Smart Packaging

Shipping goods by airfreight is a complicated process with a lot of maneuvers for the cargo: offloading at handling terminal, screening the cargo through X-Ray machines, loading on trolley or aircraft pallet/container, delivery to the ramp, ramp handling (loading on board the aircraft), loading and offloading at transit airports, etc.

To make sure that all goes smoothly with the minimum risk of damage or rejection from the flight, there are curtain rules on how to pack your cargo safely. Proper packaging includes type and quality of the package, correct dimensions and weight of each piece acceptable by type of aircraft and handling facilities on all routes, checking of commodity for hidden dangerous goods, or any cargo required special handling, labelling of the cargo, or ensuring special marking (like fumigation marks for wooden packages).

Tips for Air Freight Packaging

Check restrictions or limitations on cargo dimensions and weight

There are three common types of aircrafts:

narrow body – operating on short distances (Airbus A319/320/321, Boeing 737, ATR 72 etc.)
widebody aircrafts operating normally overseas and on long distances (Boeing 777, Airbus A330, A380 etc.)
freighters (Boeing 777-200F, Boeing 747-400F), and additionally, RFS (Road Feeder Service – truck service between two airports has own flight number)

The general rule for all packages for airfreight is to pack cargo as small as possible to make sure it can be accepted by most aircraft types and will be accepted by most airports. As a result, cargo can be sent by the maximum possible delivery ways, and we can offer you more flexible rates and transit time.

For example, you have 40 boxes you plan to load on a EUR pallet with the height of 200 cm. This height is not acceptable for any passenger aircraft, and it can be sent only by freighter or RFS; that can result in higher rates and severely limit transit possibilities. A better option is to make two pallets with a maximum height up to 110 cm that suits for Airbus 319/320/320 aircrafts – the most usable aircraft type on short distances. Normally this aircraft uses AKH type of containers.

You can ask us for possible routing and aircraft types used before packing starts so our professional staff can advise you regarding your best packing options.

Stack-ability
It is very important to know if cargo is non-stackable before dispatching as it can cause of damages or higher rates due to chargeable weight. If it is possible, pack cargo in strong, rigid packaging that can withstand other cargo loading on top. Otherwise, please always inform that cargo is non-stackable before requesting rates.

Straps.
Please use straps for fixing the cargo to the pallet to avoid any movement of the cargo on pallets. Some airlines do not accept cargo without strapping and doing it before the flight at the handling terminal can be quite costly.

Security check of cargo.
All cargo going by air must be secured. Normally most cargo goes via X-ray machines, but sometimes cargo is oversized for the x-ray, or to too dense to be screened. Also during the screening, ”dark alarms“ can occur which means the explosive sensor triggered on some substance in the package. In this case, a manual search, including opening of the package can be performed – therefore, the use of standard packaging that can be opened easily is suggested. The same procedure will be used in case the handling agent suspects that some hazardous cargo is contained in the package.
Please always check with our staff if you are not sure if your cargo is Hazardous Material or not. Cargo like batteries, paint, machinery parts containing fuel, adhesives, sealants, or compressed gases should be handled and packed as Dangerous Goods. We can offer you packing of Haz Mat and Dangerous Goods, as well as the necessary declarations.

Marking.
Please use clear marking with the shipper’s and consignee’s details to easily identify the owner of the cargo even if the airfreight label accidentally peels off the package.

Smart Packaging

Tips for Air Freight Packaging

Below are some more tips for Air Freight Packaging: