What Are Special Cargo in Air Freight? A Complete Guide to Shipping Restricted Items
Publish Time: 2025-05-06 Origin: Site
Special Cargo in Air Freight: Definition & Categories
Special cargo refers to items that cannot be transported via standard air procedures due to their:
Nature (e.g., explosives, live animals)
Value (e.g., gold, pharmaceuticals)
Size/Weight (e.g., aircraft parts, machinery)
Regulatory Status (e.g., human remains, lab cultures)
6 Major Types of Air Special Cargo
1. Dangerous Goods (IATA Class 1-9)
Examples: Lithium batteries, chemicals, aerosols
Key Rule: Requires Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD)
Handling: Separate storage; pilot notification
2. Perishables
Examples: Flowers, seafood, vaccines
Temp Control: Active (refrigerated) vs. passive (insulated)
Document: Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR) certificate
3. Live Animals
Regulation: IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
Container Rules: Ventilation, anti-escape features
Banned Breeds: Some airlines restrict snub-nosed dogs
4. Valuables
Examples: Art, cash, jewelry (>$100/kg)
Security: Tamper-proof seals, armed guards for high-risk
Insurance: Typically 3% of declared value
5. Heavy/Oversized
Weight Limits:
Single piece: ≤3,000办驳 (B747 freighter)
Dimensions: <5m x 5m x 3m for most cargo doors
Fee: 150-300% standard rate
6. Human Remains
Packaging: Triple-layer (plastic + wood + cloth)
Docs: Death certificate, non-contagion proof
Critical Compliance Checklist
? Pre-notification: 72h advance notice for DG/perishables
? Special Labels:
Class 9 lithium battery
Temperature-sensitive
? Banned Items:Dry ice >200kg/flight
Magnetized materials (unless shielded)
Why Proper Handling Matters
Safety Risk: 1 DG incident can ground entire airport
Cost Impact: Perishable spoilage = $12B/year losses
Legal Penalties: Up to $50,000 for undeclared DG
"Special cargo isn’t just ‘difficult’—it’s a precision operation requiring trained staff and certified equipment."
— IATA Cargo Training Specialist
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