Air freight is a fast and efficient way to transport goods in global trade. Airlines carry more than 52 million metric tons of cargo annually, representing over 35% of global trade by value but less than 1% by volume. This equates to $6.8 trillion worth of goods per year, or $18.6 billion worth of goods every day. However, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry has significantly affected the aviation sector, including air freight.
The number of available cargo tonne-kilometers (MTKs) across the industry fell by 21.4% year-on-year in 2020. However, by the end of the year, industry-wide MTKs had returned to near pre-COVID levels. With so much air cargo being shipped globally and so many different parties involved in the supply chain, it is important to examine cargo handling for air transport.
Cargo handling is the part of the supply chain that processes inland cargo at a freight facility. From delivery at the airport of origin until it is ready for loading onto an aircraft, to unloading at the destination and delivery to the consignee/freight forwarder, numerous steps are involved in cargo handling that must be closely followed to ensure safe and secure delivery. These steps are outlined in the cargo master operating plan (MOP).
What is the main operating plan for shipping?
The Master Operating Plan (MOP) describes the main and sub-processes involved in the transportation of air cargo from shipper to consignee in a systematic and consistent manner. It provides the air cargo supply chain with the first industry-standard description of the entire process of moving goods by air.
As a result, MOP comprises 19 main processes and 78 sub-processes divided into five categories of activities as follows:
- Forwarder origin
- Original carrier
- Transport carrier
- Destination moving company
- Destination redirection
The primary objective of air cargo acceptance and handling is to ensure that shipments are ready for transport in accordance with the operator's and the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) regulations, as well as the export and import rules of the countries through which the shipment will transit. Generally, all items to be transported by commercial aircraft must undergo an acceptance process. Some procedures must be followed regardless of the cargo type. Other procedures may apply only to specific types of goods.
The section below will give you a quick overview of some of the key steps in MOP
- Booking and planning shipments
The cargo handling process begins with booking and planning shipments, and there's a lot to be done before a shipment leaves the facility. Having a solid business plan allows for smooth booking and prevents fewer problems in the chain of events. It's essential to follow the steps below to book your shipment correctly. These activities also include the steps handled by freight forwarders, as outlined below:
- Receiving shipper requests and verifying security status
- Receive charger shipping information
- Direct routing or unification planning
- Request capacity versus freight forwarder or carrier inventory
- Confirm ability
- Arrange pickup of goods
How is it received? air freight And accepted for shipment
The next step in logistics is how to receive and accept air cargo for transport. This is a multi-step process involving numerous stakeholders, including trucking companies, freight forwarders, and ground handling providers, among others.
Throughout the shipping process, safety remains a priority for all parties involved in the air freight supply chain. For example, it is crucial to ensure that packaging is clearly and correctly labeled and identified. Furthermore, the packaging itself must be suitable for the contents and capable of protecting the goods from any damage.
Let's take a closer look at what happens once the carrier receives the shipment when it comes to discussing air cargo handling, as much of the preparation for the journey takes place there.
Receiving shipments in the carrier's field
Once the freight truck arrives at the carrier's territory and the truck driver notifies the freight handler of its arrival, the carrier's territory can receive the goods. They should have received the following information in advance, which is why electronic registration is always recommended:
- Electronic Air Waybill Information
- Electronic waybill information for consolidated shipments
- Truck number and type (if available)
- Estimated arrival time (if available)
- Security screening requirements (if known/available)
Once the information is received and the truck arrives, the unloading slot and position will be assigned to the driver. Different slots are given according to requirements, such as hazardous goods, live animals, ULDs, healthcare products, and more.
Accepting shipments as ready for transport
Upon acceptance of a shipment as ready for transport, airport cargo and ground handling personnel must take several steps to meet the requirements for air freight. First, they must verify that the shipment has been cleared for security. Then, they must conduct a Ready for Transport check. This involves verifying that all information matches the actual shipment and ensuring that all operational restrictions and prohibitions are in place. Once everything is verified, the information is checked against the booking and updated. The primary objective is to ensure that the shipment complies with all applicable regulations.
- Carrier requirements
- Local export rules and regulations
- Rules and regulations of transit airport(s) and airspaces (if any)
- Import regulations in the destination country
Preparing goods for the journey
After the shipments ready for transport are accepted, airport cargo and ground handling staff can prepare the air cargo for the flight. Transit cargo must be received and security clearances reinstated. Cargo left on board a transit aircraft is considered transit cargo. Cargo and ground handling services must conduct security checks on transit cargo, including X-ray screening and trace-and-trace (ETD) detection. A detailed e-AWB (electronic airway board) check is performed to verify the integrity of the cargo and the number of pieces. Once the advance plan details are received from the carrier, a build-up plan is prepared, indicating the air cargo to be built for the flight, and this information is sent to the warehouse.
Sending shipments to the flight
It is now time to move the loaded ULDs to a secure flight booking area, taking into account all sensitive information such as temperature-controlled hazardous cargo. To ensure no flight delays, the ULDs can be lined up in a predetermined order, if known, in preparation for ramp transport. All ramp safety protocols must be followed. To prevent accidents, it is essential to consider all ground support equipment during the loading and unloading process. This is why proper training on IATA rules and regulations is mandatory for all cargo and ground handling personnel.
At this point, control of air cargo transfers from the warehouse operator to the ramp handler. Moving cargo from the cargo terminal to the aircraft is a multi-step process best outlined in the IATA Cargo Manual (ICHM). After each of these steps is followed precisely, the aircraft will be loaded according to the loading plan, with special arrangements for specific cargo shipments noted. Once the aircraft is loaded, any discrepancies must be addressed by updating the electronic flight manifest. The aircraft can now depart, but the cargo loading process is not complete until the flight manifest and loading and transport information are mailed.
How is air cargo unloaded?
Air cargo unloading involves fewer steps than airport cargo and ground handling compared to cargo loading and unloading. However, there are still several rules and regulations that cargo and ground handling personnel must adhere to. Following ramp safety protocols while performing tasks systematically helps mitigate accidents and keeps aircraft response times under control. According to the IATA Cargo Handbook, the specific steps for air cargo unloading are as follows:
- Unloading and sending the shipment to the warehouse
- Inspection of shipments
- Shipments arrive
- Delivering shipments to shipping agents
What are the final steps before delivery?
Once the truck collects the goods from the carrier's range, they are transported to the freight forwarder's center where they are unloaded and inspected. Often, the goods are then sent through the freight forwarder's branch facility before being delivered to the consignee and finally to the end customer. These steps are covered in the following chapters of ICHM, where you will find more details about each step:
- Shipment arrives at the shipping center
- Shipment transfer at the shipping center
- Loading the truck and producing the operating sheet
- Delivery, obtaining proof of delivery, and course completion
What is the IATA Shipping Guide?
IATA Manual of Shipping (ICHM) is a publication of the latest recommended practices for airline stakeholders to follow. It provides all the necessary documentation in an accessible, step-by-step format. It was developed by the IATA Cargo Advisory Council (ICHC), established in 2011 by the Cargo Advisory Council (CAC). “The IATA Cargo Handbook (ICHM) covers all door-to-door operational instructions, from shipper to consignee, with a strong focus on airport-to-airport activities where cargo handlers and airlines operate,” according to André Magieris, IATA’s Director of Cargo Mail and E-Commerce Operations.
The current edition contains 19 chapters in line with the Master Operating Plan (MOP). It includes the latest regulations relating to cargo handling and 10 appendices to expand on this topic, including a glossary, diagrams, various agreements, and more.
Who needs an IATA shipping guide?
Anyone involved in the air cargo supply chain should use the IATA Cargo Handbook (ICHM). This includes airlines, shippers, freight forwarders, and many others. It allows you to understand where each level of risk lies in handling air cargo. This handbook complies with each airline's guidelines, which is crucial because many airports require cargo handlers to operate according to specific airline regulations. This can mean adhering to up to 100 different operating instructions, a common and costly practice. By using the IATA Handbook to comply with rules and regulations, you save time and money.
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