Which types of goods are not allowed on air freight transportation services?

Airfreight has limitations for what types of items you can transport based on size, weight, and value. With the merging of post companies, freight management solutions are created. For instance, SingPost acquires a subsidiary as a means of evolving into an e-commerce logistics solutions provider.

The transportation of goods by air is much faster and more cost-effective than other means. The main benefit of using the services is that they can travel a longer distance in a shorter time. Airfreight has limitations for what types of items you can transport based on size, weight, and value.

Some cargo that does not meet the requirements is often shipped via another type of transportation such as sea or ground transportation. If an item falls outside these requirements, it cannot be sent via an air shipment, regardless of urgency or monetary value.

Hazardous materials

Hazardous materials are items that can harm people, property, or the environment. Permissible hazardous materials include compressed gasses, dry ice, and corrosives. The US Department of Transportation states that hazardous materials may not be shipped via air if they are below the International Civil Aviation Organization’s packing requirements for dangerous goods.

It would be best to label dangerous goods adequately based on their class and type, further defined by DOT regulations. For example, oxygen might require special labelling due to its explosive properties. Other hazardous materials are banned from aeroplanes, including explosives, ammunition, radioactive substances, infectious substances, aerosols, or tear gases.

The same safety guidelines are not valid for the cargo hold as the cabin crew; therefore, these items may not be allowed on board even if the person carrying them has a permit.

Live animals

Live animals of any kind do not fall under air freight transportation services because of the risk to human life and property. It is also because of the size limits of aeroplanes and concerns about ventilation, temperature, and disease.

Certain animals such as dogs and cats can travel in the cabin with you, but this will depend on your airline’s policies. Other live animals like bees, spiders or snakes that pose additional risks cannot be sent via an air shipment and must be driven or taken by ship instead.

Fruit and vegetables

Fresh fruit and vegetables are the most familiar cargo items you cannot send via air transportation services. Fruit and vegetables have a high risk of spoiling during transfer. If your company needs to transport produce, you will have to use sea or ground shipping options instead.

Perishable goods

Any food or grocery items that are perishable must not be sent via air transportation services. It is due to the temperature controls required for this sort of cargo.

The risks are too high because there may not be enough cooling available for it during transfer, which could cause the produce to spoil before reaching its destination. You can use ground shipping options or specify your needs when booking with a freight forwarder.

Mechanical devices

Any mechanical equipment must follow guidelines for what types of goods are allowed by air freight before being approved for shipment on an aeroplane. The box containing the equipment must not exceed a specific size with a maximum length of 161 centimetres, depth of 90 centimetres, and height of 125 centimetres.

In addition, any large pieces will need to be stripped down into smaller components to meet the requirements.

It would be best to protect any cargo containing mechanical equipment from shock and vibration.

Money

You cannot send cargo containing large amounts of banknotes or coins via air transportation services. The value is too high, and the cargo does not meet the size, weight, or packaging requirements.

There are special express courier services available for high-value items instead, which you can research with your shipping company before sending your shipment.

Flowers

You cannot send fresh flowers via air transportation services because they have a high risk of wilting and dying. If you want to transport flowers or plants, use sea or ground shipping options instead. The blooms must also meet the international phytosanitary standard before being sent to reduce the spread of plant pests.

Household effects

Household items like furniture, lamps, and decorations do not fall under air freight transportation services due to the size limitations of the cargo hold. Instead, these types of goods must follow different guidelines for sea or ground shipping options.