These codes are typically used to identify shipments that require special handling, and to provide handling instructions to cargo handlers and airlines. For example, a shipment with the code DGR would indicate that it contains dangerous goods and requires special precautions to protect the safety of handling personnel and other consignments.
In addition to industry-standard codes, airlines may also create their own codes or product codes to identify special handling requirements for specific shipments. These codes may be used to provide detailed instructions on how to handle and transport the shipment, and may include information on packaging, labeling, and other handling procedures.
Overall, the use of special handling codes is an important part of the air freight industry, as it helps to ensure the safe and efficient transport of special handling shipments.
Shipment which requires special precautions to protect:
- The aircraft
- Handling personnel
- Other consignments loaded with the shipment
- The shipment itself
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| ACT | Active Temperature Controlled System |
| AOG | Aircraft on Ground |
| ATT | Goods Attached To Air Waybill |
| BIG | Out sized |
| BUP | Bulk Unitization Programme, Shipper/Consignee Handled Unit |
| CAO | Cargo Aircraft Only |
| CAT | Cargo Attendant Accompanying Shipment |
| COL | Cooled goods |
| COM | Company Mail |
| DGD | Shipper's declaration for dangerous goods |
| DIP | Diplomatic mail |
| DOM | Domestic Cargo |
| EAP | e-freight Consignment with No Accompanying Paper Documents |
| EAT | Foodstuffs |
| EAW | e-freight Consignment With No Accompanying Paper Documents |
| ECC | Consignment established with an electronically concluded cargo contract ECC with no accompanying paper Air Waybill |
| EMS | Express Mail Service |
| FIL | Undeveloped/Unexposed film |
| FRI | Frozen goods subject to veterinary/phytosanitary inspections |
| FRO | Frozen goods |
| GOH | Hanging Garments |
| HEA | Heavy cargo, 150 kg and over piece |
| HEG | Hatching eggs |
| HUM | Human remains in coffins |
| ICE | Dry Ice |
| IMP | International Massage Procedure |
| LHO | Living human organs/blood |
| LIC | License required |
| LIV | Live Animals |
| MAG | Magnetic Material |
| MAL | |
| MUW | Munitions of war |
| NDA | No Dimensions Available |
| NSC | Cargo has not been secured yet for Passenger or All- Cargo Aircraft |
| NWP | Newspapers, magazines |
| OBX | Obnoxious cargo |
| OHG | Overhang Item |
| PAC | Passenger and cargo |
| PEA | Hunting trophies, skin, hide, and all articles made from or containing parts of species listed in the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) appendices |
| PEF | Flowers |
| PEM | Meat |
| PEP | Fruits And Vegetables |
| PER | Perishable cargo |
| PES | Fish/ Seafood |
| PIL | Pharmaceuticals |
| PRI | Priority Cargo |
| QRT | Quick Ramp Transfer |
| RAC | Reserved Air Cargo |
| RDS | Diagnostic Specimens |
| REQ | Excepted Quantities of Dangerous Goods |
| SAL | Surface Mail |
| SCO | Cargo Secure for All- Cargo Aircraft only |
| SHL | Save Human Life |
| SPF | Laboratory Animals |
| SPX | Cargo Secure for Passenger and All- Cargo Aircraft |
| SUR | Surface Transportation |
| SWP | Sporting Weapons |
| VAL | Valuable cargo |
| VOL | Volume |
| VUN | Vulnerable cargo |
| WET | Shipments of wet material not packed in watertight containers |
| XPS | Priority Small Package |