Complete IATA guide for your air cargo operations

This guide helps you structure air freight operations using IATA best practices and real customer requirements.

It covers the full cycle: qualification, quotation, documentation, execution, and compliance control.

Section goals

• Calculate chargeable and volumetric weight correctly.
• Identify cargo categories and operational constraints.
• Build clear, auditable, and compliant invoices.

Standard IATA formula: Length x Width x Height (cm) / 6000.

The billed weight is the higher value between actual weight and volumetric weight.

Classify cargo before quoting to avoid pricing and documentation issues.

• General cargo
• Perishable goods
• High-value cargo
• Sensitive / fragile shipments
• Dangerous goods (DGR)

Each category may trigger dedicated surcharges, labels, and compliance documents.

DGR shipments require strict checks on UN classes, packaging, and labeling.

• Validate shipper declaration for dangerous goods.
• Confirm aircraft compatibility (passenger/cargo).
• Verify quantity limits and supporting documents.

Some cargo types need dedicated booking, handling, and monitoring flows.

• Live animals
• Pharma and cold-chain cargo
• Artwork and sensitive equipment
• Out-of-gauge shipments

Always document the key constraint: temperature, security, urgency, or fragility.

Complete documentation prevents delays and customs issues.

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Destination/product specific certificates

Tip: keep weights, quantities, and descriptions consistent across all documents.

Build pricing transparently: freight base + surcharges + service fees + margin.

• Freight rate (chargeable kg)
• Fuel and security surcharges
• Handling, documentation, and last-mile fees
• Taxes depending on applicable regime

Always show a clear surcharge breakdown to improve customer trust and validation speed.

Apply IATA standards and local regulations to ensure compliance and traceability.

• Follow current editions (DGR, TACT, and related resolutions).
• Update internal procedures on a regular basis.
• Archive operational and commercial evidence properly.

Compliance should be enforced at invoice creation stage, not only before flight departure.

Recommended Keitata workflow for smooth execution:

1. Qualify customer request and collect shipment data.
2. Calculate chargeable weight and prepare quotation.
3. Create invoice and complete internal validation.
4. Track shipment, record payment, and report performance.