By Jennifer Chang    Photo：CANVA

Air transport of oversized and overweight cargo is a complex and precise logistics operation that requires meticulous planning and execution. Such cargo typically includes large industrial equipment, construction materials, heavy machinery, and even aerospace components. Transporting them involves not only safety and efficiency but also strict regulatory and technical requirements.

The process for air transport of oversized and overweight cargo begins with the preparation stage. This includes detailed logistics planning and safety assessments to ensure the cargo can be safely loaded and unloaded without causing damage or posing safety risks to the aircraft or the facilities involved. Cargo agents closely collaborate with clients to ensure the dimensions, weight, and shape of the cargo comply with specific aircraft door sizes and floor loading capacities. This ensures adaptation to specific aviation transport equipment and conditions.

Secondly, airlines follow the standards and regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for cargo packaging and labeling. Oversized and overweight cargo may require customized packaging solutions to ensure it can withstand external pressure and vibrations during transportation while protecting its internal structure and mechanical components.

Furthermore, the loading process requires specialized equipment and tools. Airlines are typically equipped with heavy-duty cranes and professional cargo loading teams who are well-versed in operating procedures, ensuring that the cargo is safely loaded and securely fastened in the aircraft's cargo hold. The success of this stage directly impacts both the safety and efficiency of transportation.  For example, specialized Unit Load Devices (ULDs) are used, and for overweight cargo, customized pallets or reinforced wooden crates may be necessary. Additional securing methods such as strapping, netting, and reinforced brackets might be required to prevent cargo movement. Airports must have suitable cargo handling equipment, such as high-capacity forklifts, specialized cranes, and roll-on platforms. In some cases, special sliding tracks or lifting mechanisms are needed to load the cargo into the aircraft.

In the process of cargo transportation, safety always comes first.  Airlines take a series of preventive measures, such as using special in-cabin partition walls and supports to ensure that the cargo remains stable during the flight and to prevent possible movement or deformation. At the same time, the weight and center of gravity distribution of the cargo will be strictly controlled to ensure the safety and stability of the aircraft. Unloading and subsequent handling after arrival at the destination are equally important. Airlines and logistics companies will arrange professional personnel to carry out the unloading and transfer of the cargo, ensuring a smooth transition between different modes of transportation, and finally delivering the cargo safely to the customer. This may involve ground transportation equipment and additional packaging or support to ensure the safety and integrity of the cargo in the final leg.

If your cargo is especially large or overweight, it needs to be booked weeks or even months in advance to ensure smooth transportation arrangements and ground handling. Never attempt to transport oversized or overweight cargo without fully understanding the situation. Do you have any specific cargo types or transportation needs?

Appreciate if you could share TGL Blog among your friends who are interested in first-hand market information of supply chain and updated economic incidents.