How AirFreight.com Operates as a Freight Broker
AirFreight.com is an air freight broker — not a direct air carrier and not a TSA-certified Indirect Air Carrier (IAC). This means we do not own aircraft or physically transport cargo ourselves. Instead, we coordinate your shipment through TSA-authorized partners — including certified IAC freight forwarders and FAA-licensed airlines. Below, we explain what an IAC is, why AirFreight.com operates as a non-IAC broker, and how we legally and securely facilitate your shipment within all applicable TSA and FAA regulations.
What is an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC)?
Under TSA regulations (49 CFR Part 1548), an Indirect Air Carrier is any U.S.-based entity that arranges the transport of property by air on behalf of others, without operating aircraft themselves, and that tenders cargo to airlines. IACs are typically freight forwarders or air cargo agents that must operate under a TSA-approved Indirect Air Carrier Standard Security Program (IACSSP). This program outlines strict procedures for accepting, screening, handling, and transferring air cargo to ensure security and prevent tampering.
Federal law prohibits any entity from offering cargo to a commercial air carrier unless that entity holds an approved TSA security program. This includes detailed rules on training, background checks, cargo screening, and the Known Shipper Program.
Why AirFreight.com Is Not an IAC
AirFreight.com has intentionally chosen not to register as an Indirect Air Carrier. This is a deliberate decision that defines our legal and operational role: we serve exclusively as a broker — not a certified IAC or carrier. We do not tender cargo to airlines, accept freight under our name, or maintain our own TSA security program.
Instead, we coordinate transportation services through our network of TSA-approved IACs and licensed air carriers. These partners — not AirFreight.com — are responsible for the security-sensitive functions of cargo acceptance, screening, and handoff to airlines. Our role is strictly limited to arranging those services on your behalf, never executing regulated air cargo functions ourselves.
What This Means for You
- AirFreight.com does not take possession of cargo at any point
- We do not operate warehouses or airport facilities.
- All cargo handling, airport tendering, and screening are performed by TSA-certified IACs or FAA-licensed carriers.
- We act solely as a coordinator, matching customers with certified transportation providers who meet or exceed TSA and FAA security standards.
Arranging Air Freight with TSA-Certified Partners
Although AirFreight.com is not itself an IAC, we legally arrange domestic and international air freight every day through certified partners:
TSA-Certified IAC Forwarders: Many shipments, especially those using passenger airlines, are routed through our network of certified Indirect Air Carriers. These partners have active TSA security programs and assume full responsibility for accepting, screening, and tendering cargo to the airline. AirFreight.com's role is to coordinate the logistics — but the IAC partner is the one who executes the security-regulated functions.
Direct Air Carriers: In some cases, cargo may be routed directly via an FAA Part 121 (scheduled airline) or Part 135 (on-demand charter) carrier. These air carriers operate under FAA oversight and TSA-approved security programs (such as the All-Cargo Security Program or Twelve-Five Standard Security Program for aircraft over 12,500 lbs). As with IACs, AirFreight.com coordinates, but does not perform, any regulated tendering.
Known Shipper Program & TSA Cargo Screening Compliance
Known Shipper Program: TSA restricts air cargo aboard passenger aircraft to shippers that have been vetted and approved under the Known Shipper Program. Cargo from unknown shippers is not permitted on passenger flights under any circumstances — even with additional screening. Instead, unknown-shipper freight must be routed on all-cargo aircraft that follow separate security protocols. Our IAC and airline partners manage Known Shipper status as part of their security programs. If you're an established shipper, you may already be in the Known Shipper database. If not, our certified partners can help initiate that process. Regardless of your status, we ensure that all shipments comply with TSA rules through the correct routing and screening methods.
Cargo Screening and Inspection: All cargo destined for passenger aircraft must be screened for explosives under TSA's 100% screening mandate. While AirFreight.com does not perform this screening, our TSA-certified partners do — using approved methods such as X-ray or explosives trace detection. When you ship through us, you consent to inspection as a condition of air transport, and you can rest assured your freight will be screened in accordance with all TSA mandates.
Chain-of-Custody and Cargo Security: TSA mandates an unbroken chain of custody for air cargo. From pickup to delivery, all parties who handle your shipment — including drivers, warehouses, and IACs — must meet TSA requirements and document each handoff. AirFreight.com works exclusively with vetted partners who adhere to these rules. Our role is to arrange transportation using authorized parties, and we ensure that those responsible for custody are TSA-compliant. Every shipment moves with traceable documentation and secure handling.
FAA Certification & Safety Oversight: The aircraft moving your freight are operated by carriers certified under FAA Part 121 or Part 135, depending on the flight type. These certifications enforce safety, maintenance, and operational standards. We only coordinate shipments using carriers that hold current FAA credentials — ensuring legal and safe air transport.
Clear Role as a Broker
AirFreight.com is a logistics broker — not a carrier or IAC. We do not operate aircraft, take custody of cargo, or engage in any TSA-regulated cargo acceptance or screening. Instead, we arrange your shipment through certified third parties and ensure that they perform all required regulatory functions. Our role is strictly to connect the dots and keep you informed at every step.
Transparency is a cornerstone of our process. We will always tell you which certified IAC or air carrier is handling your freight, and we document each step so that chain-of-custody is preserved.
Bottom Line
Even though AirFreight.com is not an Indirect Air Carrier, we ensure every shipment is moved in compliance with all TSA and FAA regulations by working exclusively with certified partners. We don't cut corners or stretch definitions — instead, we embrace our role as a broker and deliver legal, secure, and reliable air freight coordination.
If you have questions about how your cargo is being handled, just ask — we'll show you the certified carrier moving it. That's our commitment to clarity, compliance, and customer trust.
