AIR CARG O WEEK


SPECIAL CARGO


SUPPLEMENT


BOG-STANDARD BOXES SOAR WHILE FANCY FREIGHT


DEMANDS KID- GLOVE SKY SERVICE


O


rdinary airfreight is the standard transportation of goods by aircraft, offering reliable, relatively fast and cost-effective shipping without special handling,


temperature control or


priority services - ideal for general cargo needs. In air cargo, special cargo is the opposite. These are shipments


that require special handling, equipment, documentation, or care because of their unique nature. Unlike standard freight, these items can pose risks, be highly valuable, or have strict transportation requirements. A breakdown of the main categories of special cargo sees some


eight likely cargo types. The first is Dangerous Goods (DG). These may endanger safety in flight if not properly handled and can be explosives, flammable


liquids/solids, gases, toxic and infectious substances,


radioactive materials, corrosives, etc. They are transported under strict IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The second range are perishables. These are goods that deteriorate


over time or under unsuitable conditions. These can include fresh food, flowers, seafood, pharmaceuticals, biological samples, dated media, test medications and can require temperature-controlled storage, refrigeration or fast delivery. Live animals, from chicks to elephants, are transported under the


IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). These can be live creatures that are pets, livestock or zoo animals. They require proper containers, ventilation, feeding and stress minimisation.


Human remains It is a popular myth that every commercial flight has a coffin in the hold, that’s a myth. Airlines do sometimes transport human remains (in caskets or special containers) in the cargo hold, but it’s not on every flight. The number of such shipments depends on the route, demand, and circumstances. For example: Long-haul international flights are more likely to carry remains than short regional ones, since families often want their loved ones returned to their home country. Airlines


have procedures and specialised staff to handle this


Safe temp control The seventh category is temperature-controlled / pharmaceuticals. These


are medicines, vaccines and clinical trial materials. Not


surprisingly, they require GDP (Good Distribution Practice) compliance. They are often shipped with dry ice, active/passive containers or specialised ULDs (Unit Load Devices). Outsize and heavy cargo are items too large or heavy for standard


aircraft holds. They include machinery, vehicles, aircraft parts and oil drilling equipment. These may need freighters with nose-loading or side- loading capabilities. In summary, special cargo in airfreight is anything requiring extra care,


handling or regulation beyond normal goods. Airlines usually have dedicated teams, procedures and facilities for these out of the ordinary shipments.


respectfully and discreetly. The remains are kept separate from regular luggage in secure compartments. So while it happens regularly, it’s not true that every commercial flight has a body in the hold - sometimes there are none at all. The fifth category is valuable cargo (VAL). These are high-value items


needing security measures. These can include precious metals, jewellery, cash, works of art and sensitive documents. As a result, carriers use vaults, security escorts and restricted access. A related category is vulnerable cargo, goods prone to theft or damage


but not classified as “valuable.” Examples can be electronics, mobile phones, branded fashion items. Attractive to thieves but not to spoilage.


The ACW Supplement Team


Supplement Editor: ACW Editor:


News Reporter: Regional Representative (APAC):


James Graham Edward Hardy


Anastasiya Simsek Ajinkya Gurav


Regional Representative (North America): Oscar Sardinas Associate Editor:


Director of Operations: International Media Sales Director:


Chris Lewis Kim Smith


Rosa Bellanca


Senior Publishing And Events Manager: Chris Richman International Sales Executive: Finance Manager:


Design & Production Manager: Production Supervisor: Website Consultant: Managing Director:


Zainab Khalid Rachel Burns Alex Brown Kevin Dennis


Tim Brocklehurst Steven Polmans


The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Whilst every care is taken, the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for any errors in articles or advertisements. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by electronic, mechanical, photographic or other means without the prior consent of the publishers. USA: The publishers shall not be liable for losses, claims, damages or expenses arising out of or attributed to the contents of Air Cargo Week, insofar as they are based on information, presentations, reports or data that have been publicly disseminated, furnished or otherwise communicated to Air Cargo Week.


AZURA INTERNATIONAL


In our next supplement, we look at e-commerce.


See you next month!


James James GRAHAM, ACW Supplement Editor


If you wish to be involved, please contact the editor, James Graham at james.graham@azurainternational.com.


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