Perishable air cargo needs a shipment plan built around the product, not a promise that air transport alone will keep it fresh. Before booking, define the acceptable temperature range, maximum transit time, packaging and handover points. Confirm each part of the proposed service with the carrier and handling providers.
Prepare a usable shipment brief
- Identify the exact commodity, quantity, packed pieces, dimensions and gross weight.
- State the required handling temperature and any allowed excursion, based on the product owner’s instructions.
- Give the ready date, shelf-life or delivery deadline, origin and destination, and any weekend or holiday constraints.
- Describe the packaging, coolant or active container requested, and who is responsible for conditioning and monitoring it.
- Flag permits, certificates, labels or destination checks that need to be settled before dispatch.
Flowers, food and healthcare products do not share one handling rule. Pharmaceutical shipments may require a separate, validated temperature-control process. Do not infer that a carrier accepts a specific commodity or equipment option until the booking is confirmed.
Check the entire temperature-sensitive journey
Map collection, airport acceptance, storage, aircraft transfer, arrival handling, clearance and final delivery. Ask where the cargo may be exposed to ambient conditions, who receives a temperature alert, and what contingency applies if a flight changes. A data logger can provide evidence of conditions if correctly selected and used; it does not itself prevent an excursion.
Confirm the packaging and label instructions with the shipper and carrier. IATA’s Perishable Cargo Regulations cover packaging, booking, acceptance, documentation, labelling and handling, including variations by government and carrier. For healthcare cargo, IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations address distinct temperature-sensitive requirements. These references do not replace the applicable route and product checks.
Agree the handover and exception plan
Record who will supply documents, approve any changed flight, inspect the shipment at destination and arrange collection. Check that the commercial invoice and packing list describe the actual goods consistently; our Israel documentation checklist helps with that cross-check. A faster flight does not guarantee a faster release if the required documents or product approvals are missing.
Common questions
Does every airline provide a refrigerated container?
No. Equipment, temperature-control services and route acceptance depend on the carrier and booking. Ask which option has actually been confirmed and what happens during ground transfers.
Can I send a temperature-sensitive product as ordinary air cargo?
Disclose its requirements before requesting a quote. The shipper and carrier must determine suitable packaging, service, labels and acceptance conditions for that product and route.
To discuss the logistics scope for a shipment involving Israel, send the commodity, route, packed details, temperature requirement and dates. Confirm sensitive product documents through an agreed secure channel.
