Air transport services use a variety of packaging materials to ensure the safe delivery of cargo. The most common types of packaging include cardboard boxes, wooden boxes, steel drums, and containers. However, there are restrictions on the size and shape of cargo that can be shipped by air. The maximum dimensions for ordinary air transport are 2.44 x 3.15 m.
If you follow the packaging guidelines for special equipment, you can ship material that exceeds these dimensions. Air cargo containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including unitary loading devices (ULDs), pallets, and special containers. ULDs are the most common type of air cargo container and have a maximum size of 96 x 125 inches or 2.44 m x 3.15 m. To reduce the risk of damage during transportation, it is important to carefully pack your air cargo package according to the guidelines provided by your air transport service.
Real-time air cargo monitoring is also essential for ensuring the safety and traceability of shipments. This includes comprehensive coverage (ETA alerts, proactive alerts) of air cargo containers. Additionally, make sure to include a commercial invoice with each shipment that lists all items and their value. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that demand for air cargo will continue to increase in the post-pandemic world.
To meet this demand, companies and cargo companies should consider adopting standardized air cargo containers.