Cargo Packaging

This page provides guidelines on how to pack shipments to ensure their rapid, reliable, and safe transportation by air.

The information given here is based on the instructions for packing airfreight issued by the Japan Aircargo Forwarders Association (JAFA) and Board of International Airfreight Carriers (BIAC)

Packing Shipments to be "Ready for Carriage" is the Responsibility of the Customer

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules state that the shipper is responsible for ensuring that the cargo is packed to ensure safe carriage with ordinary care in handling and in such a manner that it can withstand conditions likely to occur during ordinary carriage. (Tact Rule Book 2.3.1.1）

Here, “ordinary care in handling” and “conditions likely to occur during ordinary carriage” include the vibration, shaking, tilting, mechanical shock, changes in air pressure, and changes in temperature or humidity that occur during flight and cargo build-up work, including stacking in airfreight pallets or containers at the airport.

If cargo is not packed suitably, you may be asked to repack it.

Under the conditions of carriage, carriers are not responsible for any damage that results from unsuitable packing and payment of any requested compensation for damage may be declined.

Unlike maritime shipments in which cargo is packed into large and robust containers that are carried with minimal manual handling, airfreight undergoes a variety of manual and other handling during transit between the point of departure and final destination, as summarized in the typical sequence of steps described later. To make best use of the available cargo space on the aircraft, your shipment may be closely packed on an airfreight pallet or container along with other shipments.

Informed by a good understanding of how airfreight is handled, shippers are requested to pack their shipments in such a way that they can withstand ordinary carriage by air, including the stacking of cargo.

Packing of Airfreight Shipments

Packaging Criteria

Accelerations Experienced by Cargo During Flight (G-factor)

What does safety mean for airfreight?

Packing of Airfreight Shipments

Airfreight shipments must be packed suitably to allow for safe, reliable, and rapid transportation. The following problems may arise if not packed suitably for air transportation.

The goods contained in shipments are more likely to be damaged or otherwise degraded.
There is a risk of damage to the aircraft or other cargo if shipments shift in transit or material leaks out. In this case, you may be asked to pay restitution for damage to other cargo or for the cost of aircraft repairs or cleaning.
Excessive time taken to load shipments, including stacking on airfreight pallets or containers (ULDs), may disrupt aircraft schedules.
The inability to pack shipments efficiently, including stacking on airfreight pallets or containers (ULDs), may prevent effective use of the available cargo space. The total amount of cargo able to be carried on the aircraft may also be reduced, resulting in shipments not being carried on the scheduled flight or higher transportation costs.

Accelerations Experienced by Cargo During Flight (G-factor)

It is necessary to consider the accelerations (G-factor) that shipments will experience during flight. Airfreight shipments may be exposed to sudden accelerations, including during taking off and landing, cruising, or when turbulence is encountered. The term used for this is G-factor. While the G-factor will vary depending on the type of aircraft, the conditions encountered, the directions of accelerations experienced, the position of the cargo, and so on, the accelerations typically experienced are up to 1.6G in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft (meaning goods will experience a force equal to 1.6 times their weight), 2.0G in the lateral direction, and 3G in the vertical direction. (However, accelerations may exceed these levels in some instances.)

Please pay particular attention to G-factors when shipping small but heavy metal parts such as molds or transmissions. We request that you secure the item in a suitably robust metal frame, tie it down with bands or belts that are strong enough for the anticipated G-factors, and use packaging that is completely sealed from the outside.

Packaging Criteria

Ensure that all airfreight shipments are delivered to the airline or freight forwarder in fully enclosed (sealed) packaging such as a wooden or cardboard box.

Some cargo that satisfy certain criteria may be packed on skids or a wooden frame (partial packaging). As airfreight must be packed efficiently into the limited space available, ensure that your packaging has a flat shape and that the top side is strong enough to allow for stacking up to 3m high.

The following are examples of unsuitably packed goods and how the packaging can be improved.

Unsuitable shape Open

Example of unsuitable packaging

The packed item is only secured by bolts to the base.
The lack of top or side covers prevents other cargo from being loaded on top

Improved alternative

To properly comply with the packaging requirements for air cargo, the packed items must also be secured to the top and side of the packing frame and the top and sides must be covered.

Example of unsuitable packaging

The cargo (a motor) is exposed.
The cargo is only secured by bolts to the base plate.

Improved alternative

To prevent the cargo from coming loose, a wooden box or frame should be used so as to package together with the carton on the left.

Cargo should be labeled with its center of gravity and weight.

Example of unsuitable packaging

The cargo is exposed.
Only secured by plastic straps.
The item itself must be held by tie down belts when securing it to the ULD. (May cause damage)

Improved alternative

Wooden-frame packaging is desirable.

Cargo should be labeled with its center of gravity and weight.

Example of unsuitable packaging

The size of the skid does not match that of the cargo. Potential for the straps to come loose and the cargo to come apart.
Being secured on one side only is unstable. Needs to be secured laterally also.
The top cover is not flat, preventing other cargo from being loaded on top.

Improved alternative

Match the size of the cargo with the skid.
Ensure the package is flat on top.

Example of unsuitable packaging

The inadequate packaging risks damage to the cargo.

Improved alternative

Packing goods in a wooden frame or box will help keep them safe.

By covering the contents, it is possible to secure them with tie-down.

Example of unsuitable packaging

The frame has large gaps where other cargo could get tangled.

Improved alternative

Cover the cargo with a wooden frame or box and secure internally so that it does not shift. This ensures that the cargo will be transported safely.

Example of unsuitable packaging

The cargo is held in place by shrinkwrap only, leaving it insecure. Transporting them in this condition risks items coming loose during cargo handling.

Improved alternative

Fit a top cover with corner protectors and secure with straps.

Example of unsuitable packaging

Cargo is held in place by shrinkwrap only.
The inappropriate shape makes poor use of space and may result in the cargo not being carried on the booked flight.

Improved alternative

Repacking the cargo has made the top as flat as possible.
The cargo is secured using both shrinkwrap and straps, with corner protectors used to prevent carton damage.

Example of unsuitable packaging

Left: The goods are exposed and may spill out if they come into contact with other cargo during transportation.

Right: The cargo is inappropriately stacked and at risk of moving in flight.

Improved alternative

When using a top cover to hold cargo in place, take precautions such as rounding off sharp corners to prevent damage to other cargo.

Insufficient strength Open

Does not allow for items to be placed on top Open

What does safety mean for airfreight?

What is meant by “safety” in the context of airfreight?

Three aspects of airfreight safety

1.Worker safety: Ensuring the safety of the people who do work that exposes them to risks such as working high above the ground or stacking heavy items.

2.Cargo safety: Ensuring that the goods and packaging are kept in the same condition as when they were received from the customer despite the harsh conditions to which cargo is subject when transported by air.

3.Aircraft safety: Preventing damage to the aircraft and avoiding disturbances to flight stability due to the cargo moving in transit or other such problems.

Please take time to determine how best to pack your goods so that they satisfy all these requirements for airfreight safety and are Ready for Carriage.