DHS shutdown raises concerns over US cargo operations, warns AfA

The Airforwarders Association has warned that the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is beginning to pose risks to cargo operations and the wider supply chain, as concerns grow over staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The shutdown, which began on February 13, has already led to more than 300 TSA officers resigning, raising concerns about the resilience of aviation security staffing across the United States.

While the immediate impact has been seen at passenger checkpoints, the association said prolonged disruption to TSA staffing could have wider consequences for airport operations. It warned that continued strain could affect cargo processing, airport access and overall airside efficiency.

Cargo security and screening processes remain robust, with strict protocols still in place. However, freight forwarders rely on stable and predictable airport operations to move time-sensitive shipments, and any decline in staffing or operational performance is making it more difficult to plan capacity, manage customer expectations and maintain reliable supply chains.

The association cautioned that the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the disruption to cargo operations will be, and the more challenging recovery is likely to become.

It also noted that forwarders are already operating in a complex environment shaped by new tariff measures and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The association said the priority should be to restore stability and predictability for businesses dependent on the movement of goods. It urged policymakers to act quickly to resolve the DHS shutdown, ensure TSA personnel are paid and provide a stable policy environment for U.S. businesses and global supply chains.