Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ focuses on a different function and segment of the air cargo industry. Without ground transportation, there would be no air cargo as all shipments first need to get to an airport before they can be flown (and at destination, a similar process happens in reverse). Trucking therefore plays a key role in our industry, and – with the different commodities being transported and set lead times needing to be met (as cargo is built-up and security screened, among other things, before being loaded into an aircraft and flown), road feeder services require professionalism, expertise, and excellent planning. Katie Griley (KG), President of Griley Air Freight, takes us through her responsibilities, views, and advice.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
KG: I’m the President of Griley Air Freight. We’re a carrier based out of LAX, and we specialize in moving import/export cargo, about 2 million tons a year. I handle a little bit of everything: operations, customer relationships, compliance, team leadership, and overall strategy. I’m also leading our push into pharma logistics with new GDP-compliant equipment and processes.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
KG: There really isn’t a ‘typical’ day, and that’s what I love about it. Some days I’m on client calls or working on pricing strategy; other days I’m in team meetings, dealing with operations, or jumping in to help solve issues as they come up. It’s fast-paced and always changing.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
KG: I’ve been in it for over 16 years. It started through family connections, but I stayed because I saw the potential to build something better… Something more organized, reliable, and people-focused.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
KG: Honestly, I love solving problems. Whether it’s figuring out how to run more efficient, working through a staffing challenge, or coaching someone into a leadership role, it’s all about finding smart solutions and keeping things moving.
CFG: What do you see as the greatest challenges in our industry?
KG: I’d say our biggest challenge over the past few years has been dealing with non-compliant competitors driving prices down. On top of that, customer expectations keep rising, sustainability is a growing pressure, and costs (especially insurance) just keep going up. The tough part is that we’re not able to pass those increases onto our clients. Meanwhile, a lot of our competitors aren’t even following state or federal regulations, and when they get caught in a lawsuit for example, they just shut down and reopen under a new name like nothing happened. It’s frustrating because our overhead is on a whole different level – we’re playing by the rules, and they’re not.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to enter into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
KG: It’s a demanding industry, but if you’re the kind of person who takes ownership and thinks on your feet, you’ll go far. This industry moves fast, and if you want to succeed, you need to be adaptable. Markets shift, customer needs evolve, and you’ve got to be willing to adjust your business model when the time comes.
Also: Keep learning, stay humble, and surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to challenge you. Technical knowledge helps (things like compliance, hazmat, cargo security), but mindset and work ethic will take you further than any certification.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
KG: “Always Rushed: The Untold Story of Air Cargo Transportation” because so much happens behind the scenes (and fast) to make transporting air cargo work, and most people don’t even realize it.
Thank you, Katie.
