1. The Four Major Categories of Air Freight
Air freight can be divided into the following four categories based on transport restrictions and requirements:
| Category | Definition | Operational Difficulty | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Cargo | Regular goods with no special transport requirements | Low | Standard |
| Sensitive Cargo | Goods with transport restrictions but not classified as dangerous goods | Medium | Relatively high |
| Dangerous Goods | Goods that may cause harm to persons/property/environment | High | Highest |
| Special Cargo | Goods requiring special equipment and handling | Medium-High | Varies by type |
2. General Cargo
General cargo is the most common type of air freight, with no special transport requirements.
Typical general cargo:
- Clothing, textiles (non-hazardous)
- Ordinary mechanical equipment
- Furniture, household items
- Paper documents, printed matter
- Ordinary electronic products (no lithium batteries)
- Plastic products
- Metal products
Operational requirements: Standard packaging, standard customs clearance, standard security screening.
3. Sensitive Cargo
Sensitive cargo is the category most prone to issues in air freight. These goods are not dangerous goods but have many transport restrictions and require special attention.
Types of Sensitive Cargo
| Sensitive Cargo Type | Description | Operational Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Products with built-in batteries | Electronic products containing lithium batteries (phones/computers/bluetooth headsets) | Must comply with UN38.3, handled as DG Class 9 |
| Liquids/Pastes | Cosmetics, essential oils, glue, etc. | Must be sealed with leak-proof absorbent materials |
| Powders | Milk powder, pigments, chemical powders | Double-layer sealed packaging |
| Magnetic substances | Speakers, motors, strong magnetic materials | Must undergo demagnetization or provide magnetic test report |
| Counterfeit/infringing goods | Brand imitation products | Strictly prohibited for transport |
| Controlled knives | Various types of knives | Must comply with destination country regulations |
| Food/Health products | Tea, snacks, health supplements | Must provide food permit or certificate of origin |
| Medicines | Non-prescription drugs, traditional Chinese medicine | Must provide drug registration certificate or legal source proof |
Key Points for Shipping Sensitive Cargo
- Confirm in advance – Be sure to inform the freight forwarder of the goods' sensitivity before booking
- Compliance first – Sensitive cargo is not "prohibited goods"; compliant handling allows transport
- Proper packaging – Leak prevention for liquids and spill prevention for powders are basic requirements
- Complete documentation – Provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and necessary permits
4. Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods refer to the 9 classes of items listed in the IATA DGR regulations, requiring special declaration, packaging, and handling.
⚠️ Detailed operational requirements for dangerous goods air freight can be found in Section 07 of this manual: Complete Guide to Dangerous Goods (DGR) Air Freight.
Common air freight dangerous goods:
| Dangerous Goods | Class | Common Items |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Class 9 | Power banks, 18650 batteries, power tool batteries |
| Flammable liquids | Class 3 | Alcohol, paint, thinners |
| Gases | Class 2 | Lighters, compressed air cans |
| Dry ice | Class 9 | Refrigerant in cold chain packaging |
5. Special Cargo
| Special Cargo | Description | Operational Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Perishable | Seafood, fruit, flowers, meat, etc. | Temperature-controlled/cold chain packaging, fast transport |
| Valuable | Jewelry, artwork, precious metals | Special security, dedicated storage |
| Live Animals | Pets, laboratory animals, livestock | IATA LAR regulations, specialized loading |
| Out-of-Gauge (OOG) | Oversized cargo that cannot be palletized | Requires special ULD or loose cargo compartment |
| Human Remains | Cremated remains or bodies | Special handling procedures, documentation |
Key Points for Special Cargo Handling
Perishable (PER): The most common temperature-controlled cargo in air freight. Packaging uses insulated containers with coolants (ice packs/dry ice/temperature-controlled phase change materials). Operational points: prioritize direct flights, minimize transfers, destination port must have cold chain capability. Dry ice ≤2.5kg can be exempt from dangerous goods declaration.
Valuable (VAL): Unit value ≥$1,000/kg. Requires dedicated storage, signed handover throughout, AWB marked "VAL". It is recommended to declare value or purchase commercial insurance.
Out-of-Gauge (OOG): Cargo that cannot fit into standard ULDs (AKE/PMC). Must first confirm aircraft compatibility – 777F main deck door height 305cm, 747-8F approximately 312cm.
Pearl River Delta Adaptation Reminder: Export of electronics/battery goods from Shenzhen (SZX) is high; pay special attention to UN38.3 compliance and lithium battery marking when shipping. Export of general cargo and machinery from Guangzhou (CAN) is more common, with extensive experience in handling out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo for non-standard sizes.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can my product containing lithium batteries be shipped by air?
Yes, but it must be handled as Class 9 dangerous goods – the battery must pass UN38.3 testing, state of charge ≤30%, and the outer carton must display the lithium battery mark.
Q2: What goods are completely prohibited from air freight?
Absolutely prohibited goods include: Explosives (most of Class 1), radioactive materials (require special approval), compressed gases (part of Class 2), and items listed as contraband by customs of various countries.
Not sure if your cargo can be shipped by air? Contact Bofeng Logistics, and we will assess the suitability and transport plan for your goods.
📞 Hotline: 130-7567-8958 | ✉️ Email: info@zhbfwl.com
Further Reading:
- Section 06: Air Freight Packaging and Palletizing Standards
- Section 07: Complete Guide to Dangerous Goods (DGR) Air Freight
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