. A strong, respected voice in Washington. A community that shows up, speaks up, and gets things done. It truly is “the conference for the rest of us,” and it keeps getting better.

“I’ve been fortunate to represent you across the country and around the world. Those experiences made me a better leader and reminded me how strong and connected this industry really is.

After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided that the time is right for me to step into retirement.

“Before I close, I want to leave everyone with some reassurance about what comes next. Our Board of Directors has retained Tuft & Associates to lead the search for my successor, and that process will be underway shortly. Once that person is selected, there will be a thoughtful transition period. I will be fully engaged and will remain involved until both the Board and I are confident that he or she is fully prepared to represent our members and this industry effectively.

“I also want to take a moment to thank the people who make this association work every single day. To our Board of Directors—past and present—thank you for your trust, your guidance, and your commitment to this industry. And to our staff—Ann Crampton, Michael Taylor, Doug Brittin, Ally Norat, Joe Puncavage, Scott Case and the many others who continue to support the AfA team and our very aggressive agenda—this association succeeds because of you. I couldn’t have done this job without you, and I wouldn’t have wanted to.

“As for what’s next for me, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my two son, Jordan & Evan and two-year-old grandson, traveling with my wife, Kim, and staying connected to this industry by helping where I can, when I can.

“And finally—don’t worry. I’m retiring, not disappearing. If there’s a crisis, a regulation that makes no sense, or someone needs a call made in Washington… you all know where to find me.

“Thank you.”