2- hour e-learning course
IATA’s Perishable Cargo Fundamentals gives you a practical, accessible introduction to the world of temperature‑sensitive air cargo. In just two hours, you’ll follow the full cool‑chain/cold-chain journey and learn how different categories of perishables behave, why time–temperature sensitivities matter, and where the most common risks occur. Through real‑world scenarios, you’ll discover how to recognize handling errors, protect product quality, and apply the right procedures during acceptance, storage, transfer, and transport. Whether you’re new to air cargo, ground operations, freight forwarding, or a customer‑facing role, this course equips you with the core competencies you need to work confidently with perishable shipments. By the end, you’ll understand how the cool and cold chains function, identify critical control points, take preventive action to maintain freshness and compliance, and play your part in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
Course Code: CGC070ELEN01
Group discounts
Discounts are available for bulk orders. Please contact us for more information.
Course format
- This self-study e-learning course requires approximately 2 hours of study, to be completed within 6 months from the purchase date (enrollment validity).
- After the enrollment validity expires, the users will not have access to the course content and will not be able to take the assessment.
- The recommended level for this course is Entry-level.
- Student performance will be based on an assessment. Please refer to the Assessment Information below for more details.
Upon completing this course you will have the skills to:
- Describe the main categories of perishable cargo and explain how their specific time–temperature sensitivities affect handling and transport decisions
- Explain the function of the cold chain in maintaining product quality and identify the critical control points across the journey
- Identify common risks and handling errors at each cold chain stage and explain the potential operational, safety, and quality-related consequences of these failures
- Apply appropriate preventive measures and handling procedures to maintain freshness, regulatory compliance, and temperature stability during cargo acceptance, storage, transfer, and transport
- Demonstrate how teamwork, communication, and a safety‑first mindset contribute to reliable cool‑chain operations
The key topics that are covered during this course include:
- Overview of perishables and their time–temperature sensitivities
- Cold chain fundamentals and critical control points
- Risks and handling errors throughout the cool chain
- Packaging, labelling, and documentation essentials
- Human factors: communication, situational awareness, and safety mindset
- Real-world scenarios and preventive good practices
This course is recommended for:
- Entry-level logistics and supply chain professionals seeking foundational knowledge
- New staff working for ‒ Ground handling working with temperature‑sensitive cargo
- Airline cargo personnel responsible for acceptance, build‑up, and transport
- Freight forwarders dealing with perishables shipments
- Cargo customer service and sales at airlines and cargo agents
Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will be granted an Award that you can print for your records.
Assessment information
Please read the
General Information on Self-study exams.
- Delivery method: Unsupervised online-based exam. Assessment can be taken at any time at your convenience.
- Format: 15 multiple-choice questions
- Time allowance: 1 hour
- Passing grade: 80% correct answers
- Number of assessment attempts: 2
Important note: The assessment should be accessed after you have completed the course module. Once you have started the assessment you can no longer access the course module.
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