The US air cargo and logistics industry has welcomed a sweeping new aviation funding package — dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — signed into law by President Donald Trump earlier this month.
The legislation earmarks $12.5bn over the next four years to modernise critical aspects of US aviation infrastructure, including air traffic control systems, airport runways, and Customs operations.
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) described the bill as a “landmark moment” for the air cargo sector, praising long-awaited investment in modernising outdated systems.
Brandon Fried, AfA executive director said: “This legislation delivers the modernisation our industry has long needed.
“From billions in FAA funding to overhaul ageing radar and telecoms, to major upgrades in runway safety and surveillance — this bill will significantly enhance air freight efficiency and safety.”
Airlines for America (A4A), the lobby group representing major US carriers, also hailed the law, particularly its provisions to address chronic air traffic control (ATC) staffing shortages and obsolete technologies.
“We’ve been warning for years about the use of copper wires and floppy disks in ATC systems,” said A4A. “This investment is a vital down payment on the future — modernising the infrastructure that safely guides 27,000 flights, 2.7 million passengers, and 61,000 tonnes of cargo every day.”
Customs and Workforce Training Boost
The bill also includes funding to bolster US Customs and Border Protection staffing and enhance training across the aviation workforce — a move welcomed by the logistics sector as a step towards speeding up border clearance and reducing delays.
Clampdown on De Minimis Loopholes
Notably, the new law introduces tighter controls on the de minimis exemption — a provision that currently allows imports under $800 to enter the US without customs scrutiny.
The exemption has already been withdrawn for packages originating from China and Hong Kong, and will be phased out globally from July 2027.
In addition, the legislation introduces new civil penalties for misuse of the exemption: up to $5,000 for a first offence and $10,000 for repeat violations, with enforcement beginning 30 days after the bill’s enactment.
Industry experts say the tougher de minimis rules will reshape the e-commerce landscape, particularly for overseas sellers, and could prompt more investment in domestic fulfilment infrastructure.
The bill is seen as a major legislative win for the freight and logistics sector, and one that sets the stage for modernising America’s aviation backbone amid growing pressure on global supply chains.
