Knowing Your Cargo

Special and Exotic Cargo

Non-food products that need special handling such as temperature and/or humidity protection during transportation are classified under this category.

Types of special and miscellaneous cargo include:

• Chemical and biological products
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Tobacco products
• Medical supplies

Key factors taken into consideration:

Temperature management

Chemical reactions can occur if temperatures are not kept within the prescribed range. Monitoring is needed at all stages from pre-cooling to packaging to stowage.

Pre-shipment handling

Products that are especially susceptible to damage will be handled with extra safety precautions to ensure smooth delivery.

Sanitation

Sanitary procedures are carried out every step of the way to prevent medical products from bacterial contamination.

Packaging and stowage

There are different packaging specifications made for varying products’ characteristics. The fragile nature of these products also makes stowage more critical.

Product compatibility

Most special and miscellaneous cargo cannot be shipped in the same container.