General Cargo Air Freight & Standard Cargo Transport

Air Cargo Green Capabilities (ACGC) arranges general cargo air freight for standard commercial shipments that can move under normal airline acceptance and handling procedures.

General cargo normally covers packaged goods that do not require dangerous-goods procedures, active temperature control, live-animal handling or other special cargo conditions. This distinction is important when selecting the airline, rate and handling process.

For the broader transport service and worldwide routing options, see International Air Freight.

Types of General Cargo We Transport

General cargo can include a broad range of B2B shipments when the goods meet standard air freight acceptance requirements.

Industrial Components

Packaged components, tools and production parts that fit standard airline loading and handling procedures.

Machinery Parts

Replacement parts and compact machinery components that do not require heavy or outsized cargo procedures. Cargo exceeding standard dimensions or requiring special loading is handled separately as heavy and outsized freight.

Apparel and Textiles

Boxed garments, textiles, accessories and commercial stock transported without temperature-control requirements.

Consumer and Retail Goods

Packaged commercial merchandise, product stock and non-regulated consumer goods.

Commercial Samples and Promotional Materials

Samples, catalogues, display materials and other business cargo moving to customers, distributors, exhibitions or company locations.

Standard Electronic Equipment

Electronic products and components can move as general cargo when they do not contain restricted batteries or other items that change their air transport classification.

What Is Not General Cargo?

Some shipments require a separate acceptance process and should not be classified as general cargo.

Cargo classification is checked before booking because the commodity can affect airline acceptance, packaging, documentation and rate.

Examples include:

dangerous goods;

pharmaceutical cargo requiring controlled conditions;

perishable goods;

heavy and outsized cargo;

fine art and museum objects requiring specialist handling.

Our Network and Operations

Cargo Review

We check the commodity, number of pieces, dimensions, gross weight, packing and route before requesting airline capacity.

Packing and Acceptance

Cargo must be packed for normal air transport and terminal handling. Packaging should protect the contents, remain stable during handling and allow the shipment to be accepted by the airline.

Documentation

Standard international shipments normally require transport and commercial documents appropriate to the route. Where customs procedures are required, support can be added through our customs clearance services.

Airline Booking

Capacity is selected according to the shipment size, departure point, destination and required timing.

Destination Handling and Delivery

After arrival, cargo can be released at the airport or connected with road transport for delivery to an agreed destination.

Our Process

1. Cargo Details

Send the origin, destination, commodity, number of pieces, dimensions, gross weight and packing type.

2. Classification and Routing

We confirm whether the shipment can move as general cargo and review available airline routing.

3. Booking and Preparation

Capacity is booked and the required shipping documents and terminal arrangements are coordinated.

4. Air Transport

Cargo is handed to the airline and moves according to the confirmed routing.

5. Arrival and Delivery

Destination handling, customs procedures and final delivery are coordinated according to the agreed service scope.

Cost of General Cargo Air Freight

General cargo rates are normally based on chargeable weight and the selected route.

Current examples of airline rates are available on the Air Freight Rates and Costs page.

If the shipment cannot fit scheduled capacity because of its volume or dimensions, a cargo charter can be assessed separately.

The final price can be affected by:

origin and destination;
gross and volumetric weight;
dimensions and number of pieces;
airline capacity;
direct or connecting routing;
terminal charges;
pickup and final delivery;
customs services.

Benefits of General Cargo Air Freight

Broad Scheduled-Airline Availability

Standard cargo can be accepted across a wide international airline network without the additional procedures required for many special cargo categories.

Suitable for Regular B2B Shipments

General cargo air freight can support recurring stock movements, production components, commercial orders and replenishment shipments.

Standard Handling Process

Cargo follows established airline acceptance, terminal handling and documentation procedures.

Airport or Door Delivery

The shipment can be booked airport-to-airport or combined with collection and final road transport.

Customs Support

Export and import clearance can be added when required for the route.

FAQ

What is considered general cargo in air freight?

General cargo is standard commercial freight that does not require special handling procedures such as dangerous-goods processing, temperature control or special loading because of excessive dimensions.

Are pharmaceuticals considered general cargo?

Pharmaceutical products may have dedicated temperature, handling or documentation requirements and should be checked separately. See our pharma logistics service for this cargo category.

Can dangerous goods be shipped as general cargo?

No. Cargo classified as dangerous goods must be declared and handled under the applicable procedures. More information is available on the Dangerous Goods page.

How should general cargo be packed for air freight?

Packaging should protect the contents during terminal handling and air transport, remain intact under normal transport conditions and comply with airline acceptance requirements for the commodity.

What documents are needed?

Requirements depend on the route, but commercial shipments commonly involve a commercial invoice, packing list and air waybill, together with any customs or commodity-specific documents required for the origin or destination.

Can general cargo be delivered door-to-door?

Yes. Pickup and final road delivery can be added to the air freight service when required.

Order transportation

Send the route, cargo description, number of pieces, dimensions, gross weight and packing type. We will check whether the shipment qualifies as general cargo and select an appropriate air freight option.