Tampa Bay Regional Goods Movement

Air freight is traditionally transported in the bellies of passenger aircraft and in dedicated all-cargo aircraft for both scheduled and non-scheduled service. While the amount of air freight transported is extremely small compared to the other modes, this cargo is usually time-sensitive and of high value. St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport provide air freight services for the Tampa Bay Region.

St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport specializes in the shipment of express mail and small packages. Other major commodities transported through the airport include tropical fish, human remains, and high-tech medical equipment and parts. United Parcel Service (UPS) started air freight service in 1997 followed by Airborne Express in 1999. Air freight cargo at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport totaled 19,363 tons in 2008*.

Tampa International Airport's cargo market is defined as a 50-mile radius around the airport, which includes the counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk. A smaller market area extending 100 miles from the airport has also been identified. This extended market contains parts of Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, and Sarasota Counties. In the future, Tampa International Airport sees itself as a major freight transfer center for Latin American cargo destined to European markets. Some of the primary cargo carriers serving the airport are ABX Inc. Airborne Express, DHL and Federal Express. Smaller carriers also provide air cargo service by mainly transporting products such as blood samples and financial documents. Air freight cargo at Tampa International Airport totaled 94,911 tons in 2008#.

*Source: St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport
#Source: Tampa International Airport