Special cargo air transport practice: transportation plan from live pets to artworks

The following is a practical plan for special cargo air transport, covering the transportation process and precautions of special cargo such as live pets and artworks, divided into core modules and extended points:

I. Live pet air transport plan

1. Preliminary preparation
   Qualification documents

Animal quarantine certificate (issued by the official agency of the departure place)

Vaccination record (rabies vaccine, etc.)

Special permits required by the airline/destination country (such as EU pet passport, US CDC entry permit)

Air box selection

Meet IATA standards (vents, anti-escape design, bottom waterproof pad);

The size must meet the needs of pets standing and turning;

Labels indicate “live animals”, “this side up” and the owner’s contact information.

2. Transportation process
   Flight selection

Give priority to direct flights to avoid transfers;

Avoid extreme temperature periods (summer noon/winter early morning).

Check-in and loading

Arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance to go through the formalities;

Require the cargo hold to be kept at a constant temperature (usually 18-25℃) and pressurized;

Some airlines allow pets to be transported in the cabin (limited to small dogs and cats, soft bags are required).

3. Risk control

Health monitoring

Fasting for 12 hours before transportation (to prevent vomiting and suffocation);

Short-nosed dogs (such as French bulldogs and Garfield cats) require additional oxygen equipment.

Emergency plan

Prepare veterinary contact information and sedatives (approval from the airline is required);

Purchase pet transportation insurance (covering accidental injuries and deaths).

2. Artwork air transport plan
3. Packaging specifications
   Inner packaging

Oil painting: Wrap with acid-free paper, and fix the frame with shockproof foam board;

Sculpture: Bubble film + customized foam mold to fill the gap.

Outer packaging

Wooden boxes need to be fumigated (in compliance with ISPM15 standards);

Mark “fragile”, “do not press” and tilt angle restrictions (such as ↑↑).

2. Transportation mode
   Temperature and humidity control

Antiques: Constant temperature cargo hold (20℃±2, humidity 50%±5);

Electronic artworks: Antistatic packaging + Anti-electromagnetic interference shielding.

Insurance and tracking

Full insurance (according to auction house valuation + additional transportation insurance);

Use GPS tracker to monitor location in real time.

3. Customs clearance points
   Provide artwork authentication certificate and proof of origin;

Some countries require a temporary import deposit (such as France).

III. Other special cargo key points
Biological samples/medical supplies

Dry ice packaging (weight limit 2.5kg/box, marked UN1845);

A dangerous goods transportation declaration (DGD) is required.

Precious musical instruments

Pianos: Disassemble the piano legs and pack them separately, and use an air cushion vehicle for loading and unloading;

Violins: Carry on (cabin seats must be purchased).

IV. General Notes
Airline Differences

Emirates: Live pets are only allowed to be transported in cargo (A380 has a dedicated animal cabin);

Lufthansa: Artworks are accepted for door-to-door temperature-controlled transportation.

Legal Risks

Pets: List of prohibited species (e.g. Australia prohibits the import of pit bulls);

Artworks: Export restrictions on cultural property (e.g. Italian cultural relics require an export license).