Shipping Requirements

To meet performance expectations and current regulatory and security control requirements, Air Canada Cargo adheres to a rigorous goods acceptance process. 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 (packaged appropriately, properly identified and labeled, and accompanied by all required documentation).

Shipping Requirements

The following outlines key requirements according to IATA regulations and recommended practices, including, IATA Recommended Practices 1601, 1670 and IATA Resolution 600 a/b and 606:

Compliance

Shipments are only 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.

Air waybill

The air waybill must be accurate and complete in all respects. It must include the weight, number of pieces, dimensions, nature of goods, 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).

How to complete 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.

Packing your shipment

Shipments must be packed 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.

In addition, for items shipped via AC Expedair, shipments must meet specific packaging requirements.

• Maximum of five (5) pieces per air waybill;
• 32 kg maximum per piece (actual weight);
• Up to 74 kg in dimensional weight ;

  The dimensional weight of a shipment is a calculation that reflects its density. Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length x height x width and dividing by 166 lb (if multiplied in inches) or by 6,000 kg (if multiplied in centimetres).
• Maximum single dimension 122 cm (48 in) and
• Maximum linear dimensions 229 cm (90 in).

  The maximum linear dimensions of an item are calculated by adding together its greatest outside height, width and length.

Note that the following items are not eligible for shipment via AC Expedair:

• Valuable cargo
• Dangerous goods
• Live animals
• Perishable goods
• Human remains
• Shipments subject to possible decay and/or deterioration due to temperature variations while in the carrier’s possession.

To ship any of the above goods, please see the corresponding AC Solution.

Shipping Solution Selector

AC General Cargo AC Cool Chain AC DGR AC Secure AC Animals AC Expedair AC Compassion

Marking and labelling the shipment

All packages in the consignment 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 cargo identification label or stencil must be attached to each package. 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.

Note: Any cargo that cannot be screened to a satisfactory standard may be broken down into smaller pieces in order to obtain a clear image. Breakdown and build-up fees may apply. See Security screening fees in Rates, Charges and Fees.

Booking a Shipment

Booking an expedited shipment is easy with Air Canada Cargo. Our knowledgeable and experienced booking agents will assess your shipping needs and help you determine the right solution, services and optional features to consider as they 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.

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) your shipment is the process of consigning the 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

Before tendering your shipment, please see our Shipper’s Checklist

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

Shipper's Checklist

Our goal it to provide you with a smooth, seamless shipping experience. This Shipper’s Checklist will help you know what to expect and the things you can do at each step in the shipping process to help us make your experience even better.

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.

Make sure you can ship your cargo

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

Determine your route and destination

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 shipping needs. Routes and Network

Know the details about your shipment

This includes weight, number of pieces, dimensions, nature of goods and all information required by Customs.

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 significantly depending on the solution, service level and options that you select. Your Air Canada Cargo agent will help you evaluate your shipping needs 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 if you book in advance, or at the AC Expedair counter 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

This involves proper packaging, appropriate labelling and identification and ensuring that all shipments are 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.