About Compassionate Shipping

AC Compassionate shipping provides you with two options for shipping human remains. The requirements for shipping vary for domestic and international shipments, and whether or not the remains have been cremated.

Non-cremated remains

Air Canada Cargo only accepts non-cremated human remains from Funeral Homes or registered freight forwarders.

All non-cremated remains, whether international or domestic, must be placed in a hermetically sealed container of flexible material or a rigid container of lead or zinc. This container must then be contained in a wooden or metal coffin with strong handles on the outside. As desired, exterior protective packaging or a fabric covering is permitted if the handles remain on the outside.

All shipments require proper identification at the head of the container or casket.

Cremated remains

Cremated remains must be transported in funeral urns that are securely protected from damage by cushioned packaging.

General shipping requirements

All shipments must also comply with Air Canada Cargo’s Shipping Requirements

Shipping Requirements

Even in difficult times, Air Canada Cargo must adhere to current regulatory and security control requirements.These guidelines will help you understand how to prepare for shipment. In addition, all shipments must meet and follow IATA Regulations.

Shipper’s Responsibility

You have a responsibility to ensure that your shipment complies with all applicable rules and regulations and is acceptable for transport (prepared for shipment, properly identified and labeled, and accompanied by all required documentation).

Shipping Requirements

The following outlines key requirements for shipping with AC Compassion.

Compliance

Shipments are acceptable for transportation when the shipper, consignee or owner has complied with the rules and regulations of the tariffs and all laws, ordinances, and other governmental rules and regulations governing the transportation of the shipment.

Preparing for shipment

Cremated remains in urns or non-cremated remains in casketsmust be properly prepared for shipment. The requirements vary for international or domestic shipments as described in About Compassionate Shipping.

Shipments must be prepared in a way that allows for security screening and to ensure that it can be carried safely with ordinary care in handling. In addition, the volume and weight of your shipment when tendered must match those in your booking.

Air waybill

The air waybill must be accurate and complete in all respects. It must include the weight, dimensions, all information required by Customs and known/unknown security status. The air waybill must also contain the conditions of contract. An e-Air Waybill is also acceptable (where authorized).

Completing an Air Waybill

Note: Any adjustments made to an Air Waybill that could impact the expected billing amount, such as re-weighing, calculating or re-calculating the dimensional weight of your shipment, will be communicated to the shipper with a Notice of Correction. This Notice of Correction will be sent electronically to your attention.

Attention Freight Forwarders:

When applicable, complete House AWB information must be available for manual input or electronically transmitted to either Air Canada or directly to Customs.

Documentation

All documents necessary for determining the nature of the goods, along with export, import or transit documents required by Customs or any governmental body, must be completed and/or checked and must accompany the air waybill.

Electronic submission of this information is also acceptable (where authorized) following IATA procedures and standards.

Marking and labelling the shipment

The shipment must be marked with the consignee's name, street and city address, including ZIP/postal code (as on the Air Waybill) OR, have one or more packages marked with this information with an appropriate reference on all other packages in the consignment.

A completed identification label or stencil must be attached to the package, casket or air tray. Compassionate shipments must be identified with the appropriate label. Labels must be fully visible and all old labels and markings must be obliterated.

Security adherence

All shipments undergo security screening and must be prepared for carriage according to the security control instructions provided by the National Authority and any additional instructions provided by Air Canada Cargo.

Booking a Shipment

Shipping the remains of someone close to you can be stressful. We understand and are committed to providing the utmost respect and care during the entire shipping process – starting with your booking. Our knowledgeable and experienced booking agents will guide you through the booking process.

Due to some aircraft types, weight, weather and regulatory restrictions, we may not be able to transport your shipment to all the destinations we serve. Your Air Canada Cargo station can help determine the best route during your booking discussion.

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Cargo Portal Services

Visit Cargo Portal Services (CPS) to access your existing CPS profile or to register for one. Cargo Portal Services offers a self-service booking tool, rate estimation, House Air Waybill entry and tracking services.

View our CPS Quick Reference Guide.

Tender & Retrieval

Tendering (or dropping-off) is the process of consigning your shipment to Air Canada Cargo for transport. Retrieving your shipment is the process of picking up the shipment at the destination location.

Tender/Retrieval Locations

The Air Canada Cargo location for tendering shipments depends on the type and destination of the shipment. Your booking agent will provide you with the applicable Air Canada Cargo locations for tendering and receiving your shipment.

Shipping Service	Tender Cut-Off Time	Retrieval Cut-Off Time
AC Compassion	4 hours	4 hours

Before tendering your shipment, see our Shipper’s Checklist

* Subject to Dangerous Goods Inspection
** No single piece over 32 kg

Shipper's Checklist

Our goal it to make this difficult time a little easier for you by providing a dignified and sensitive shipping experience. This Shipper’s Checklist will help you know what you can do to ensure a smooth booking and shipping experience.

Before You Book

For fast and easy booking, follow this checklist to make sure you’ve got what you need before you call to book your shipment.

Confirm the shipment

Check IATA regulations, customs requirements and country-specific shipping requirements and restrictions to ensure that you can ship to your destination.

Determine your route and destination

Note that AC Compassion is not available at all Air Canada Cargo locations. In addition, due to some aircraft types, weight, weather and regulatory restrictions, we may not be able to transport your shipment to all the destinations we serve. Your Air Canada Cargo agent will help you determine the best route based on your needs. General information about Routes and Network.

Know the details about your shipment

This includes identifying whether the remains are cremated or non-cremated and any special requirements to ensure dignified and caring handling of the shipment. For details, visit About Compassionate Shipping. As with all shipping, you will also need to know the weight, number of pieces, dimensions, and all information required by Customs.

Consider your shipping needs

Human remains are always shipped using our Priority1 service level and with the utmost dignity and care. If you require special handling, please be prepared to discuss your needs with the Air Canada Cargo booking agent.

Have the shipping and receiving information ready

• Shipper’s name, address, telephone numbers
• Consignee/recipient name, address, telephone numbers
• City of origin and destination

Understand the shipping costs

Note that shipping rates can vary depending on the destination and any special handling requirements. Your Air Canada Cargo agent will help you evaluate your shipping options and total shipping costs. General information about Rates, Charges and Fees.

Arrange Your Booking

Know how to arrange your booking.

Before Tendering Your Shipment

Ready to drop-off your shipment? Make sure the tender process goes smoothly by following these steps to ensure your shipment is ready for carriage.

Have your Air Waybill ready

For details about filling in your AWB see Air Waybill.

Know your Booking Confirmation number

This will be provided when your booking is complete.

Gather all required documentation

This will include any applicable forms, declarations or disclosure documents required for your shipment.

Ensure that your shipment is ready for carriage

For the shipment of human remains, this involves meeting the specific requirements described in About Compassionate Shipping, as well as following the guidelines for labelling and identification, and ensuring that the shipment is in compliance with all general IATA shipping requirements. See Shipping Requirements

Check the weight and dimensions of your shipment

They must match with the details provided on your AWB.

Know where and when to tender your shipment

For more information visit Tender & Retrieval.