Big news in the shipping world! IATA has rolled out fresh updates to its cargo and ground-handling manuals, packing in over 300 changes to keep things straight.
The changes cover a lot of ground, touching on everything from live animals to perishable goods and temperature control. It’s all part of IATA’s annual tune-up, led by industry working groups like the Dangerous Goods Board (DGB) and the Live Animals and Perishables Board (LAPB).
According to IATA, each working group is a mix of their experts and folks from local governments and other industry bigwigs. They make sure the manuals stay up-to-date with the latest rules and trends, keeping our shipping game strong.
Frederic Leger, IATA’s senior VP of commercial products and services, stressed the importance of global standards in aviation.
He pointed out that the 50th edition of the Live Animal Regulations, dropping in 2024, reflects over 300 changes—showing how seriously IATA takes safety and reliability for both customers and employees.
One notable update is in the Live Animal Regulations, where they’re making it crystal clear which furry friends can ride in cargo and which ones get a seat in the passenger cabin. It’s a response to the rising number of pets taking to the skies.
Meanwhile, changes to Perishable Cargo and Temperature Control Regulations aim to better define what counts as perishable.
With the demand for fresh goods like fruits and flowers skyrocketing, the industry’s investing big in keeping them cool throughout their journey.
But wait, there’s more! The IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) is now strengthen with guidance on doing an Operational Risk Assessment (ORA).
This step, mandated by an ICAO amendment, helps identify potential hazards and manage risks for everything in the cargo hold.
If you want to dive into these updates, head over to www.iata.org/manuals for the full details.
So, what do you think about these updates? Top Most Freight Solutions can leverage them through their Air freight services to keep shipping game strong.