Useful information 

PACKAGE AND PACKAGE INSTRUCTIONS

DANGEROUS GOODS

Air Waybill (AWB) GENERAL INFORMATION

PACKAGE AND PACKAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Previously, the only function of packaging was to protect the shipment. In modern distribution other considerations must also be taken into account, for instance, automated storage, mechanical handling and sales promotion. The designer also has to consider the limitations of various modes of transportation in order to find the most economical forms of packaging. 

There are no standing instructions on how an air cargo shipment should be packed, except for dangerous goods and live animals. Packing requirements vary, depending on the commodity, aircraft type, weather conditions and regulations of the country of origin or destination.

The package must be clean and unbroken, and must not display any old, confusing markings. Not much is required of the packaging during the flight. Air travel is smooth, and cargo holds are pressurized and heated. Problematic surface transportation to the airport and from the airport to the consignee often calls for sturdy packaging.

Owing to the nature of air transportation, packaging can often be lighter, and usually less expensive, than that normally used in surface transportation. Today's light, durable packaging materials have replaced many of the old wooden, cardboard and metal packages

DANGEROUS GOODS 

Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR)

Dangerous goods are substances or objects that may cause harm or damage to other cargo, passengers or aircraft.

Dangerous goods and their maximum amounts, packaging, handling, and marking are specified in detail in the Dangerous Goods Regulation book published annually by IATA. These regulations are based on instructions from the international Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which are in turn derived from United Nations recommendations concerning the transportation of dangerous goods.

The following are classified as dangerous goods:

· Explosive substances 

· Gases in various forms 

· Flammable liquids 

· Flammable solids and substances that gasify in contact with water 

· Oxidative substances, organic peroxides 

· Toxic and infectious substances 

· Radioactive materials 

· Corrosive substances 

· Other miscellaneous dangerous substances

When a shipment contains one or more of the above-mentioned dangerous substances, the carrier requires the shipper to complete and sign a Shipper`s Declaration for Dangerous Goods. This is a legal document declaring that the shipper has complied with all ralevant regulations and instructions.

Air Waybill (AWB) GENERAL INFORMATION

The most important document in air cargo transportation is the transportation contract, or Air Waybill (AWB). A cargo agent or airline draws up the contract by issuing an Air Waybill, the form of which is approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Instructions given by the shipper, and air transportation regulations of the countries concerned, are closely observed. An IATA Air Waybill is a straight, or non-negotiable document, unlike the bill of lading used in maritime transportation. The conditions of contract are printed on the reserve side of original Air Waybills. 

The Air Waybill has several functions in international transportation: 

· It confirms the transportation contract between the shipper and the agent, and between the agent and the airline. 

· It confirms that goods have been accepted as an air cargo shipment. 

· It constitutes the shipper`s assurance that he has observed the conditions of contract. 

· It is an important document for customs, banking and other transactions. It is also a receipt for payment of air cargo and insurance charges. 

· It serves as the shipperґs proof of ownership under Article 12 of the Warsaw Convention. 
It defines the limits of the carrier`s liability. 

· In conveys to airline personnel the shipper`s instructions concerning routing and handling during loading and storage. 

Other essential documets in addition to the Air Waybill are the Shipperґs Declaration for Dangerous Goods and the Shipperґs Certification for Live Animals. Other documets that may be required in the country of origin or destination are a bill of sale, consular certificates, and export and import licenses. These can be attached to the Air Waybill.