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Global Standards Safeguarding Quality, Freshness, and Compliance Across the Air Cargo Journey
Perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers have long been transported by air because they spoil quickly and are sensitive to environmental conditions, requiring careful handling and efficient logistics. Over time, airlines have developed standardized procedures for both chilled and frozen items, including validated handling methods, optimized packaging, and tailored protection strategies to preserve quality, reduce spoilage, and meet international transport standards.
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Why Perishable Transport Matters
The air transport of perishable goods is a critical component of global supply chains, connecting producers and consumers while preserving the quality, safety, and value of time and temperature-sensitive products. Successful perishable transport depends on maintaining appropriate handling, storage, and environmental conditions throughout the journey to prevent deterioration, contamination, spoilage, or loss. From fresh produce and seafood to flowers and other sensitive commodities, each shipment requires careful coordination and adherence to industry best practices to ensure it arrives in optimal condition. Effective perishable transport not only protects product integrity and consumer safety but also supports regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and customer confidence across the supply chain.
How Perishable Transport Integrates into Cargo Processes and Operations
Perishable transport considerations are embedded throughout the cargo handling process, from shipment acceptance and storage to movement, aircraft loading, and delivery. Each stage requires procedures that protect product quality by maintaining appropriate environmental conditions and minimizing delays or handling risks. These activities are coordinated through established cargo processes and operational plans to ensure consistent, safe, and efficient handling, helping preserve the integrity of perishable shipments throughout their journey.
The next edition of the PCR is in effect as of 1 January 2026.
Frequently Used Documentation
- Perishable Loss Reduction in Air Cargo (pdf)
- Promotional Flyer for PCR (pdf)
- Driving Participation in PCR (pdf)
Perishable Shipping Training
The Shipping Perishable Cargo course provides professionals with detailed insight into both the handling of perishable cargo and the practical knowledge of the most up-to-date regulations.
Perishable Cargo Working Group
The Perishable Cargo Working Group (PCWG) is a subgroup of the Live Animals and Perishables Board (LAPB). The objective of the PCWG is to provide recommendations to the LAPB on the development of perishable cargo transportation and handling standards. These recommendations include:
- Propose new or amendments to existing IATA Industry Standards, Resolutions (including the Perishable Cargo Regulations), Recommended Practices, and guidance material on effective handling and transportation techniques to ensure the quality and the integrity of healthcare cargo.
- Propose training that relates to the above.
- Report regulatory developments affecting the handling and transportation of perishable cargo.
- Develop and promote sustainable practices aligned with the IATA sustainability framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).