Air cargo moves nearly $6 trillion in commodities yearly, accounting for around 35% of global trade in terms of value; during the COVID-19 epidemic, air cargo accounted for one-third of airline income.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed data for global air cargo markets for October 2021, revealing that demand is not only rebounding from the COVID-19 issue but is also increasing, with demand up 9.4% over October 2019. However, the lack of cargo space caused by the grounding of the bulk of passenger aircraft continues to be an issue. Nearly half of all flying freight is transported in the holds of passenger planes during normal hours.
The value of the commodities and the speed with which the air cargo must be carried are the two key variables that determine whether or not particular products should be transported by air. Air cargo is generally used to transport urgent items such as radiopharmaceuticals for medical diagnosis or treatment, as well as high-value goods such as technology products and high-value commodities. Fresh fish, exotic fruits, and cut flowers are all good candidates for air cargo transportation. Because of the increased demand for pharmaceutical and healthcare items, new standards for the proper handling of time and temperature-sensitive shipments have been implemented.
Although people and cargo are frequently transported on the same plane, an airline must manage two independent companies, each with its own set of criteria and obstacles. Let’s look at the freight industry in more detail.
The different types of air cargo transported are divided into two categories: general cargo and special cargo. The Special Cargo is then subdivided into smaller, more specialised groupings. We’ll look at these specialised sub-groups in further detail later on.
What does general air cargo entail?
Items that do not fall within the Special air Cargo categories and do not require any special precautions or handling during air shipment are classified as general air cargo. Retail and most consumer products (with the exception of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops), dry goods, hardware, textiles, and other commodities fall under this category. Consider your typical household items; most of them would fall within the general cargo area.
What exactly is “special cargo”?
Things get a little more tricky when it comes to special air cargo. Special air cargo is items that, due to their nature, weight, size, and/or value, may have unique packing, labeling, paperwork, and transportation chain management requirements. Specific air cargo regulations must be followed when preparing, offering, accepting, and managing this cargo in order for it to be transported.
Dangerous items,
live animals,
perishable cargo,
damp cargo, and
Time- and temperature-sensitive products
IATA has three boards that manage the standards and guidance related to the transport of these products, including :
Dangerous Goods Board (DGB)
Time and Temperature Working Group (TTWG)
Live Animals and Perishables Board (LAPB).
These boards ensure that there are globally harmonised standards that ensure the safe and convenient transport of these products. Let’s dissect this unique cargo to understand more about it.
What should you know about transporting dangerous air cargo?
The IATA Dangerous Products Regulations (DGR) document is the only standard recognised by airlines for transporting dangerous goods by air. It has everything you need to properly categorise, prepare, accept, and handle dangerous commodities shipments in accordance with international air transportation standards. The DGR has been published by IATA for over 60 years. The DGR is released once a year to guarantee that the industry gets the most up-to-date information on dangerous goods shipment. In the formulation of these regulations, IATA collaborates closely with governments, other industry groups, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As a result, IATA ensures that the regulations for the transport of dangerous commodities by air are effective, efficient, and universally recognised, facilitating their transportation while prioritising the safety of all passengers.
Are you transporting temperature-controlled air cargo?
Pharmaceuticals, blood supplies, organs, and other life sciences products, for example, require temperature control during transport. The IATA Temperature Control Regulations Manual (TCR) ensures that your temperature-controlled goods are delivered safely and securely, regardless of what you ship.
Temperature-controlled air cargo documentation and labeling.
It is critical to fill out all documentation completely and legibly when shipping temperature-controlled goods. It is recommended that you use the shipper’s and consignee’s complete contact information and phone numbers. Using IATA’s three-letter handling codes is always a good idea.
Any certificates or health documentation that comes with the shipment should be documented in the Air Waybill’s “Handling Information” box. Because dry ice is considered a dangerous good, you should fill out the “Nature and Quantity of Goods” section of the Air Waybill and make a note if it is being used as a refrigerant.
What do you need to know about shipping perishables air cargo?
Perishable goods transportation is in high demand as fresh fruits and vegetables become more popular all year. Perishable goods are best shipped by air because of the shorter travel time and controlled temperature.
Perishable air cargo shipping application and regulations.
When shipping perishable goods by air, there are specific steps and regulations that must be followed. Is the cargo satisfactory? Is it labelled and marked? Does it meet the requirements, for example? There are also responsibilities for the shipper and the carrier. Regulations must be followed at every stage of the process. In sections 1.2 and 1.3 of the IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations Manual, you can learn more about these responsibilities (PCR).
What should you know about transporting live animals?
The IATA Live Animals Regulations are the international standard for transporting live animals by flight (LAR). These rules are in place to protect the animals, as well as the transport employees and passengers.
Shipping live animals: application and regulations.
The LAR has been legally accepted by 45 nations or areas into their national regulations. The list is updated every year under the current IATA LAR to include the most up-to-date information on which nations apply and enforce the restrictions.
With the exception of service dogs, all live animals must be placed in a container stipulated in the regulations when exporting live animals. The IATA LAR complies with the most stringent rules, ensuring that you are in full compliance.