Form 3 Filing for Karl Khambatta

This filing is a Form 3, which reports initial beneficial ownership of securities. Karl Khambatta, Chief Transformation Officer at FORWARD AIR CORP (FWRD), is reporting ownership of 6,378 shares of common stock. The filing also includes a Power of Attorney document, appointing Michael L. Hance, Oliver Duke, and Kristine Price as attorneys-in-fact to handle SEC filings and EDGAR account administration on behalf of Mr. Khambatta. This power of attorney revokes previous ones and remains in effect until Mr. Khambatta is no longer required to file Forms 3, 4, and 5, or until earlier revoked. The filing was signed on June 19, 2026.