For businesses struggling with congestion and high costs at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), there's a compelling alternative: Chicago/Rockford International Airport (RFD). Located in Illinois, RFD serves as a strategic backup air cargo hub, offering distinct advantages when ORD faces delays.
Why Choose RFD for Air Cargo?
RFD provides critical benefits for time-sensitive shipments:
- Customs clearance efficiency: As a designated customs airport, RFD handles import/export processing directly, reducing bureaucratic delays
- Reduced congestion: With fewer flight operations than ORD, RFD maintains faster turnaround times and lower risk of cargo backlogs
- Operational flexibility: The airport accommodates diverse cargo types with customized handling solutions
RFD Airport Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | RFD |
| Full Name | Chicago/Rockford International Airport |
| Location | Illinois, USA |
| Time Zone | UTC-06:00 |
| Airport Type | Customs Airport |
Essential Air Cargo Tools
Effective air freight operations require accurate airport code information. Comprehensive three-letter code (IATA) databases provide vital operational support:
- Global coverage: Modern systems contain data for over 40,000 cities and airports worldwide
- Detailed facility information including handling requirements, storage fees, and documentation specifications
- Intelligent search functionality supporting partial name matches and phonetic queries
Understanding Airport Codes
In air cargo logistics, distinguishing between city codes and airport codes is essential. While a city code represents all airports in a metropolitan area, each individual airport maintains its unique three-letter designation. This distinction becomes particularly important in multi-airport cities like Chicago.
For air freight professionals, having access to reliable code databases and tracking tools proves invaluable for maintaining efficient operations. These resources enable real-time shipment monitoring and provide direct links to carrier information across all transportation modes.