@ TACACARGO.com

Packing recommendations
General Cargo 
Corrugated Cardboard Boxes 

For efficient air cargo operation, we recommend you use boxes made of corrugated cardboard, which provide stacking strength and puncture-resistance, and are designed to protect products. The corrugated boards that form the boxes are scored to provide controlled bending of the board with a center spine that is joined with adhesive.




When handling bulk cargo, we emphasize using corrugated cardboard packaging and that you properly label each box. Shipments to North America should certify the maximum weight capacity of each box and the applicable quantity.

Transporting shipments in powdered form

All shipments presented in powdered form for transportation must have internal and external packaging (combined packaging). This will allow for appropriate handling and transport of the product.

The combined packaging is comprised of the product’s internal packaging, placed inside exterior packaging of polyethylene bags that are secured with tape. This will protect the powder from being directly handled by personnel and coming in contact with eyes, skin and being inhaled.

If the powdered form shipment falls under the category of Dangerous Goods, please follow the specifications found in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations manual.

Cardboard boxes stacked on skids 

Please note the stacking index when stacking boxes on skids. This is the number of boxes that can be stacked without risking crushing the contents. Check any exterior markings on the box and ensure that the number of boxes stacked does not exceed the maximum number indicated and/or weight that can be borne.

Skids should have metal or plastic straps and corners to keep them from coming apart during handling. In order to avoid damage, customers should consider the type of packaging for their cargo and ensure that it is appropriate for the item to be shipped.

Packaging Recommendations during the Rainy Season

During the rainy season, we recommend that you wrap all susceptible cargo that can be damaged if wet with plastic so that the merchandise is well protected. During this operation, cover the cargo with plastic and secure the containers tightly with bands for delivery to the loading area.

Note: Do not wrap live animals and do not block ventilation in any manner.

Packaging Recommendations by Cargo Type 
In order to determine if the packaging material you’re using is appropriate for the articles/products you wish to transport, please take into account the following:
  • Establish the type of cargo you are transporting:
  • Evaluate the length of time and the distance your cargo is being transported.
  • Be sure packaging will avoid pilferage and damage.
  • Be sure packaging will facilitate the separation and classification of your merchandise for proper loading.
  • Consider the quantity of load placed inside the boxes.
  • Indicate how many boxes can be packed in the load.

Following are additional specific recommendations to help you determine the type of packaging to use depending on the product you are transporting:


Perishable Cargo  
We suggest that for perishable cargo you use inner corrugated waterproofed cardboard boxes in order to protect the integrity of the product. Water condensation can occur as a result of changes in temperatures (entering and exiting refrigeration chambers).

Fresh Fish and Seafood  
We highly recommend the following type of packaging for shipping fresh fish and any type of seafood:

Type of Packaging Materials:
  • Polyethylene Bags: The product must be wrapped in sturdy, puncture-resistant polyethylene bags or plastic liners with a minimum thickness of 4 ml. Claws, fins and other sharp objects should also be protected and never come in direct contact with the polyethylene bag. If there are any lumps, the internal bag should be tightly sealed with clips or closed with elastic bands to prevent the escape of fluids, but not during transportation of live seafood. If the shipper uses a container packed by an expediter, the internal bags can be folded.
  • Styrofoam Boxes/Duroport/Duparax/Tecnoport: These should be used for internal packaging only and should be covered with a polyethylene bag with the dimensions as described above.
  • Waterproof Boxes/Wet Lock Boxes: All boxes must be multi-walled and waterproofed inside and out. They should have a shipping capacity of at least 228.8Kgs (503 lbs). The gusseted corners must be on both top and bottom, with a top that extends fully over the bottom. If shipments are in bulk, Styrofoam will not be accepted for the external packaging - the external packaging should be cardboard.
  • Corrugated Cardboard Boxes: All corrugated cardboard boxes must be waterproofed or treated by an impermeable process. The staples used in the packaging must not break the internal packing. The cardboard must have a shipment capacity of 228.8 Kgs (503 Lbs). The maximum weight capacity must be clearly indicated on the box.

Dangerous/Hazardous Merchandise:  

All shipments of dangerous merchandise must fulfill the packaging requirements that are described in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations manual. We strongly recommend you adhere to these regulations since any merchandise that does not fulfill these requirements, including labeling, identification and other specific requirements, will not be accepted for transportation.

Live Animals and Pets  

  • Dogs and Cats: The containers (kennels) should be in accordance with the actual size of the animal. Special attention and care must be given to ventilation, labeling, and the general well being of the particular animal in transport.
  • Chicken and Reptiles: Chickens and reptiles should be transported in corrugated and waterproofed boxes with appropriate ventilation. If boxes are tied with plastic or a metal strap, we recommend that the straps are not done in such away that it would hurt or injure the animal.

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  • When shipping baby chicks, the shipment may contain a maximum of 50 boxes with 100 chicks in each box. Amounts being transported that exceed this requirement are the sole responsibility of the shipper/client due to the high heat generated from these small warm-blooded animals in the limited containers.




Proper labeling of these animals is required.

Packaging for human remains 
Packaging must be adequate to ensure safe handling of the shipment. The type of packaging will vary depending on whether the remains have been cremated or not.

  • Cremated Human Remains: must be packed in an appropriately sealed funeral urn, which in turn must be protected with outer packaging to avoid damage during shipment.
  • Non-Cremated Human Remains: Only 2 forms of packaging are permitted:

    • Zeigler Unit: the remains must be placed in a hermetically sealed box reinforced with exterior packaging of pressed cardboard or, for greater security, wood.
    • Coffin: commonly used in this situation; the coffin must be reinforced with exterior packaging consisting of pressed cardboard or wood.