Heavyweight cargo is defined as cargo with an individual piece weight of 80 kg or more. The procedure for transportation approval with the airline is described above. Each individual piece must be accurately weighed, labeled, and provided with hazard marks in accordance with IATA requirements.

Heavyweight cargo (cargo with a floor load exceeding 200 kg/m²) may be loaded only if placed on boards or platforms to distribute the load. In all cases and for any cargo, the maximum permitted floor load (per unit area) must be strictly observed.

Note: A shipment with an individual piece weight exceeding 200 kg may be accepted for transportation if the maximum allowable weight of a single piece does not exceed the aircraft's maximum permitted floor load, and only with prior approval from the departure, arrival, or transit airport (if required).

  1. Carrier personnel, sales agents, and handling company employees at the departure station responsible for cargo acceptance must pay particular attention to the hidden risk posed by heavyweight cargo to ensure flight safety. Therefore, they must reject any shipments that do not comply with the requirements listed below.
  2. The shipment must meet the following conditions:
    • The shipper must inform sales agents and handling company staff at the departure station in advance about the specifics of transportation, loading, and unloading.
    • The cargo must be booked, and transportation confirmed through to the final destination.
    • The appropriate IMP code must be entered in the automated reservation system.
    • Weight limits per piece must be observed.
    • The capacity of ground-handling equipment at individual stations along the route must be considered.
    • AWB:
      • In the AWB under “Number and type of packages,” dimensions and weight of each piece must be indicated along with the IMP code HEA.
      • In the AWB under HI — consignee’s phone contact information.
    • Booking request — confirmation of reservation information.
    • Packages must be labeled with heavy cargo symbols, which must also be indicated in the transport documents.
  3. Cargo pieces must be placed on pallets or skids (if necessary) to distribute floor load.
  4. The responsible agent at the consolidation station must ensure compliance with all limitations.
  5. CHA/GHA personnel must ensure careful loading/unloading and all other handling operations. Proper ground-handling equipment must be used.
  6. Personnel must be aware that handling heavyweight cargo poses significant health and safety risks and may also cause damage to the aircraft or its components.
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Heavy Cargo Label