Top 10 Largest Cargo Airports in the United States
When it comes to global trade, speed and reliability drive every logistics decision, and air cargo plays a critical role in making that happen. As one of the world’s largest economies, the United States hosts some of the largest cargo airports, which together form the backbone of the national and international supply chain.
Moreover, these major U.S. cargo hubs handle millions of tons of air freight every year, while supporting global logistics leaders such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Amazon Air. In this guide, I walk through the top 10 largest cargo airports in the United States, ranking them by cargo volume, infrastructure strength, and strategic importance in global air cargo logistics.
1. Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Annual cargo volume: Over 4.8 million metric tons
Memphis International Airport consistently ranks as the largest cargo airport in the United States and one of the busiest air freight hubs worldwide. Most importantly, MEM serves as the global FedEx SuperHub, which drives its unmatched cargo volume.
Additionally, FedEx operates a massive on-site sorting facility that handles more than 2 million packages per day and supports over 180 aircraft movements nightly. Because of its central U.S. location, MEM enables coast-to-coast overnight delivery with exceptional efficiency. Furthermore, its 24/7 operations and minimal weather disruptions allow cargo to move continuously without interruption.
2. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
Annual cargo volume: Around 3.6 million metric tons
Although Anchorage appears remote, it plays a strategic role in global air cargo logistics. In fact, nearly 80% of air cargo between North America and Asia transits through ANC.
Thanks to its polar geography, ANC sits within 9.5 flight hours of 90% of the industrialized world. As a result, carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and Atlas Air rely on Anchorage for efficient refueling, crew changes, and cargo transfers. Moreover, its infrastructure supports large freighters like the Boeing 747 and Antonov An-124, reinforcing its global importance.
3. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Annual cargo volume: Over 3 million metric tons
Louisville stands out as a major air cargo hub because it hosts the UPS Worldport, one of the largest automated package handling facilities in the world. Notably, the Worldport processes more than 400,000 packages per hour during peak operations.
In addition, SDF’s central location places it within a two-hour flight of 75% of the U.S. population, which strengthens its role in domestic air freight distribution. Consequently, the airport continues investing in automation, sustainability, and infrastructure upgrades to support the rapid growth of e-commerce logistics.
4. Miami International Airport (MIA)
Annual cargo volume: About 2.4 million metric tons
Miami International Airport serves as the primary U.S. air cargo gateway to Latin America. As a result, over 80% of U.S.–Latin America air trade flows through MIA.
Furthermore, MIA specializes in perishable and temperature-sensitive cargo, including flowers, seafood, fruits, and pharmaceuticals. Its advanced cold-chain infrastructure and efficient customs operations ensure fast cargo turnover. Consequently, MIA remains a critical hub for international air freight moving between the Americas.
5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Annual cargo volume: Around 2.3 million metric tons
As the largest cargo airport on the U.S. West Coast, LAX functions as a key gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, it plays a vital role in trade with China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
Additionally, LAX supports more than 2 million square feet of cargo facilities and hosts major operators such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Amazon Air. Meanwhile, ongoing investments in automation and sustainability continue to improve cargo handling efficiency and reduce congestion.
6. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Annual cargo volume: Over 2 million metric tons
Chicago O’Hare International Airport anchors the Midwest’s air cargo network. Because of its central location and strong rail and highway connectivity, ORD supports both domestic and international freight flows.
Moreover, ORD operates over 2.5 million square feet of cargo facilities and serves carriers such as FedEx, UPS, United Cargo, and Nippon Cargo Airlines. Through continued expansion projects, ORD strengthens its capacity to meet rising demand from e-commerce and pharmaceutical shipments.
7. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Annual cargo volume: Around 1.6 million metric tons
CVG has quickly emerged as one of the fastest-growing cargo airports in the United States. Most notably, it hosts Amazon Air’s primary hub alongside DHL Express’s North American superhub.
As a result, CVG supports high-speed e-commerce fulfillment across the Midwest and Eastern U.S. Furthermore, sustained infrastructure investment positions CVG as a leader in digital logistics and air freight innovation.
8. Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Annual cargo volume: Over 1.3 million metric tons
Indianapolis International Airport houses the second-largest FedEx hub worldwide, making it a crucial node in U.S. air cargo operations. In addition, its efficient airport layout and strong highway access enable rapid ground distribution.
Moreover, IND continues to adopt advanced technologies such as AI and robotics, which further enhance logistics speed and reliability for time-sensitive shipments.
9. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Annual cargo volume: About 1.1 million metric tons
DFW plays a vital role in connecting North America, Europe, and Asia through air freight. Because of its scale and strategic location, it supports high-value cargo such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
Additionally, DFW operates within Foreign Trade Zone #39, offering cost-saving advantages for importers and exporters. With continued expansion, DFW strengthens its position among the top cargo airports in the U.S.
10. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Annual cargo volume: Around 1 million metric tons
Finally, JFK serves as the primary international air cargo gateway for the Northeastern United States. It handles high-value, time-sensitive shipments, including jewelry, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishables.
Furthermore, JFK offers over 4 million square feet of dedicated cargo facilities and advanced cold-chain and secure handling services. Ongoing redevelopment projects aim to transform JFK into a next-generation cargo airport.
Conclusion
Together, the largest cargo airports in the United States form the foundation of the nation’s air freight ecosystem. From Memphis’s FedEx SuperHub to Anchorage’s strategic global crossroads, each airport plays a distinct and indispensable role.
As global trade accelerates and delivery expectations rise, these top U.S. cargo airports continue to invest, innovate, and adapt. Ultimately, their growth ensures that the United States remains a global leader in air cargo logistics for years to come.
