Author: Benjamin R. Sperry

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 132

ISBN-13:

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the cargo industry continues to grow, with air cargo identified as the fastest growing segment within the cargo industry. The value of freight moved by air has doubled since 1993 and currently exceeds $2.7 billion per day. During that same period, the typical freight shipment distance increased 40 percent, partly due to the distances of the air cargo movements. Because most air cargo shipments begin and end using trucks, growth in this segment will undoubtedly create additional growth in truck movements in and around the airport environment. It has been more than 30 years since the state has made a comprehensive review of the air cargo business within its borders. In that time, much has changed in Texas, in the United States, and across the globe. The industry has changed through consolidation and mergers with ground transportation companies, in the services they provide, and in the current level of technology employed. The world is a different place, our economies have been transformed, and the nature of doing business has altogether changed. So far, the impact of growth in air cargo on the Texas transportation system has gained little attention when compared to issues related to seaport traffic. The research objective for this project is to better understand the operations of the air cargo industry in Texas in order to better accommodate the industry's needs, provide for a more efficient transportation network, better utilize general aviation facilities, and provide for economic development across the state. This research identifies the existing demand for air cargo movement in Texas, the ground facilities available to process this demand, and a network that would be efficient and responsive to the needs of industry stakeholders. It also identifies the state's network of existing air cargo facilities, both those handling existing air cargo activity and those capable of handling air cargo in the future.