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Classification of cargo

The current Guidelines for carriage of cargo on domestic flights in the USSR (RGP-85) refer to the special conditions of carriage: "Certain types of cargo (perishable, dangerous, radioactive, live animals, etc.) requiring special conditions of carriage can be accepted for air transportation (para. 2.4.3).

1. Heavy and oversized cargo

Heavy cargo is a unit of cargo weighing more than 80 kg (based on RGP-85 para. 2.9.1), oversized cargo is the one whose dimensions and/or shape require the use of special handling equipment, additional unit load devices, exceeds the dimensions of passenger aircraft loading hatches and cargo holds.

Cargo classified as oversized includes pipes, certain equipment, cable drums and reels, coffins, aircraft engines, cars, and other goods, classified as this special cargo type.

2. Perishable (urgent) cargo

Special cargo whose condition or fitness for a particular purpose may deteriorate as a result of adverse changes in temperature, humidity or delay in delivery.

Perishable cargo includes:

plant products: vegetables, fruits, berries, citrus fruits;
animal products: meat and poultry, fish and seafood chilled and smoked, eggs including incubator eggs, caviar;
processed products: vegetable oil, fats, frozen fruits and vegetables, sausages, canned food, meat products, cheese, dairy products;
live plants, flowers, seedlings, tubers, seeds;
live fish: juveniles, fingerlings, live eggs;
preserved blood, vaccines, serums, medical and biological preparations, live human organs, frozen embryos;
newspapers, magazines.

3. Moist (wet) cargo

Special cargo containing liquids (except for items classified as dangerous goods).
Cargo classified as moist includes liquids in watertight containers, food packed with water ice, fresh, frozen or chilled meat/fish, seafood, vegetables that may leak fluids, live animals.

4. Human remains

5. Foul smelling cargo

Special cargo that due to its strong odor may be accepted only packed in waterproof airtight containers that keep the odor inside.

Foul smelling cargo includes fresh skins, essential oils, fresh or salted entrails (intestines).

6. Live animals

Special cargo whose carriage rules are established by IATA Resolution 620, Appendix A: Live Animals Regulation, effective October 1994. Alphabetical list of live animals is included in the Regulation. The term "live animals" includes live animals, birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, and amphibians.

7. Dangerous goods

Special cargo including items or substances that during carriage by air pose a significant risk to human health and property. List of danger classes of cargo is given in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.

8. Works of art and museum exhibits

Special cargo classified as follows:

Class 1 - Painting on wood;

Class 2 - Parchments or works of art of materials of animal or vegetable origin;

Class 3 - Glass, enamel, ceramics, corrodible metals;

Class 4 - Sculptures of stone and individual frescos;

Class 5 - Partly corrodible metals;

Class 6 - Paintings on canvas;

Class 7 - Mosaics.

9. Human blood and organs

10. Diplomatic cargo (mail)

11. Valuable cargo

CARGO REGULATIONS (BASED ON CLASSIFICATION)

Perishable (urgent) cargo

Requirements to perishable goods shipped to international non-CIS destinations (IATA Principles of Cargo Handling and Perishable Cargo Handling Guide, 2nd edition. Effective September 1, 1992.

A.2.1.1. To avoid possible delays, perishable goods must be transported as booked cargo. The consignor should book perishable cargo beforehand so that the airline can prepare everything necessary. Cargo space booking can be made directly with the airline or via an IATA cargo agent.

А.2.1.2. Upon receipt of a perishable cargo booking request, the airline must consider all the relevant circumstances, including:

nature of the cargo and degree of possible damage;
packaging type and compliance;
choice of flight and timetable;
duration of transportation;
type of aircraft and possible stowage options;
any special cargo handling requirements, including refrigeration;
need for temperature control on the ground and in flight;
compliance with health regulations and government requirements.

A2.1.2.3. Perishable cargo should always be shipped by a direct flight with as few as possible transit stops, thereby reducing the time the cargo is in transit and avoiding undesirable climatic changes. If cargo reloading from one flight to another is inevitable, the connecting time must be calculated accurately, because some goods may require the replacement of dry ice, or temporary storage in a temperature-controlled area, for example in a refrigerator or freezer.

А2.1.2.6. Temperature range in the transport of perishable goods is determined by the climatic conditions in the departure airport during ground handling, at the destination airport and transfer airports, as well as temperature in flight.

А2.1.2.7. If there are special facilities for storage of goods on the ground at the departure airport before loading, at the destination airport prior to delivery to the consignee, and at any stops along the route, it should be confirmed that the facilities are available and meet all storage requirements. For example, some aircraft have controlled temperature range in the cargo hold, and this must be known.

А2.1.2.8. Any perishable cargo deteriorates over time. Therefore the maximum time interval must be indicated between shipment and delivery.

А2.1.3. Summarizing all the above, when booking perishable cargo airline should check, before confirming the booking, the following:

is there a guarantee that the shipment will arrive in good condition?
is booking guaranteed for all flight segments operated by all involved airlines?
is there a need for special storage on the ground and is it available?
are any special unit load devices or special aircraft cargo holds required during transportation of goods and are they available?
is special cargo handling required and is it available?
does the shipper hold the required government permits and other shipping documents?
is customs clearance and delivery possible without delay if the cargo arrives at the destination airport on a weekend or public holiday?

А2.2.1. The shipper is responsible for all issues related to the government's requirements to transit of cargo. This includes any regulations of the countries the cargo will be transported from, to, and via. However, before accepting the cargo, the airline should, as far as possible, check compliance with government regulations.

А2.2.3. List of restrictions and prohibitions on the transport of certain goods can be found in the TACT rules in the Country Information section. These rules are extensive and apply to the import of plants and plant materials, food products, animal products, vaccines, and many other perishable goods.

А2.2.4. Shelf life certificates and other documents issued by the country of origin must be attached to the majority of perishable goods.

A2.2.5. In addition to national laws governing importation of goods in some countries, restrictions imposed by regional or economic organizations may apply. An example is the European Community (EC), which includes Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. European Community rules may be summarized as follows:

А2.2.5.1. All products of animal origin imported into the EC by air transport are subject to veterinary inspection at the port of entry. This includes verification of documents, authenticity of the goods and their physical examination carried out at border checkpoints by veterinary staff or authorized personnel.

А2.2.5.2. Animal products covered by the EC rules include:

А2.2.5.2(а). Meat and meat products:

pork;
rabbit;
poultry;
mutton;
horsemeat;
goat;
game;
wild ungulates;
cattle.

A2.2.5.2.(b) Other animal products:

egg;
fish;
honey;
dairy;
incubator eggs;
shellfish;
frog legs;
embryos (cattle);
snails;
sperm (cattle/pig).

List of plants and plant products is being developed by the EC. It should be noted that the status of perishable goods is constantly being reviewed. Therefore, the list above is updated periodically.

А2.2.5.5. All costs of the veterinary inspection of animal products coming into the EU are paid by the airline, handling agent, consignee or its representative.

3.3.1. The shipper is responsible for ensuring that the cargo is properly packed for transport by air and can be safely transported in that state without any damage to other goods, property, or personnel. Each cargo unit must be clearly marked, including the exact address of the shipper and consignee.

3.5. Liability for failure to comply with conditions of transportation of special cargo rests with the shipper, who is required to insure the carrier in case of loss, damage, delay, liability or penalties for the carriage of any such cargo.

Ship perishable cargo to international non-CIS destinations

Perishable cargo is handled in accordance with the recommendations of IATA Airport Handling Manual (ASM 346), 16th edition. Effective April 1, 1996.

1.1 Definition

Perishable cargo is cargo, whose condition or fitness for the original purpose may deteriorate when exposed to changes in temperature or humidity, or delay in transit.

1.2 Acceptance

1.2.1. Perishable cargo shall be accepted for carriage only if it is known for sure that the cargo will arrive at its destination in a proper condition.

1.2.2. Shipper must provide written instructions concerning the maximum acceptable shipping time and any special handling requirements. These instructions must be indicated in the air waybill and on the cargo itself.

1.2.3. Prior to acceptance, the carrier must make sure that all the necessary preparations have been made along the transportation route, including:

1.2.3.1. guarantee that the shipper has been notified of the latest time before the flight departure when the cargo can still be accepted by the carrier;

1.2.3.2. completion of any necessary further booking;

1.2.3.3 guarantee that the special handling procedures, such as refreezing, are available, if they are specified and required.

1.2.4. IATA Perishable Goods label must be attached to each cargo unit and, where necessary, the Top label must also be attached.

1.3.1. Particular attention should be paid to loading of perishable cargo so that the lower layers of cargo are not damaged by the weight of the overlying layers.

Section 2. - Special procedures

2.1. Meat

2.1.1. Meat should be packed in waterproof material and is handled as wet cargo (AHM 345 - Handling of wet cargo)
2.1.2. At all stages of meat handling, strictest hygiene requirements must be observed.
2.1.3. Temperature range:

fresh meat - from 0⁰ C to 5⁰ C;
frozen meat - below - 12⁰ C.

(Requires the use of a cooled / temperature controlled container)

2.2. Incubator eggs.

2.2.1. Incubator eggs should not be stowed next to carbon dioxide (dry ice) (ICE) and cryogenic liquids (RCL). Incubator eggs must be separated from radioactive materials of categories II and III in accordance with the AHM 340 (Handling and loading of dangerous goods).
2.2.2. Temperature range in the cargo hold during the flight must be within 10⁰C to 15⁰C and must not exceed 27⁰C.

2.3. Flowers.

2.3.1. Flowers must be stowed so as to avoid direct contact with the floor and walls of the cargo hold.
2.3.2. Flowers must not be stowed in the same compartment or unit load device with fresh fruit and vegetables, as the ethylene gas released by vegetables can damage the flowers.

2.4. Fresh fruits and vegetables.

2.4.1. When fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded in quantities requiring the use of unit load devices, air pockets must be maintained between the individuals packages. This is particularly important for fresh fruits and vegetables with high moisture content.

2.4.2. Following the mandatory minimum packaging requirements, special attention should be paid when loading fresh fruits and vegetables with general cargo.

2.5. Seafood.

2.5.1. Fish should be completely sealed in watertight containers and handled as wet cargo (AHM 345). Any water ice used must be sealed in separate waterproof containers.
2.5.2. Handling temperature range:

fresh fish - not higher than 5⁰ C;
frozen fish - no higher than - 12⁰ C.

(This will require the use of refrigerated containers with controlled temperature.)

2.6. Vaccines and medicines.

2.6.1. Short-lived radioactive isotopes shall be handled with the utmost urgency and in accordance with AHM 340 (Handling and loading of dangerous goods).
2.6.2. Live human organs / blood (LHO) needed to save lives should be handled with the utmost urgency.
2.6.3. Medicines classified as narcotics or dangerous drugs shall be handled in accordance with AHM 350 (Handling and protection of valuable cargo).

2.7. Live human organs.

2.7.1. Live human organs / blood (LHO) can be loaded in a single compartment with radioactive materials of categories II and III (Yellow sticker - RRY) provided that LHO will be at the same distance established for humans in accordance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (see DGR 9/3/12 and Table 9.3D).
2.7.2. Live human organs / blood LHO must be separated properly from the human remains, transported in coffins (HUM)

8.5. Control of perishable goods

8.5.1. When cargo containing perishable goods is retained by the carrier, is not claimed or not accepted at the destination, or for other reasons may deteriorate, the carrier is entitled to immediately take measures to protect all parties concerned, including storage of the goods or part thereof at the expense of the shipper and at its risk or public or private offering of the cargo or part thereof for sale without notice.
8.5.2. In case of sale of the cargo, as provided above, at the destination or at the location the cargo was returned to, the carrier shall be entitled to recover its own costs, other transportation costs and costs involved in the sale of the goods, holding any surplus proceeds to the shipper's order. However, the sale of goods shall not relieve the shipper and / or owner of any contractual liability to pay the outstanding amount.

8.6. When receiving the air waybill and / or receiving the cargo, the consignee is responsible for paying the full cost and all costs associated with transportation. Unless otherwise agreed, the shipper cannot be released from liability for costs and expenses and is liable jointly or separately with the consignee. The carrier has the right to withhold the goods or the air waybill until all costs have been paid.

11.9. Shipper, owner or consignee whose cargo causes damage or loss of other cargo or carrier's property must compensate for all costs and losses incurred by the carrier as a result of the carriage. Cargo, that because of its latent defect, quality or damage to packaging can cause damage to the aircraft, personnel or property, may be discarded or disposed of by the carrier at any time and without notice, and this does not result in any liability on the part of the carrier.

А3.1.2. Fields "Consignee name and address" and "Shipper name and address" should contain full name and address without any abbreviations. It is recommended to indicate the phone number of both the shipper and consignee.

А3.1.5. If a certificate of quality or other official permission is attached to the cargo, they must be indicated as accompanying documents in the field "For internal use" of the air waybill. Documents should be securely attached to the air waybill, rather than packed with the cargo.

А3.1.6. Field "Cargo origin and quantity"should give an accurate description, for example "chilled meat" or "frozen fish".

А3.2.1. When filling the cargo manifest, perishable goods shall be identified by the IATA codes.

PER - perishable goods, EAT - food products, HEG - eggs, ICE - dry ice, LHO - live human organs / blood, WET - wet cargo not in an airtight container.

А3.5. Labeling

А3.5.1. All perishable goods should be marked with the standard IATA label "PERISHABLE".

A3.5.2. Where applicable, packages and containers with perishable cargo must also be marked with the IATA standard tag for correct positioning "THIS WAY UP". This is especially important for perishable goods classified as wet cargo.

A3.5.4. If the cargo is in a unit load device, its tag must be marked as PER (short for PERISHABLE).

A3.6. Cargo marking

A3.6.1. Shipper must marked all the cargo units with the full address and phone number of the consignee and information on the origin of the cargo. It should be clear whether the cargo contains "Frozen seafood" or "Live seafood" - they require different handling.

A4.4.2.2. The specifics of any perishable cargo is that it requires special placement in the cargo holds, special handling at transit stations, special attention in flight or special care in case of deviations or long delays, which should be noted in the Special Notice of Loading for the Aircraft Pilot-in-Command. It is important that any instructions to the aircraft crew concerning temperature control in the cargo hold of the aircraft be included in the notice.

A4.4.3. Incompatible goods.
Special attention should be paid when loading certain types of perishable goods in order to avoid damage to cargo. The following rules must be observed:

A4.4.3.(a). Dry ice (ICE) should not be placed next to incubator eggs (HEG) or live animals (AVI).

A4.4.3 (b). Food products (EAT) should not be placed next to human remains (HUM) and live animals (AVI). Food products should not be loaded in the same cargo hold with dangerous goods classified as toxic (PRB), infectious substances (RIS), harmful substances for foods (RHF), unless shipped in sealed unit load devices or adjacent to each other.

A4.4.3 (c). Incubator eggs (HEG) should not be placed next to dry ice (ICE) or cryogenic liquids (RCL). They should be separated from radioactive material (RRY) by the distance defined in IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Human remains

(from the Guidelines for carriage of cargo on domestic flights in the USSR (RGP-85))

2.20.1. Coffins with human remains are accepted for carriage provided that the shipper has presented the death certificate issued by the civil registry office and statement by the sanitary authorities of no objections to the transport of the deceased.

2.20.2 Human remains may be carried by air in:

metal or lined with metal wooden coffins that are carefully sealed and enclosed in wooden boxes;
the space between the metal coffin and the wooden box should be filled with sawdust, coal, peat, or lime;
cinerary urns - in boxes lined with dense fabric.

2.20.3. Coffins with human remains are usually accompanied. The accompanying person must have a ticket.

2.20.4. Coffins with human remains are accepted for carriage by cargo and passenger aircraft. Carriage of coffins with human remains by passenger aircraft is allowed if a cargo hold isolated from the passenger cabin is available.

On passenger aircraft having no isolated cargo hold, coffins with human remains may be carried by charter flights only. Transportation of coffins in the passenger cabin is prohibited.

Cinerary urns may be carried by cargo and passenger aircraft.

2.20.5. Loading of coffins with human remains into passenger aircraft is carried out before passenger boarding, unloading at the destination airport - after passenger disembarkation and baggage unloading.

2.20.6. Crew member in charge of loading and destination and transfer airports must be notified of the human remains on board.

2.20.7. Official ceremonies during loading and unloading of coffin with human remains into/from the aircraft are prohibited.

2.20.8. Shipping costs of coffins with human remains are calculated based on dummy weight and an air waybill is executed.

2.20.9. Shipping costs of coffins with human remains and cinerary urns are charged according to the fare rules.

2.20.10. Transfer of coffins with human remains requires permission from the airports of transfer, arrival, and departure. Transportation between transfer airports shall be provided in accordance with local conditions.

2.20.11. Transportation of unaccompanied coffins with human remains requires dispatcher control in accordance with the requirements of para. 2.23 of this Guide.

2.13. Carriage of accompanied cargo

2.13.2. When certain types of cargo are transported, at the request of the carrier the shipper is required to provide an escort or security guards.

2.13.4. When carriage is booked, it is recorded in the air waybill (field "Shipper's additional notes") that the cargo is accompanied by a representative of the shipper (consignee) indicating full name of the escort, identity document type and number, number of the travel authorization and of the passenger ticket.

(From IATA Principles of Cargo Handling and Perishable Cargo Handling Guide)

4.5.1.1. Most airlines transport cremated or embalmed human remains with proper packaging and documentation. Some airlines do not accept for carriage human remains that were not cremated or embalmed. Check the individual airline's regulations to determine the applicable categories.

4.5.1.2. In connection with the public health and quarantine requirements, the importation of human remains in most countries is strictly regulated. In most cases, prior authorization to import must be obtained and diplomatic procedures completed. Therefore it is necessary to coordinate in good time transport of non-cremated human remains.

4.5.2. Acceptance

. 4.5.2.1. Human remains can be accepted for transportation by air only if all documentation is in order and packaging rules are fully complied with. Before acceptance, confirmation must be available from the destination airport that the import authorization was granted by the authorities.
4.5.2.2. Human remains are not accepted in consolidated shipments in unit load devices, if the rest of the cargo is not human remains.

4.5.3. Documentation

4.5.3.1. Shipments with human remains must be accompanied by an official certificate of death and a certificate of cremation (in case of cremated human remains). Importation rules of the country of destination may require that such documents be certified by a local diplomatic representative. These documents must be attached to the air waybill, rather than the packaging. In some cases, government authorities will request details of death before allowing importation of human remains.

4.5.3.2. Funeral agencies and funeral directors organizing transportation are responsible for obtaining the necessary documents for transportation.

4.5.4.1. Cremated remains shall be transported in funeral urns, reliably protected from mechanical impacts and enclosed in a durable container.

4.5.4.2. Embalmed remains shall be transported in a hermetically sealed leaded or zinc inner container enclosed in a wooden coffin. Coffin shall act as the outer packaging reliably protecting its contents against damage during transport. If necessary, the outer packaging must have handles or a special lifting devices.

4.5.4.3. Remains other than cremated or embalmed shall be packaged according to government requirements and regulations of the respective airlines. Airlines that do accept human remains and belong to this category may apply the guidelines of AHM 353 (IATA Guidelines for Ground Handling at the Airport).

4.5.4.4. External packaging of cargo classified as human remains must have all the required labels (name of the deceased, as well as name and address of the consignee).

Handling of human remains

From IATA Airport Handling Manual, 16th edition (Effective April 1, 1996)

1. Handling of human remains (AHM 353)

Human remains (HUM), except cremated, must be held in a hermetically sealed inner coffin of lead or zinc enclosed in a wooden coffin. Wooden coffin can be protected from damage by the outer packaging and wrapped in canvas or tarpaulin so that the contents cannot be identified.

Cremated human remains shall be transported in funeral urns placed in suitable packaging with an insert protecting against impacts.

Conditions of carriage of human remains on international flights

(IATA recommendations contained in the Principles of Aircraft Handling)

Acceptance and transportation of human remains should be carried out in accordance with the approved government regulations. One of the required documents is the death certificate.

Special storage facilities are available at most international airports. Handling should be in accordance with special instructions.

5.5.2. General requirements to packaging

Non-cremated remains should be kept in tightly closed lead or zinc capsule located inside a wooden coffin. Wooden coffin can be protected against damage by the outer packaging and covered with canvas or tarpaulin, so that it is impossible to guess its contents. Cremated remains shall be transported in cinerary urns protected from damage by suitable packaging.

Aircraft pilot-in-command must be notified using form of notice of special categories of cargo on board.

For more information on shipping special cargo, contact the dangerous goods agent.

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