We sometimes get asked by exporting clients if we can arrange to have their airfreight stowed in a part of the aircraft hold that is not so susceptible to temperature fluctuations, or where it will not be subject to a lot of movement. The reality is that there should be no corner-cutting if your goods require special handling, and it is often better to pay a premium rather than chasing the cheapest freight rates.
While it is possible for us to ask that your cargo be loaded in a specific part of an aircraft’s cargo hold, such positioning is generally treated by the airline as a special handling request rather than a guaranteed instruction. It all depends on the nature of the goods, the type of aircraft, and the carrier’s safety regulations.
The ultimate decision on placement is dictated by the airline’s duty to ensure proper weight distribution, balance, and safety. In some circumstances we may be able to influence placement for special cargo, such as requesting specific temperature zones or, for oversized cargo, a nose-loading freighter.
Each flight has a unique load plan with pre-determined positions for the freight booked.
Cargo is consolidated into Unit Loading Devices (ULD) that can be secured inside the aircraft. The bookings are then staged and reviewed, waiting to be loaded and ready to board the plane.
You will have more control over the transport of your cargo if you have sufficient quantity to pack your own ULD. Selecting the right air freight container and its positioning onboard the aircraft depends on your cargo’s size, weight, sensitivity, and urgency.
Here is what you need to know about requesting specific cargo placement:
Types of Loading Areas: Cargo can be loaded in the main deck (for large/oversized items on cargo planes), forward cargo (front compartment), or aft cargo (rear compartment).
Special Cargo Needs: If your cargo is fragile, hazardous, or requires specific temperatures (perishables), this should be declared so that we may use IATA handling codes, which instruct the airline to place the cargo in appropriate sections (e.g., a climate-controlled area).
How to Make the Request: You must inform us as your freight forwarder at the time of booking, and we will relay these instructions to the airline and ensure they are on the Air Waybill.
Limitations: For passenger flights, cargo is limited to the lower belly deck and has height/length restrictions (typically 1.6m high). The carrier can deny specific placement requests if they conflict with the aircraft’s centre of gravity or safety protocols.
Cargo Splitting: Split-shipments can occur when your cargo is packed in multiple loose packages covered under a single Air Waybill. If you do not request specific handling, high-volume, or “full” flights, your cargo might be split, which means it could be loaded on different flights or in different parts of the plane, leaving stowage in the cargo hold mostly up to chance.
If your goods are sensitive to variations to temperature, don’t leave it to fate by hoping they will be stowed in a favourable part of the cargo hold. Tell us at time of booking and we will arrange packing in the appropriate type of aircraft container.
Whether you’re shipping electronics, fashion, pharmaceuticals, or machinery, having a discussion with us about airfreight space, loading and ULD containers—before confirming the booking—will allow us to work with you to choose the best solution and avoid costly mistakes.
At Colless Young, we work with you to ensure your freight is delivered safely to its correct destination in good condition, economically, and on time. For complete information about all your export needs, give us a call – ask for Andrew on +61 7 3890 0800 or email enq@collessyoung.com.au .
