Air Cargo Charters Offer Relief Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Tariffs Reshape Supply Chain Decisions in the US

The US supply chain industry is facing one of its most challenging periods in recent years. The introduction of tariffs on a wide variety of goods imported from global markets has created widespread volatility. Decision-makers and managers are finding it increasingly difficult to plan procurement and logistics strategies, particularly as tariff deadlines shift on a regular basis.

According to Jack Burt, Senior Vice President of Cargo at Chapman Freeborn USA, these shifts are altering the dynamics of the air freight sector. “High tariffs can negatively impact air cargo demand by reducing trade volumes. Yet, at the same time, we are seeing spikes in shipments as managers race to move goods before new tariffs are enforced,” he explains.

Surge in Air Freight Ahead of Tariff Deadlines

Industry data supports this trend. According to Xeneta, air freight levels in July increased by 5%. This growth is linked directly to companies expediting shipments before tariffs come into effect.

Burt emphasizes that the arrival date in the US, not the purchase date, determines tariff application. This makes fast delivery critical. “Air charter is at the cutting edge of expedited logistics. Whenever supply and demand shift, we typically see a surge in air charters, which has been the case in recent months,” he says.

A Climate of Unprecedented Volatility

On August 12, the US and China agreed to postpone higher tariffs for another 90 days, moving the implementation date to November 10. While this truce brought short-term relief, it prolonged uncertainty for supply chain leaders who must make multimillion-dollar decisions with little visibility into future costs.

From raw materials to finished goods, companies are left guessing which shipments will be affected. This lack of clarity makes capital allocation extremely risky, as goods arriving just days apart could be subject to entirely different tariff rates.

Air Cargo Charters Offer Relief Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Why Air Cargo Charters Stand Out

Standard shipping modes—such as road, rail, or ocean—cannot always meet the speed required in today’s volatile trade environment. Air freight fills this gap, with regional and global charters serving the premium segment of the logistics market.

Burt notes that, for now, there has been ample capacity for brokers to handle increased demand caused by tariff-related surges. Global trade volumes are down overall due to tariffs, which means aircraft and crews are more readily available. However, this balance can shift quickly. Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, has been cited as a region where capacity is already tight.

For specialized cargo—such as heavy-lift aircraft—supply remains limited, but this constraint is unrelated to tariffs and instead tied to the small global fleet of such aircraft.

Commodities Moving via Air Charters

The range of goods shipped by charter is broad and constantly changing as tariff rules evolve. Because tariff schedules differ by country and product, virtually any commodity may require expedited movement at short notice.

Burt highlights several common examples:

High-value electronics and computer servers, including those used for cryptocurrency mining, were frequently expedited before European tariffs came into force.
Industrial machinery is another key category, particularly when companies seek to avoid sudden increases in import duties.
Everyday items, from textiles to precision components, are also being shipped by air when tariff risk is high.

Agility Through Global Networks

Chapman Freeborn’s ability to respond quickly stems from its global infrastructure. “We are already structured to handle emergencies, such as humanitarian and disaster relief flights, which are often coordinated within hours,” Burt explains. “That same readiness allows us to manage spikes in demand from trade-related issues without adding extra staff.”

This agility is supported by a worldwide network of partners, enabling the company to match available aircraft with urgent cargo requirements quickly and efficiently.

Burt also points to retainer services as an option for clients seeking predictable, long-term solutions. Under this arrangement, Chapman Freeborn works closely with supply chain managers to create a tailored plan, ensuring goods can move when required. Even without such agreements, however, the company can typically organize charters within 48 hours.

The Road Ahead for Air Cargo and Tariffs

Looking to the coming months, Burt remains cautious. “Tariff disruptions are unlikely to ease soon. The postponement of US-China tariffs until November will probably cause another spike in demand for expedited deliveries as companies rush to beat the deadline,” he predicts.

More broadly, air cargo volumes could decline as international trade slows under the weight of protectionist policies. Corporate decision-makers may also delay spending until greater clarity emerges.

Nonetheless, Burt stresses that experienced brokers are well-positioned to support clients during this period of turbulence. “Even in the face of volatility, our network, expertise, and dedicated team ensure that supply chain managers have a reliable option for expedited delivery,” he concludes.