Most containers are general purpose, designed to load or unload direct from vessel to truck trailer bed. For special purposes, you may require a particular type. For more information, contact the Certified Transportation Network member near you.

AIR CARGO CONTAINERIZATION Shippers can save money and minimize cargo loss by containerizing their air cargo shipments. Airlines encourage the use of containers by providing special tariffs for containerized freight-all-kinds (FAK) shipments on many routes.

Air carriers prefer containerized shipments for a number of reasons:

• Reduces the number of individual pieces of cargo which must be handled in terminals.
• Provides for cost-efficient use of cube capacity of aircraft.
• Permits use of mechanical handling systems and equipment to best advantage.
• Speeds loading and unloading of aircraft.
• Minimizes exposure of cargo to weather, theft, pilferage and handling damage while in the custody of the carrier.

AIR CARGO CONTAINERS FALL INTO THREE BASIC CATEGORIES:

1. Air Cargo Pallets - Designed for use with conveyor systems in terminals and in aircraft, the low-profile flat pallet is equipped with fittings for securing the pallet firmly to the aircraft deck

Cargo is normally secured to the pallet by nets, tightened over cargo by application of tensioned straps.

Pallets are often covered with contoured semi-structural covers called "igloos," "hulahuts," or "cocoons" to provide protection and keep cargo within safe dimensions for loading in aircraft. Igloos may be attached to the pallet by cargo nets that are placed over the exterior, or the igloo may be permanently attached to the pallet.

Common sizes and capacities of pallets are listed in the table. Dimensions and cubes will vary slightly.

2. Lower Deck Containers - Developed by use in the lower deck cargo spaces of high-capacity aircraft. They are fully structured and completely enclosed.

Cargo is loaded into the container which may be equipped with shelves for accommodation of small of irregularly shaped cargo.

The container doors, metal or fabric (or a combination), are closed, sealed and locked.

Containers are locked directly into the aircraft restraint systems without need for nets or tiedowns.

3. "Box-type containers" - Developed in standard sized to facilitate establishment of uniform shipping rates, they are used to consolidate shipments.

Available from various manufacturers, they may be purchased by the shipped or used by freight forwarders to consolidate the shipper's cargo into one easily handled and rated unit.

Constructed of wood, plastic, plywood, fiberboard, metal or combinations of these materials, all must conform to the basic standards prescribed by the Air Transportation Association (ATA) for domestic use or the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) for international shipments.

Contoured "Boxes" - (igloo configuration) are handled and loaded aboard aircraft in the same manner as pallet-igloo combinations.

Square-sided box-type containers are normally loaded on pallet-igloo combinations by the carrier for stowage aboard the aircraft.

The following table lists standard IATA containers. Minor variations in internal dimensions and cube will occur due to the differences in construction techniques and materials used. All dimensions are in inches.

Certain commodities are excluded from air cargo "FAK" rates. Consult your carrier or forwarder for specifics on excluded items and on articles prohibited by IATA "Restricted Articles Regulations."