Standard marshmallows are picked up while luxury airlifts require a special airline with kid gloves.

Regular airfreight is the standard transport of goods by aircraft, providing reliable, relatively fast and cost-effective transport without special handling, temperature control or priority service – ideal for general freight needs.

In air freight, special cargo is the opposite. These are shipments that require special handling, equipment, documentation or special care due to their special nature. Unlike standard shipping, these items can pose risks, have high value, or have difficult transportation conditions.

The analysis of the main categories of special goods includes about eight types of goods. The first is dangerous goods (DG). They may pose a safety hazard during flight if not handled properly and may contain explosives, flammable liquids/solids, gases, toxic and infectious materials, radioactive materials, pollutants, etc. They are transported under IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).

The second group is perishable. These are items that deteriorate over time or under the right conditions. This includes fresh food, flowers, seafood, pharmaceuticals, biological samples, historical media, and experimental drugs and may require temperature-controlled storage, refrigeration, or express delivery.

Live animals, from chickens to elephants, are transported under IATA’s Transport of Live Animals (LAR) regulations. These can be living things such as animals, pets or zoo animals. They require adequate housing, ventilation, nutrition and stress relief.

Man remains

It is a common myth that every commercial airliner has a coffin in the luggage compartment. This is a myth. Airlines sometimes carry human remains (in special boxes or containers) in the cargo hold, but not on every flight. The number of these shipments depends on the route, demand and conditions. For example: Long international flights are more likely to carry remains than short domestic flights, as families often want their loved ones to return to their home country.

Airlines have special procedures and staff to handle this matter with respect and confidentiality. The remaining items are kept in secure compartments separate from normal luggage. So while this happens regularly, it’s not true that every commercial flight has an object – sometimes there are none.

The fifth category is Valuable Goods (VAL). These are high value items that require security measures. This includes precious metals, jewelry, cash, artwork, and sensitive documents. As a result, moving companies use lockers, security guards, and limited access.

A related category is perishable goods, goods that are susceptible to theft or damage but are not classified as “valuable”. Examples include electronic devices, mobile phones, and branded fashion items. It attracts thieves but does not corrupt.

Safe temperature control

The seventh category is temperature-controlled drugs/drugs. These are drugs, vaccines and clinical trial materials. Not surprisingly, they need GDPR compliance (Good Distribution Practices). They are often shipped with dry ice, active/inactive containers, or special ULDs (unit loading devices).

Bulk and heavy cargo are items that are too large or too heavy for standard aircraft. This includes machinery, vehicles, aircraft parts and oil drilling equipment. These ships may require cargo ships with front-loading or side-loading capabilities.

In short, special cargo in air freight is anything that requires extra care, handling or handling beyond regular cargo. Airlines usually have teams, procedures and facilities dedicated to these unusual shipments.