Air Cargo Operations and Freight Handling Checklist
This air cargo operations and freight handling checklist ensures compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), TSA 49 CFR Part 1548 (Indirect Air Carrier Security), FAA 14 CFR Part 121 cargo loading requirements, IATA ULD Regulations, and ICAO Technical Instructions for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. Designed for cargo supervisors and freight station managers.
- Industry: Aviation
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: Cargo Supervisor / Freight Station Manager
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), TSA 49 CFR Part 1548 Indirect Air Carrier Security, FAA 14 CFR Part 121.665 Cargo Loading Requirements, IATA ULD Regulations (ULD Reg), ICAO Technical Instructions Safe Transport Dangerous Goods
Cargo Acceptance
Shipment acceptance procedures.
- Air waybills present for all shipments?
- Declared contents match physical inspection (if applicable)?
- Actual weight measured and compared to declared weight?
- Shipper status verified (Known Shipper or IAC screened)?
- Undeclared dangerous goods screening completed?
Dangerous Goods
IATA DGR compliance.
- Dangerous goods accepted only from DG-certified shippers?
- Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods completed and signed?
- DG packages labeled with correct IATA labels and marks?
- All cargo staff current on IATA DGR recurrent training?
- NOTOC (Notice to Captain) prepared for DG on flight?
ULD Handling
Unit Load Device integrity.
- All ULDs inspected for damage before loading?
- ULDs have valid airworthiness/STC certification?
- ULD gross weight within certified limits?
- ULD locks and latches operational and engaged?
- ULD nets properly attached and cargo contained?
Aircraft Loading
Aircraft cargo loading safety.
- Load plan approved and distributed to ramp and dispatch?
- Weight and balance within envelope throughout loading?
- All cargo secured with approved restraint devices?
- Cargo hold doors cleared and closed before departure?
- Final load sheet produced and delivered to captain?
Lithium Battery Shipments
Lithium battery handling.
- Lithium battery shipments identified and reviewed against IATA PI 965-970?
- Lithium battery state of charge within IATA limits?
- Quantity of lithium batteries within per-package limits?
- Packaging meets Packing Instruction requirements?
- Captain notified of lithium battery quantity on board?
Cargo Records
Cargo operations documentation.
- Cargo manifest complete and accurate?
- Cargo weights entered into load planning system?
- TSA screening records retained per 49 CFR 1548 requirements?
- DG acceptance records retained for 3 months per IATA?
- Cargo Operations Notes
Related Aviation Checklists
- Airworthiness Directive Compliance and Tracking Checklist
- Ground Handling and Ramp Operations Safety Audit Checklist
- Aircraft A-Check and Periodic Inspection Checklist
- Pilot Medical Certificate Compliance and APHIS Checklist
Why Use This Air Cargo Operations and Freight Handling Checklist?
This air cargo operations and freight handling checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for cargo supervisor / freight station manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), TSA 49 CFR Part 1548 Indirect Air Carrier Security, FAA 14 CFR Part 121.665 Cargo Loading Requirements, IATA ULD Regulations (ULD Reg), ICAO Technical Instructions Safe Transport Dangerous Goods. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Air Cargo Operations and Freight Handling Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Cargo Acceptance, Dangerous Goods, ULD Handling, Aircraft Loading, Lithium Battery Shipments, Cargo Records. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Air Cargo Operations and Freight Handling Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Cargo Supervisor / Freight Station Manager professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.