Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ focuses on a specific segment of the air cargo industry. The industry is highly fragmented in its individual responsibilities when it comes to ensuring the safe, secure and efficient transport of freight from one part of the world to another, which means that trade associations are indispensable in bringing the industry together and providing a consolidated voice to authorities, regulators, and decision makers. One such trade association is The International Air Cargo Association – TIACA. Its members span airlines, airports, forwarders, ground handlers, road carriers, customs brokers, logistics firms, shippers, IT providers, equipment manufacturers, trade media, and training institutions, and it strives for a safe, profitable and united air cargo industry that embraces modern technologies and practices, and operates sustainably and fairly. Riley Lane, Assistant Manager of Operations at TIACA, sheds light on her role and shares views and advice.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
RL: I am the Assistant Manager of Operations at TIACA, where I oversee a range of responsibilities including event planning and management, on-site event operations, and conducting BlueSky Sustainability Verification Assessments. I am also involved in website and app design, as well as communication and outreach initiatives.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
RL: A typical day in my role is fast-paced and varied. I usually start by checking emails, messages, and project deadlines before joining any virtual meetings with clients, vendors, or teammates to align on updates. Much of my day is spent coordinating logistics – from managing speaker schedules and hotel or flight bookings, to organizing event shipments and materials. I also keep event documents and media barters up to date, respond to inquiries from members, attendees, or speakers, and collaborate with the marketing and design teams on event materials and promotions. Throughout the day, I track registrations, shipments, and expenses, prepare reports or presentations to keep everyone informed, and handle any last-minute changes that inevitably come up. In addition to events, I ensure all BlueSky outreach and assessment preparations are in place for a seamless execution.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
RL: 2 years. I was brought into the industry by TIACA, 2 years ago, as I met my current boss, Rachael, at the ACF 2022 in Miami Beach by chance. I was at the event hotel and Rachael began telling me about TIACA and a job opportunity. I was immediately interested and submitted my resume. The wonderful people brought me to the air cargo industry and continue to keep me here.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
RL: I enjoy the community and traveling. This job has taught me about the many regions of the world, and the amazing people in it. Event planning has been a long-time passion, and I am so thankful to be able to do something I love.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
RL: One of the biggest challenges facing the air cargo industry is advancing our sustainability efforts. As a collective, we need to take bold steps toward a more sustainable future. While there may be an initial investment, the long-term benefits and returns from implementing sustainable practices will far outweigh the costs.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
RL: My biggest advice would be to find a mentor. Beginning in the air cargo industry without any prior experience would have been more overwhelming had I not had a team of mentors to help guide and train me. There are many training courses offered for the air cargo industry, and I would recommend finding one that pertains to the sector of air cargo they are most interested in.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
RL: ‘Freight Without Borders’
Many thanks, Riley.
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.atWe look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
