When looking at the various types of cargo transported by air, they fall into two main groups: General Cargo and Special Cargo. Special Cargo is then divided up into smaller specialized sub-groups. It is these specialized sub-groups we will take a much closer look at further on.
What types of cargo are transported by air?
General cargo – Items that do not belong to the special cargo categories and that do not require additional precautions or special handling during air transport. These types of items include retail and most consumer goods (excluding cell phones, tablets, and laptops), haberdashery, hardware, textiles, and more. Think about your average everyday items; most would fall into the general cargo area.
What is special cargo?
Special shipment is wherein matters get a bit extra complicated. Special shipment are items that, because of their nature, weight, dimensions and/or value, might also additionally have precise necessities consisting of packaging, labelling, documentation and managing thru the shipping chain. The shipping of those items are addressed thru precise policies that should be accompanied whilst preparing, offering, accepting and managing this shipment. Items consist of risky items, stay animals, perishable shipment, moist shipment, time and temperature touchy merchandise amongst others. To make certain that there are globally harmonized requirements that guarantees the secure and allows of those merchandise, IATA has 3 Boards: the Dangerous Goods Board (DGB), Time and Temperature Working Group (TTWG), and the Live Animals and Perishables Board (LAPB), which control the requirements and steerage associated with the shipping of those merchandise.To examine extra approximately this unique shipment.
What to know about shipping dangerous goods? – The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Handbook is the global reference for shipping dangerous goods by air and the only standard recognized by airlines. Provides everything you need to classify, prepare, receive and process dangerous goods shipments according to international transport regulations. IATA has been publishing the DGR for more than 60 years. The DGR is published annually to ensure the industry has the most up-to-date information on shipping Dangerous Goods.
IATA works closely with governments, other industry associations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop these regulations. With this, IATA guarantees that the regulations for the transport of dangerous goods by air are effective, efficient and international. accepted in order to facilitate transport, putting the safety of everyone on board first.
Limitations for shipping dangerous goods –
Although some dangerous goods are too dangerous for air transport, many can only be transported on cargo aircraft and others on both cargo and passenger aircraft, unless approved in great detail by the Civil Aviation Authority. . No matter what type of aircraft is used to transport dangerous goods, there are always specific requirements that must be met. Considering the restrictions on the shipment of dangerous goods, it is never acceptable to ship any substance which is likely to “explode, react dangerously, produce a flame or dangerous generation of heat, or give off dangerous emissions of toxic, corrosive or corrosive gases or vapors “Flammable below normal Conditions of transport, should under no circumstances be transported on airplanes,” according to IATA DGR. There are many other materials that can only be transported under very specific circumstances. They are considered “Prohibited Dangerous Goods Unless Exempted”.
Everyday items may not seem dangerous but should be checked for hazardous components such as battery operated devices, respirators and dental equipment. It is therefore important that passengers check in, cargo reservations, all sales staff and passenger reservations are given the appropriate information so that they are well informed and trained in what dangerous goods are.
Classification of dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are grouped into nine classes:
- Class 1-Explosives
- Class 2-Gasses
- Class 3-Flammable Liquids
- Class 4-Flammable Solids; Substance Liable to Spontaneous Combustion; Substances which, in Contact with Water, Emit Flammable Gases
- Class 5-Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
- Class 6-Toxic and Infectious Substances
- Class 7-Radioactive Material
- Class 8-Corrosives
- Class 9-Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles, Including Environmentally Hazardous Substances
Several classes are separated into sub-divisions due to the wide scope of the hazards within the class
Identification of dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are assigned UN numbers and proper shipping names according to their hazard classification and composition. Dangerous goods labeling is essential for proper packaging and packaging, documentation, acceptance and handling. IATA DGR lists approximately 3,000 substances and articles commonly shipped by air.
Other dangerous goods publications
Given that there is some segmentation in the shipping industry, with a large number of carriers only shipping lithium batteries or devices powered by lithium batteries, and the biomedical industry only shipping infectious substances, IATA has developed separate manuals to handle these products to treat.
What to know about shipping temperature controlled goods?
Some commodities, such as pharmaceuticals, blood supplies, organs, or other life sciences products require specific controls on the temperature to which they are exposed during transport. Meeting the provisions of the IATA Temperature Control Regulations Manual (TCR) ensure that no matter what temperature-controlled goods you ship, they will be delivered safely and securely.
Documentation and labeling for temperature controlled goods
When shipping temperature-controlled goods it is crucial that all documentation is filled out completely and legibly. Using the shipper’s and consignee’s full information and phone numbers is suggested. Using IATA’s 3 letter handling codes is always a recommended practice.
If the shipment is accompanied by any certificates or health documentation, then those should be documented in the “Handling Information” box of the Air Waybill. You should fill out the “Nature and Quantity of Goods” portion of the Air Waybill and make note if dry ice is being used as a refrigerant as it is considered a dangerous good.
Acceptance and control of temperature controlled goods
Before a carrier can accept time and temperature controlled goods from a shipper there are many details regarding the shipment that must be laid out in advance. Some of these details include:
- Contents of the time and temperature goods
- Type of packaging
- Flight schedule and routing
- Aircraft type
- Environmental conditions
- Availability of temperature control during all phases
- The anticipated span of the journey
- 24hr emergency contact number
- Country specific regulations
What to know about shipping perishable goods? –With fresh fruits and vegetables becoming more and more popular year-round, transportation of perishable goods is in high demand. Shorter travel time and controlled temperature make transporting perishable goods by air the preferred means of shipping.
Application and regulations for shipping perishable goods – When shipping perishable goods by air, specific steps and regulations apply to the process of shipping by air. Is the cargo acceptable? Is it marked and labeled? Does it meet the prescribed conditions, etc.? There are also shipper and carrier responsibilities that must be met. Regulations for each step of the process must be in compliance. You can learn more about these responsibilities in sections 1.2 and 1.3 of the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations Manual (PCR).
Marking and labeling for shipping perishable goods– There are numerous documents needed for shipping perishable goods. The process begins with ensuring that the Air Waybill is filled out completely and accurately and without unreasonable requests for handling the perishables.
The cargo manifest should be labeled with the proper IATA handling codes. These codes are for internal use but ensure your perishable goods are handled properly. Cargo handling codes can be found in Appendix D of the IATA PCR.
Other documentation may be required, such as some countries may need the permit numbers included on the cargo manifest.
Shippers should always mark what is contained in the packaging and whether dry ice is used because it is classified as a dangerous goods. Then the packaging should be correctly labeled with the standard IATA label as such: “perishable,” “this way up,” or “wet cargo.”
Packaging for shipping perishable goods
There are a wide array of perishable goods, and they are each subject to deterioration, some faster than others. Appropriate packaging and handling are crucial to the perishable goods being delivered in good condition.
The packaging must facilitate both the integrity of the goods as well as the handling and storage of the goods.
The packaging must meet food safety regulations and meet food-grade standards while still being durable enough to withstand temperature changes and stacking. A lot goes into creating proper packaging for perishable goods. You can find more information about the specific structures in Chapter 5 of the IATA PCR.
What to know about shipping live animals?
The worldwide standard for transporting live animals by air is set by the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). These regulations are put in place to ensure the safety of the animals and of transport workers and passengers.
Application and regulations of shipping live animals
Forty-five countries or regions have formally adopted IATA’s LAR into their national regulations. Each year the list is updated within the current IATA LAR to include the most current information about which countries apply and enforce the regulations.
Within these shipping live animals regulations it states that, with the exception of service dogs, all live animals must be placed in a container specified in the regulations. The IATA LAR meets the strictest regulations so when you follow the regulations you will be in full compliance.
Marking and labeling for shipping live animals
When dealing with the shipping of live animals, proper marking and labeling is crucial and is always required. Labels should be printed and adhered to the outside of the animal container. English must always be used in addition to the original language used by the shipper.
Each container should be marked clearly and legibly with the full name, address, current contact number of the shipper, consignee, and a 24-hour contact if they are not one of the previously mentioned people. It should also list the animal’s common and scientific names and list the number of animals within the container. For some common animals, the scientific name is unnecessary, and you should see Chapter 6 of the IATA LAR for more information.
Other information that should be included is whether an animal is poisonous or if it bites. Any feeding or care instructions should be visibly posted as well.
IATA compliant labels must be adhered to each container depending on what is being shipped, such as: “live animals,” “this way up,” and “laboratory animals”. Each label has precise measurements and coloring that the IATA regulations specify; however, the labels can be imprinted on the containers themselves.
Animal behavior and shipping live animals
It is very important to understand a particular animal’s basic behavior under stress because it will affect how they react during shipping. Their reactions can cause problems or even harm to the animal or handler. There are guidelines for handling animals in heat, nursing, and young traveling with other young. It is crucial for the animals and the handlers that these guidelines be followed for the safety and well-being of all.
The animals should be disturbed as little as possible, with few people handling them and then only when properly trained.
Handling procedures for shipping live animals
When shipping live animals, the shippers are responsible for ensuring all animals are healthy and in good condition. The carriers have a responsibility to make sure that the shippers have complied with all of the regulations.
When ensuring the guidelines are met, they must check:
- The details of the documentation.
- The design of the container.
- Marking and labeling.
- Routing and reservation information.
A step-by-step acceptance checklist must be filled out to comply with the IATA LAR. The staff members going through these processes must be thoroughly trained and comply with IATA rules and regulations, so it is crucial to stay informed of the changes enacted from year to year.
Animals should only be loaded into approved carrier compartments and never into an aircraft unit load device (ULD). Animal containers should always be loaded in an upright position and with as little disturbance as possible. They should be loaded as close to departure as possible.
Personnel should take precautions to ensure no other cargo could fall onto the live animal containers while being transported. Live animals should not be stored next to certain dangerous goods or food items unless hermetically sealed. When it comes to being uncertain what items can be loaded with a live animal, carriers should have handlers and loading personnel refer to the Incompatibility Chart in Chapter 10 of the IATA LAR.
Upon unloading live animals, the cargo area must be adequately cleaned and disinfected by personnel wearing appropriate gloves and boots. There are precise guidelines given regarding the disinfectant, which after being used, is followed with an approved deodorant, making sure to clean all removable equipment, penning and containers, and loading ramps. These guidelines must be met within each import and export country.
What rules and regulations apply to air cargo?
If you are wondering what rules and regulations apply to air cargo, there is a lot that has gone into the creation of them. Each type of cargo has its own set of rules and regulations. These have been created from a variety of entities from ICAO, to different government agencies to various airlines themselves, which is why IATA has created the manuals to break them down in an easy-to-understand, simplified manner.
