Air cargo operations: what happens on the ground

Acceptance is a gate, not a reception desk

At the counter, the handler checks the consignment against its documentation: piece count, weight, dimensions, markings, packaging condition and the security status of the cargo. Anything restricted needs the correct declaration and packaging before it goes further. Discrepancies found here are cheap to correct; the same discrepancy discovered at the aircraft is not, because by then a load plan has been built around the wrong figures.

Build-up: assembling loads that fit an aircraft

Accepted cargo is assembled onto pallets and into containers shaped for particular aircraft holds. Build-up crews stack for stability and contour, apply nets and straps, and keep the finished device inside the profile that will pass the door and sit correctly in the hold. Devices are tagged with their destination and content, and their weight recorded, because the next stage depends entirely on that number being right.

Weight and balance decides what actually travels

Load control assigns devices to hold positions so the aircraft's centre of gravity stays within limits and no position exceeds its floor loading. Fuel, passengers and route conditions all compete for the same allowance. This is why cargo can be booked, accepted, built and still not fly: the aircraft's permissible payload on the day may simply be smaller than the queue of ready freight.

Offloads and how priority is decided

When freight must be left behind, handlers work to a priority order shaped by service commitments, perishability, connecting flights and contractual arrangements. Live animals, human remains, urgent pharmaceutical and time-definite consignments sit high; general cargo with no commitment sits low. Shippers who never declare a service level should expect to be at the bottom of that list.

Break-down and release at the far end

On arrival the devices are stripped, consignments are separated and moved into an import shed, and cargo is held until the formalities of the destination country are complete and the carrier releases it against the transport document. Storage time is free only briefly. Collection arranged in advance is what stops a shipment that flew quickly from sitting in a shed for days.

Frequently asked questions

Why is booked cargo sometimes offloaded?

Because the aircraft's usable payload varies with fuel, passengers, route and weather, and the load plan is finalised close to departure. When capacity falls short, handlers offload according to a priority order rather than at random.

What is checked when cargo is accepted?

That the physical consignment matches its paperwork in pieces, weight and dimensions, that packaging and markings are sound, that any restricted goods are correctly declared, and that the cargo's security status is established before it enters the secure area.