Chapman Freeborn joins industry discussions at CNS Partnership Conference

Chapman Freeborn is attending this year’s CNS Partnership Conference in San Francisco, joining air cargo stakeholders to discuss the trends, challenges and partnerships shaping the future of cargo.

Taking place from 18-20 May, the event brings together airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, airports and other industry partners under the theme “Elevating Air Cargo: Partnerships, Progress & Possibilities.”

For Aniko Mersek, President – Americas at Chapman Freeborn, the conference comes at an important time for the region’s cargo market, as customers continue to navigate fuel costs, tariffs, shifting capacity and more complex supply chain requirements.

“The air cargo market continues to evolve, and customers are having to manage a range of pressures, from fuel costs and tariffs to changing capacity and trade conditions,” said Mersek. “These factors are influencing how cargo moves, especially in sectors where timing, routing and reliability are critical.”

A changing cargo landscape

According to Mersek, discussions at CNS are expected to focus on key issues such as fuel costs, trade restrictions, fleet development and capacity growth. While added capacity can help ease pressure in some areas, the market remains challenging, particularly for customers operating in sectors affected by policy changes, tariffs and supply-demand shifts.

Across the Americas, industries including oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals and government-related supply chains continue to drive demand for reliable cargo solutions. Many of these movements require more than a standard air freight option, particularly when cargo is time-sensitive, high-value, oversized or moving on a challenging route.

Customers need flexible solutions

As customer requirements become more complex, Chapman Freeborn is seeing growing demand for tailored cargo solutions that go beyond standard airport-to-airport movements.

“We are seeing customers ask for more flexible and bespoke solutions, particularly when shipments are time-sensitive or complex,” said Mersek. “There is also growing demand for a more complete, end-to-end service, often involving multimodal solutions and a higher level of support throughout the process.”

For Chapman Freeborn, this means understanding each requirement in detail and building the right solution around it, supported by open communication and operational transparency.

Partnerships remain essential

With CNS focused strongly on partnerships across the cargo supply chain, collaboration remains central to helping customers move cargo efficiently and reliably.

“Partnerships are central to how we maintain and grow our client base,” said Mersek. “Customers want to work with providers who understand their business, can support them with the right framework, and can deliver when requirements become more challenging.”

Looking ahead, Chapman Freeborn sees continued opportunities across the Americas cargo market, supported by its regional expertise and wider global network.

“As the market continues to shift, customers will need partners who can adapt quickly and offer practical solutions,” said Mersek. “Our focus is on continuing to support our existing clients while also developing new opportunities through a targeted approach and the strength of our teams in the Americas and globally.”

By attending the CNS Partnership Conference, Chapman Freeborn is meeting with industry partners, exchanging market perspectives and contributing to wider discussions on how the cargo sector can continue support customers in a changing operating environment.