Shanghai-based freight-forwarding and logistics company Rich Sale International has launched e-commerce cargo flights from Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA) in China to Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD).
Atlas Air will operate eight charter flights on the route during August, before a twice-weekly scheduled service begins in September.
The new operation strengthens RFD’s growing links with Asian cargo markets and its efforts to establish the airport as a US gateway for cross-border e-commerce.
Zack Oakley, executive director at RFD, said: “China to North America is one of the largest lanes in air cargo, and e-commerce is its backbone right now.
“We are creating the premier operation for bringing e-commerce into the United States, continually developing our solutions and supporting them with a growing number of flights from China and Southeast Asia.
“Rockford’s capabilities are particularly well-suited to e-commerce, providing an efficient, reliable, and flexible operation without the congestion or restrictions found at many larger passenger hubs, with aircraft moving from wheels down to engines off in as little as five minutes.”
Rich Sale said RFD’s cargo-focused operation was a key factor in its decision to use the airport as an entry point into the US market.
Jacky Wu, president of Rich Sale, said: “E-commerce requires fast and adaptable cargo operations, which cannot always be found at passenger hubs where cargo often plays second fiddle.
“When we assessed the best entry point for e-commerce cargo into the United States, Rockford stood out for offering the dedicated, cargo-focused operation we need to serve our customers effectively.”
Ten lowboy trailers supported the unloading and onward transportation of cargo to destinations across the Midwest, helping to eliminate waiting times for drivers.
The Rich Sale operation follows the launch of a new weekly DSV freighter service between Incheon International Airport and RFD in July 2026, further expanding the airport’s Asian cargo connectivity.
10 August 2026
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