The Pallet – January 2026 Edition
Your Monthly Brief from the International Air Cargo Association of Chicago ✈️
✉️ From the President’s Desk
Dear Members,
As we launch into 2026, the air cargo industry finds itself navigating a dynamic intersection of demand resilience, capacity shifts, geopolitical pressure, and evolving trade flows. This is more than a “new year” — it’s a pivotal moment for forwarders, carriers, brokers, and service providers alike as supply chain strategies adjust to accommodate global market signals.
Chicago continues to be at the heart of this transformation. O’Hare International Airport has now been deemed the busiest airport in the country, reflecting not only passenger growth but also strengthening cargo capacity and global connectivity for the Midwest. Regions like Asia-Pacific and Europe are likewise showing robust volume growth, especially in technology, AI, and e-commerce sectors.
This month’s edition brings you data-backed insights, real industry developments, and an updated association calendar that reflects the full year of opportunities to connect, learn, and expand your business influence. Our strength as a community comes from informed engagement — and I encourage you to take advantage of every program and event we’ve built for you in 2026.
Let’s make this year one of strategic growth and meaningful collaboration.
Warm regards,
Christina Aguirre
President, IACAC
📬 Newsletter compiled and edited by Victoria Rahmanovic, IACAC Communications Committee
Member Spotlight: BWS Logistics
BWS Logistics continues to elevate end-to-end freight management by delivering tailored air and ocean solutions and exceptional customs brokerage services. Their dedication to operational excellence, responsive service, and deep industry expertise embodies the collaborative spirit we value at IACAC.
🛫 IACAC News & Announcements
📌 Welcome New Members – January 2026
Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the IACAC community:
• The Raymond Corporation — https://www.raymondcorp.com/
• Tom Mitich, MSC — http://www.msc.com/
• Maurice Mcatee, Super Expedite LLC — http://www.superexpedite.net/
• JGNM Couriers — https://www.jgnmcouriers.com
• Joh’Von Morris, JGNM Couriers — https://www.jgnmcouriers.com
• Patrick Smith, Verdoni Expedited Trucking and Transport
We encourage you to connect with these professionals at our upcoming events and extend a warm IACAC welcome!
📢 Market Updates & Industry News – January 2026
✈️ O’Hare Growth Amid Carrier Expansion
Chicago O’Hare has officially been named the busiest airport in the country, driven by major network expansions from both United and American Airlines. United announced its largest-ever summer schedule while both carriers continue increasing frequencies and destinations — reinforcing O’Hare’s position as a primary U.S. gateway for passenger and cargo connectivity and signaling strong tailwinds for Midwest air freight capacity in 2026.
📈 Global Air Cargo Demand Strong Through Year-End
Data from IATA indicates global air cargo demand closed 2025 with record volumes and continued strength in December freight flows, demonstrating resilience in global trade and structural demand.
🔗 https://www.miragenews.com/global-air-cargo-demand-achieved-record-volume-1610355/
📊 Early 2026 Cargo Volumes Rebound
Worldwide air cargo volumes climbed in mid-January, rebounding sharply post-Christmas and signaling a strong start to 2026 — a positive indicator for shippers and forwarders.
🔗 https://metro.global/news/air-freight-volumes-rebound-and-rates-adjust-post-peak/
📦 Air Cargo Demand & Rate Trends
Recent market reports show air freight demand up year-on-year, with softer open capacity in January ahead of Lunar New Year production cycles. Sector specialists recommend early booking to secure capacity and mitigate pricing fluctuations.
🚀 Hot Topics — What’s Moving the Market
- Asia-Pacific Air Freight Demand Remains Resilient: Key high-tech, AI, and e-commerce cargo flows continued strong into 2026, even with capacity tightness in some lanes.
- North America Market Dynamics: Tariff shifts, de minimis policy adjustments, and technology-driven freight strategies continue shaping air cargo planning and capacity deployment.
- Capacity & Rates Outlook: Spot freight rate benchmarks show modest softness post-peak season, while structural demand suggests stable volumes and strategic contract negotiations.
📆 2026 IACAC Event Calendar
✔ Jan 30 — New Year Networking & Karaoke
✔ Feb 17 — PuttShack
✔ Mar 12 — St. Patrick’s Party
✔ Apr — TBD
✔ May 1 — Uno De Mayo!
✔ June — Date TBD — Chicago Dogs Game
✔ July — TBD
✔ Aug 13 — Annual Golf Outing
✔ Sep 24 — Oktoberfest
✔ Oct — TBD
✔ Nov — Date TBD — Compliance Day & Elections
✔ Dec — TBD — Holiday Luncheon
🏛️ 2026 IACAC Board of Directors
Executive Officers
- President: Christina Aguirre, GET Logistics
- Vice President: Ray Hurtado, CH Robinson
- Treasurer: Bill Gerst, ITS/PTS Logistics
- Secretary: Victoria Rahmanovic, ALPI USA
Directors
- Larry Georgen, Perimeter Global Logistics (PGL)
- Mandy Boyd, Mallory Alexander International Logistics
- Glen Smith, Southwest Airlines
- Philippa Haamann, Lufthansa Cargo
- Bobby Rog, American Worldwide Agencies (AWA)
- Kurt Schenkemeyer, Argents Air Express Ltd.
- Misty Fitzgerald, M&M Direct Express
- Harry Bath, Immediate Air Cargo Transit
🎉 Culture & Community
📸 Photo of the Month
Our first IACAC Board Meeting of 2026 brought together leadership from across the Chicago air cargo community to align on priorities, programming, and strategic direction for the year ahead. From refining our event calendar to advancing member engagement initiatives, this kickoff meeting set a strong foundation for collaboration, growth, and impact in 2026.
Thank you to our Board of Directors for their continued dedication, insight, and commitment to strengthening IACAC and supporting our industry.
💡 Member Insight: The strength and adaptability displayed in early 2026 cargo flows reinforce that agility, data-informed planning, and diversified service offerings will be key differentiators this year.
🏆 IACAC Event Winners – Free Membership Giveaway
We will be announcing our first Event Winner at the January 30th Karaoke Networking Event — stay tuned!
📣 Stay Connected
📧 info@iacac.com
🌐 iacac.com
📲 Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)
🚀 Thank you for being an engaged member of Chicago’s vibrant air-cargo community — together, we move the world.
