Air Cargo Types: General, Special, Dangerous Goods, and ULD Use

031-06-01Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

General Cargo

Standard freight that does not require special handling or precautions (e.g., clothes, machinery parts).

Boeing 747-200F nose loading door open

Special Cargo

Requires specific handling, loading, or notification procedures.

  • Live Animals (AVI): Requires ventilation, temperature control, and specific container types. IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) apply.
  • Perishables (PER): Food, flowers, etc. May require refrigeration.
  • Human Remains (HUM): Transported in coffins or urns.
  • Valuables (VAL): High-value items requiring security escort.
  • Heavy Cargo (HEA): Exceeds standard weight limits per piece, requiring special loading equipment.

Dangerous Goods (DG)

Articles or substances capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment.

  • Regulated by ICAO Technical Instructions and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
  • Classes:
    1. Explosives
    2. Gases
    3. Flammable Liquids
    4. Flammable Solids
    5. Oxidizing Substances
    6. Toxic/Infectious Substances
    7. Radioactive Material
    8. Corrosives
    9. Miscellaneous (e.g., Lithium batteries)

Unit Load Devices (ULD)

Standardized containers or pallets used to consolidate cargo.

Aircraft cargo ULD loader in operation

  • Pallets: Flat aluminum bases with nets.
  • Containers (AKE, AKH): Enclosed aluminum/fiberglass boxes shaped to fit the aircraft hold.
  • Benefits: Faster loading/unloading, protection of cargo, efficient space utilization.
Written and reviewed by

Pablo Asensio · 2026-04-01

Aeronautical engineer. Passed the thirteen EASA ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exams studying from these very notes. Writes and reviews each topic against the Part-FCL Learning Objectives.

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