Miami’s airfreight ecosystem is organising through a newly formed industry association bringing together airlines, forwarders, handlers and trucking firms to coordinate strategy ahead of a major airport expansion that could lift cargo capacity by up to 50 percent.
The initiative aims to reduce operational fragmentation by creating a neutral forum for collaboration, with a focus on efficiency, shared infrastructure planning and strengthening Miami’s position as a key gateway linking the Americas with global trade routes.
Leaders expect the expansion and coordinated industry approach to drive job creation, attract additional carriers and improve logistics performance, with early plans already underway for networking, policy engagement and operational improvement projects across the cargo chain.
As Miami International Airport prepares for a major cargo expansion that could increase capacity by up to 50 percent, local leaders are taking proactive steps to ensure the city maximises its role as a global logistics powerhouse.
The newly formed Miami Air Cargo Association brings together airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, truckers, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation, and economic growth, providing a neutral platform for discussion where members can address operational challenges, share ideas, and work together to strengthen Miami’s air cargo infrastructure.
“Miami has always been a gateway to the Americas, but now, with this association, we have a unified voice to shape the future of cargo here and make sure every opportunity benefits the entire community,” said Warren Jones, President and Director of the Miami Air Cargo Association. “Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder—from airlines to truckers to freight forwarders—has a seat at the table and can contribute to solutions that help the industry grow efficiently and sustainably.”
Global connectivity
Miami has long served as a critical gateway between North and South America, with direct connections to major cities across the globe, and its infrastructure, combined with strong freight forwarding networks, has made it one of the most efficient cargo hubs in the Western Hemisphere. The association seeks to strengthen these relationships further by creating networking opportunities, providing a unified voice for industry concerns, and enabling the airport and local businesses to benefit from coordinated insights and operational expertise.
“Miami isn’t just a gateway—it’s a community where everyone works together to make things happen,” Jones explained, reflecting on his experience shipping 200,000 fresh salmon weekly from Chile through Miami. “By building relationships across airlines, truckers, and freight forwarders, we’ve created a system that works smoothly, efficiently, and with the flexibility global trade demands.”
The organisation will provide a forum where industry stakeholders can collaborate without competing, discuss ways to streamline operations, and improve efficiency across the region, while also fostering innovation and long-term growth. By leveraging local expertise and decades of operational experience, the association hopes to enhance Miami’s position as a global logistics hub, attract additional international carriers, and support the city’s economic ecosystem.
“Our goal is to bring the industry together, share ideas with airport leadership, and create opportunities that benefit businesses and the wider community,” he emphasised. “We want to make sure that Miami continues to be recognised as the most connected, efficient, and business-friendly cargo hub in the Americas,”
Driving economic opportunity
The launch of the Miami Air Cargo Association coincides with ambitious plans for airport expansion, offering a timely opportunity to influence the future of the region’s cargo operations, drive job creation, and strengthen the city’s role in global trade. With capacity projected to grow by up to 50 percent, Miami anticipates increasing demand for logistics services, higher employment across supply chain sectors, and enhanced economic development that benefits the local community.
“With the airport’s growth, the potential for job creation and economic development is enormous,” Jones said, highlighting the broader impact for the city and surrounding region. “By bringing together airlines, freight forwarders, and truckers in a single collaborative platform, we can make sure that growth translates into tangible benefits for everyone involved.”
Members of the association, including industry veterans, airport officials, and marketing specialists, are volunteering their expertise to build a strong foundation for the organisation, from website creation to event planning and strategic advisory initiatives. The group is already planning networking events, forums with airport leadership, and collaborative projects to streamline cargo handling, optimise logistics flows, and enhance Miami’s global competitiveness.
“Our association ensures that the industry’s expertise is channelled constructively to benefit everyone—from local businesses to global trade partners,” Jones concluded. “We aim to be a model for collaboration that other cargo hubs can look to, showing how unity, planning, and proactive engagement can turn infrastructure into opportunity.”