Air Freight

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.

General cargo are items that do not fall into the Special Cargo categories and that do not require any extra precautions or special handling during air transport. These types of items are retail and most consumer goods (with the exception of mobile phones, tablets and laptops), dry goods, hardware, textiles, and more. Think of your average, everyday objects; most of those would fall into the general cargo Category.

Special cargo is where things get a little more complicated. Special cargo are goods that, due to their nature, weight, dimensions and/or value, may have specific requirements including packaging, labelling, documentation and handling through the transport chain. The transport of these goods are addressed through specific regulations that must be followed when preparing, offering, accepting and handling this cargo. Items include dangerous goods, live animals, perishable cargo, wet cargo, time and temperature sensitive products among others. To ensure that there are globally harmonized standards that ensures the safe and facilitates of these products, IATA has three Boards: the Dangerous Goods Board (DGB), Time and Temperature Working Group (TTWG), and the Live Animals and Perishables Board (LAPB), which manage the standards and guidance related to the transport of these products .To learn more about this special cargo, let's break it down.

For Shipping Dangerous goods, its regulated by IATA , IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) manual is the global reference for shipping dangerous goods by air and the only standard recognized by airlines. It provides everything needed to classify, prepare, accept and handle dangerous goods shipments in compliance with international air transport regulations. IATA has been publishing the DGR for over 60 years. The DGR is published annually to ensure that the industry has the most up-to-date information regarding the shipping of dangerous goods. IATA works closely with governments, other industry associations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in the development of these regulations. This way, IATA ensures that the regulations for the transport of dangerous goods by air are effective, efficient and internationally accepted to facilitate their transport while putting the safety of all those on board first.

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
• 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

Few 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, ensure that no matter what temperature-controlled goods you ship, they will be delivered safely and securely.

Documentation and labelling for temperature controlled goods For 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. Proper destination Airport name 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

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, to know more about it , please get in touch with Prologis Freight India Pvt Ltd.

Marking and labelling 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.

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 stackin

IATA has set Application and regulations of shipping live animals:-

Marking and labelling for shipping live animals
For 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.
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.
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 colouring that the IATA regulations specify; however, the labels can be imprinted on the containers themselves.
Handling procedures for shipping live animals For 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.

Cargo Handling Company must ensure the guidelines are met.

• The details of the documentation.
• The design of the container.
• Marking and labeling.
• Routing and reservation information.

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.

These guidelines must be met within each import and export country regulations.