6 Best Practices for Packaging Air Freight

Air safety officers (government officials) can enter the warehouse at any time and inspect shipments ready for air transport. During the inspection, all aspects of safety will be taken into account. Tamper-proof packaging is therefore a mandatory requirement for air cargo. There are well-known restrictions on the types and sizes of cargo shipped by air.

The maximum cargo dimensions for ordinary air transport are 2.44 x 3.15 m, but if you follow the packaging guidelines for special equipment, you are allowed to ship material that exceeds these dimensions. To properly package products for air transport, you must have a solid knowledge of the product and distribution ecosystem. You must also understand the packaging materials and have the patience necessary to ship your products correctly. Understanding and following these tips will help you ensure that your products remain free from damage during transport.

The IATA Perishable Cargo (PCR) regulations are published annually under the authority of the IATA Cargo Services Conference and are updated by the LAPB (Live Animals and Perishable Products Board) together with the TTWG (Working Group on Time and Temperature). To help you get the most out of everything air travel has to offer, we've compiled a list of best practices for preparing your shipments. To ensure the safety of your cargo, you must carefully evaluate everything, including the box you select for air transport. With fast shipping times, less handling and very predictable arrival times, air transport can offer your company a powerful alternative to shipping. You'll be happy to know that you have a reliable freight forwarding partner who will help you if you don't know how to package your air cargo or if the procedure seems too difficult for you.

After all, although air transport subjects its shipments to less handling than maritime transport, it is possible that there will be some effects along the way. The pallets used for air transport are wooden or plastic containers that facilitate the handling, transfer and consolidation of cargo before shipment. All of this can be minimized with proper packaging and preparation before the goods are shipped by air. While airlines have greatly reduced their capacity and air freight rates have skyrocketed, that doesn't mean you should forget to pack properly. An additional advantage that air transport offers over shipping is the opportunity to access landlocked areas that are far from ports. Cargo can be shipped in a unit load device (ULD), as a palletized shipment or as loose cargo when shipped by air transport.

Ideally, all members of the air transport supply chain should use the electronic version of the air waybill (eAWB).You can reduce the chance of your items being damaged during transport by carefully packing your air cargo package. Always check that the corresponding commercial invoice, including the items and their value, is included when shipping air cargo overseas. These rules apply to both the shipper and the carrier, as both influence the shipping and handling of the air transport of perishable goods. Packaging is essential when transporting goods by air to ensure that your items are transported safely and undamaged.

6 Best Practices for Packaging Air Freight

  • Understand product and distribution ecosystem
  • Choose appropriate packaging materials
  • Select appropriate box size
  • Include commercial invoice
  • Use pallets or ULDs
  • Use electronic version of air waybill
Plus, if you follow these six best practices, you'll be perfectly positioned to get the maximum benefits that air travel offers.

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