Cargo Hub

A cargo hub is an airport that primarily is operated by a cargo airline that uses the hub-and-spoke system. Hub airports also serve as central points for cargo transfer, enabling airlines to consolidate and distribute freight efficiently. Cargo Operations are the hub of the air cargo supply chain and are performed by hundreds of handlers at thousands of airports around the world. In the United States, two of the largest cargo hub airports, FedEx's Memphis Superhub and UPS Louisville Worldport, are close to the mean center of the United States population.

FedEx Express established its Memphis hub in 1973, with the FedEx Express Super Hub handling approximately 3.3 million packages a day, making Memphis International Airport (MEM) consistently rank as the busiest cargo airport in the U.S. due to its status as FedEx's primary global hub. Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF) serves as UPS' Worldport, anchoring Louisville as a top integrator hub.

• freight hub
• cargo gateway
• logistics hub
• air freight hub

What are the largest cargo hubs in the United States?

Memphis International Airport (MEM) consistently ranks as the busiest cargo airport in the U.S., handling 3,381,211 metric tonnes in 2023 as FedEx's primary global hub with over 11,000 employees. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) handled 3,380,374 metric tonnes in 2023, serving as a key transit point for cargo flights between Asia and major U.S. cities.

How do cargo hubs differ from regular airports in their operations?

More common are airports in which there is some passenger traffic, but the cargo operations of the integrators are the major activity. Integrators often make heavy use of automated sorting at their hub terminals in order to achieve desired turnaround times and delivery commitments.