In 1970, at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, the value of international air cargo in and out is estimated at 5·9 thousand million dollars. That is about $16M on the average day. As in recent years, this will make JFK the number one customs port (sea or air) in the USA in terms of value of international cargo handled.

In 1969 at JFK some 409 000 short tons of international air cargo moved in and out, an average of 1263 tons or 2·5 million pounds per day. Using very rough conversion factors, this would fit into something like 500 containers 8 ft. by 8 ft. by 10 ft. This, of course, it not a real life illustration. Cargo comes in an infinite variety of shapes, sizes and weights—from massive machinery to fragile ladies’ garments on racks, from perishables to valuables.