This study was prepared under the authority of Arkansas Highway Commission Minute Order 2003-146. The Minute Order authorized the examination of air cargo operations at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (Airport) and the assessment of truck and rail access to the Airport. The study was completed in 2006. The availability of air cargo service is becoming a more significant factor in daily business shipping activities. Reasons for the escalating demand for air cargo service include: (1) the inventory practice of just-in-time delivery that requires specific time of day service, (2) the growing e-commerce marketplace where products are mailed directly from a warehouse, and (3) the increase in international business. Global air cargo service is expected to become the fastest growing segment of freight distribution services. With shippers requiring faster delivery time, airports are becoming centers for product distribution and manufacturing. Adequate freight transportation access to an airport is important to support air cargo operations and for industrial development
