June 18, 2024
Air Freight
The world relies on a complex network of transportation systems to deliver fresh produce, seafood, flowers, and other perishable goods to consumers. Air freight plays a vital role in this process, enabling the rapid movement of these temperature-sensitive items across vast distances.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately 20% of fruits and vegetables are lost after harvest due to spoilage during transportation; Air freight plays a crucial role in minimising these losses by enabling rapid delivery to distant markets. Additionally, the global cut flower industry is estimated to be worth over $36 billion, with air freight being the primary mode of transport for these delicate commodities.
In this article, we’ll explore exactly how to ship perishables by air freight, as well as the definition of perishable cargo and any restrictions associated with shipping perishable cargo via air freight.
Definition of ‘perishable goods’
Perishable goods are items that have a limited shelf life and can spoil, decay, or become unsafe if not stored or transported under appropriate conditions. These goods typically require temperature control and timely delivery to maintain their quality and safety. Common examples include fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat, seafood, flowers, and pharmaceuticals.
How many types of perishable cargo are there?
The exact number of perishable cargo types is difficult to quantify due to the vast array of food and non-food items with varying temperature requirements. However, the core categories include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: These items have high respiration rates and are susceptible to enzymatic breakdown, leading to a loss of quality and spoilage.
- Meat, poultry, and seafood: Animal products require consistent cold storage to prevent bacterial growth and maintain safety.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yoghurt require specific temperature ranges to ensure their texture, flavour, and safety.
- Cut flowers and ornamental plants: These require specific humidity and temperature control to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
- Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies: Certain vaccines and medications have strict temperature requirements for storage and transportation.
- Biological samples: Specimens for medical research and diagnosis, including blood, tissue, and other biological samples.
Regulations for perishable goods
Shipping perishable goods by air is subject to various regulations with the aim of ensuring the safety, quality, and security of perishable products throughout the supply chain. Key areas covered by these regulations include:
- Maintaining consistent temperatures during air transportation is crucial for preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods. Specific temperature ranges are mandated for different types of perishables.
- Perishable goods must be packaged appropriately to withstand the rigours of air travel and maintain the required temperature and humidity levels.
- Clear and accurate labelling is essential for perishable shipments. Labels should include the product description, origin, destination, handling instructions, and temperature requirements.
- Proper documentation is required for customs clearance and ensures all necessary information is available throughout the shipping process.
These regulations are set by various national and international bodies, including:
International Air Transport Association (IATA): IATA provides the Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR), which offer comprehensive guidelines on the packaging, labelling, and handling of perishable goods.
United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The FDA regulates the transport of food and pharmaceuticals within and into the United States, ensuring that products meet safety standards.
European Union Regulations: The EU has specific regulations for the transportation of perishable goods, particularly food and pharmaceuticals, to ensure safety and traceability.
National Regulations: Each country may have its own set of regulations governing the transport of perishable goods, which must be adhered to in addition to international guidelines.
Due to the complex nature of shipping food products, the local authorities would need to be informed prior to the goods entering into the UK using IPAFFS, and it is very likely the goods will be inspected, along with the relevant documentation, such as a health certificate, or a catch certificate for seafood.
More information on the importing of animal product can be found by clicking here, with details on the charges for low, medium and high risk goods available here.
How to ship perishables by air:
Shipping perishables by air involves several key steps to ensure that goods arrive in optimal condition:
Planning and preparation:
You must understand the specific requirements of your perishable goods, including their ideal temperature range, shelf life, and sensitivity to handling. Research the regulations applicable to your origin and destination countries and choose a reputable freight forwarding company that has experience in handling perishable cargo.
Booking and documentation:
Make sure you book your air freight shipment well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Ensure all necessary documentation is prepared, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and any required health certificates.
Packaging and labelling:
Next, select appropriate packaging materials that are insulated and can maintain the desired temperature range. Utilise temperature control solutions like gel packs, dry ice (with proper declaration due to regulations), or refrigerated containers, depending on the specific needs of your goods.
Be sure to clearly label your packages with all relevant information, including “Perishable” handling instructions, temperature requirements, and contact details!
Pre-cooling and coordination:
It’s wise to pre-cool your perishable goods to the recommended temperature before transportation, and ensure that the journey the goods take to the chosen airport is at the required temperature too. It’s no good transporting the goods at a specific temperature for only part of the journey, and you will need to coordinate with your freight forwarder to ensure a smooth handover and timely loading onto the aircraft too!
Screening:
When goods are being transported by air, you will need to factor in the time it takes for the goods being screened. The temperature of the goods cannot been guaranteed during this process as the goods have to physically pass through an x-ray machine. The time it takes from offloading to screening and delivery into the airline must therefore be limited, and taken into consideration when shipping the goods.
Monitoring and tracking:
Certain perishable goods may require temperature monitoring devices to track conditions during the journey. These devices can be data loggers that record temperature readings throughout the transportation process. This data can be crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of your perishables and can also be used for documentation purposes.
How to ship perishable food by air:
Shipping perishable food by air requires meticulous attention to detail. Here are the steps involved:
Temperature control: Perishable foods must be kept at specific temperatures to prevent spoilage. For example, fresh produce often requires temperatures between 0°C and 8°C, while frozen foods need to be kept below -18°C.
Insulated packaging: Use insulated boxes, coolers, or temperature-controlled containers. Gel packs and dry ice are commonly used to maintain the required temperature.
Cold Blankets: The use of cold blankets can also help to maintain the temperature of your goods when they are being transferred from storage units to an aircraft. Due to the time it takes to load the aircraft, most perishable items will not require them, however requesting this adds an extra layer of protection to your goods.
Proper labelling: Clearly label packages with handling instructions and temperature requirements. This ensures that handlers are aware of the necessary conditions.
Rapid transit: Minimise transit time to reduce the risk of spoilage. Direct flights are preferable, and expedited shipping options should be considered.
Compliance with regulations: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including health and safety standards. This may involve obtaining health certificates and adhering to phytosanitary requirements.
Carrier and shipper responsibilities when shipping perishable goods by air
Both carriers and shippers have specific responsibilities to ensure the safe transport of perishable goods:
Carrier responsibilities:
- Airlines are responsible for maintaining appropriate temperature conditions within their dedicated air cargo compartments.
- They should provide documented proof of temperature control throughout the journey.
- Carriers should handle perishable cargo with care to minimise damage during loading, unloading, and transit.
Shipper responsibilities:
- Shippers are responsible for ensuring their goods are packaged appropriately and meet all regulatory requirements.
- They must provide accurate and complete information on the shipment documentation.
- Shippers should pre-cool their perishables to the recommended temperature and ensure timely delivery to the airport.
Shipping perishable goods by air requires careful planning, adherence to regulations, and choosing the right logistics partner. By understanding the specific requirements of your perishables and following these guidelines, you can ensure your products arrive at their destination fresh, safe, and ready for consumption.
Here at AGI Global Logistics, we have years of expertise handling perishable goods via air freight. Our experienced team can help you navigate the complexities of documentation and regulations to ensure your valuable cargo arrives on time and in optimal condition. Contact us today for a quote and to discuss your specific needs. And for all of the latest AGI news, don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!