AIT's Civil Reserve Air Fleet Partnership Delivers Enhanced Government Transport
The United States Transportation Command has more than 1,200 railcars in route and 170 ships underway every day, with aircraft taking off or landing every 2 minutes and 45 seconds.
The enormous logistical need of the U.S. government aircraft fleet grows even more during times of heightened military activation. That’s where the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) comes into play.
Read on to find out how learn more about CRAF and find out how AIT’s CRAF partnership enhances our capabilities to transport government commodities internationally.
What is the Civil Reserve Air Fleet?
Established in 1951, CRAF is a readiness program used to provide a significant portion of the nation’s air mobility resources when the Department of Defense (DOD) airlift exceeds the capability of military aircraft.
This cooperative, voluntary program also involves the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. civil air carrier industry in a partnership to augment DOD aircraft capability during a national defense related crisis.
Air carriers volunteer their aircraft to the CRAF program through contractual agreements with the air mobility command (AMC) and in return, participating companies are given preference in carrying commercial peacetime cargo and passenger traffic for DOD.
What does it mean to be a CRAF-sponsored forwarder?
CRAF-sponsored forwarders must always be ready to support the logistical transport needs of the U.S. government, including adherence to stringent governmental compliance. As a CRAF-sponsored forwarder, AIT makes use of our enhanced capabilities to transport mission-critical commodities around the world.
When did AIT become a CRAF-sponsored forwarder?
AIT has been a CRAF-sponsored forwarder for more than a decade. Most recently, the company entered into a CRAF partnership with Kalitta Airlines.
What other freight security credentials does AIT hold?
AIT’s dedicated team of global, government shipping experts goes beyond the call of duty to provide custom-built supply chain solutions that adhere to strict government supply chain security.
In addition to AIT’s CRAF partnership, the company is also member of the Transport Asset Protection Association (TAPA), a certified Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism compliant provider and a sustaining member of the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA).
A U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-certified Indirect Air Carrier, we maintain TSA-certified cargo screening facilities in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. And, when required, we offer explosive trace detection, physical search and use of TSA canines.
Some of our many capabilities include:
- Dedicated government personnel
- 24/7 emergency service
- Standard carrier alpha code approval
- Coverage across the continental United States (CONUS) as well as outside the continental United States (OCONUS)
Learn more about AIT’s cargo security credentials
Add a preferred CRAF carrier to your team
For more information on the Civil Reserve Air Fleet visit transportation.gov or contact an AIT representative today.