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

General Cargo

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

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.

• 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.