What are the restrictions on air freight?

Size restrictions for air cargo
Air freight is strictly limited in size to ensure safe loading and transportation of goods. Generally speaking, the single piece length limit for air freight is usually 3 meters, but for certain special goods such as pianos, furniture, etc., the length limit can be relaxed to 4 meters. At the same time, the width and height of the goods are also limited, generally 1.5 meters and 1.8 meters respectively. For oversized goods that exceed these standards, special transportation methods and packaging measures need to be taken, and contact the airline in advance to understand specific transportation regulations and requirements.
The volume limit of goods also varies depending on the type of aircraft. The volume of each cargo for non wide body aircraft (with less than 200 seats and single aisle) generally does not exceed 40 × 60 × 100 centimeters, while the volume of each cargo for wide body aircraft (with dual aisle and more than 200 seats) generally does not exceed 100 × 100 × 140 centimeters. In addition, there are certain requirements for the sum of the length, width, and height of the goods, such as the sum of the length, width, and height of each item must not be less than 40 centimeters.
Weight restrictions for air cargo
The weight of air cargo is also strictly limited. The weight of each cargo transported by non wide body aircraft generally does not exceed 80 kilograms, while wide body aircraft do not exceed 250 kilograms. Valuable items are calculated based on their actual gross weight, with a unit of measurement of 0.1 kilograms. For goods that exceed the specified weight and size, they are called oversized goods. When receiving them, it is necessary to first calculate whether they do not exceed the size of the aircraft cargo door and the load-bearing capacity of the cabin floor, and whether they can solve the loading and unloading problems. Depending on the capacity, they can be received, and additional fees for oversized goods will be charged according to regulations.
Packaging requirements for air freight goods
The packaging of air freight must be sturdy, resistant to pressure and shock, and comply with international transportation standards. Packaging materials should have good compressive and seismic performance, such as cardboard boxes, wooden boxes, etc. It is best to use export wooden boxes (such as plywood, mixed board, etc.) and avoid using wooden boxes made of logs, as many countries have restrictions on original wooden boxes. For oversized or overweight goods (gross weight greater than or equal to 60 kilograms), they generally need to be palletized for the use of forklifts for handling. The tray should be flat when in contact with the ground, and each shipment must be accompanied by a safety certificate.
Type restrictions on air cargo
Air freight is also subject to many restrictions in terms of types. Firstly, flammable and explosive materials such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, alcohol, gunpowder, detonators, etc. are strictly prohibited or restricted from being transported by air because these materials may cause spontaneous combustion, leakage, or explosion during transportation, posing a serious threat to the safety of aircraft structures, crew members, and passengers.
Secondly, toxic substances such as insecticides and acaricides are also restricted from air transportation because if they leak or break during transportation, their toxic components may enter the human body or environment through air, water, or food chains, leading to poisoning, disease, and even death.
In addition, corrosive substances such as acids (sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid), bases (sodium hydroxide), mercury, etc. are also prohibited or restricted from air transportation because they may corrode packaging materials, aircraft structures, and even the goods themselves during transportation, causing economic losses and safety hazards.
In addition to the above-mentioned dangerous goods, prohibited items such as drugs, firearms, ammunition, and firearms are also strictly prohibited from being transported by air as they involve public safety, health, or moral risks. Meanwhile, sensitive goods such as biological products, perishable items, stolen items, magnetic items, drugs, and electronic products require special attention or measures during air transportation.
Other restrictions
In addition to the size, weight, packaging, and type restrictions mentioned above, air freight goods also need to comply with other relevant regulations. For example, export customs clearance procedures must be complete and accurate packing lists must be provided truthfully to the airline. Any items prohibited from transportation by airlines are strictly prohibited from being received. Air freight that does not comply with regulations cannot be concealed in the goods, such as magnetic goods that need to be appraised before they can be exported by air.