Air cargo plays a pivotal role in global trade, where speed, safety, and coordination define reliability. For businesses and individuals moving high-value, time-sensitive, or regulated goods, United Airlines Cargo offers a trusted, regulated, and globally connected logistics platform.
United Airlines Cargo operates across more than 300 destinations worldwide, handling everything from perishables and pharmaceuticals to live animals and oversized freight. With specialized services and detailed compliance protocols, it remains a key player in the air freight sector.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of United Airlines Cargo services, shipping rules, package types, and policies, structured to inform logistics professionals, shippers, and first-time users alike.
What Is United Airlines Cargo and Who Uses It?
United Airlines Cargo is the freight division of United Airlines, utilizing cargo space within its passenger fleet. It serves a wide range of industries and logistics use cases, offering access to both domestic and international destinations.
Primary users include:
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers transporting temperature-sensitive products.
- E-commerce retailers requiring expedited air freight.
- Freight forwarders consolidating shipments for international delivery.
- Agricultural exporters moving flowers, fruits, or seafood.
- Pet relocation services shipping live animals under controlled conditions.
Its logistics platform supports regular commercial freight and specialized shipments under global regulatory frameworks such as IATA, TSA, and USDA.
What Types of Packages Can You Ship with United Airlines Cargo?
United Airlines Cargo accepts a variety of package types under strict compliance standards. Each cargo category has predefined handling instructions based on its sensitivity, size, or classification.
Accepted cargo types:
- General cargo – Clothing, electronics, tools, printed material
- Perishables – Produce, meat, seafood, flowers
- Pharmaceuticals – Vaccines, biotechnological products, blood plasma
- Dangerous goods – Lithium batteries, flammable liquids, chemicals (per IATA DGR)
- Live animals – Household pets, zoo species, lab animals (via PetSafe)
- Human remains – Casket or cremated remains (subject to documentation)
Weight and size limits:
- Maximum weight: Typically up to 300 kg (660 lbs) per piece
- Maximum dimensions: Approximately 240 cm (94.5 inches) in length; varies per aircraft model
- Larger shipments may require palletization or special approval
Each category follows airline, international, and government-specific handling protocols.
What Are the United Airlines Cargo Shipping Options?
United Cargo provides tiered shipping services tailored to urgency, temperature sensitivity, and commodity classification.
Key services include:
- QuickPak – For urgent shipments up to 100 lbs with same-day or overnight delivery.
- UASecure – Standard air cargo with confirmed space on scheduled flights.
- TempControl – Temperature-sensitive transport (2°C–8°C, 15°C–25°C, or frozen).
- PetSafe – End-to-end pet shipping under veterinary and climate guidelines.
- LifeGuard – Prioritized handling for human organs and medical shipments.
Each service is tracked separately through United’s online portal and includes specialized handling instructions depending on cargo type.
How Does the Booking and Drop-off Process Work?
Booking with United Airlines Cargo can be done through its eBooking system on unitedcargo.com or through freight forwarders and logistics providers.
Steps to ship:
- Create an account or log in to the United Cargo platform.
- Enter shipment details, including origin, destination, commodity type, weight, and dimensions.
- Choose a service level based on delivery urgency and handling needs.
- Generate the Air Waybill (AWB) and relevant documentation.
- Drop off cargo at an authorized United Cargo facility before cutoff time.
Cutoff times:
- Vary by location and service type; typically range from 2–6 hours before flight departure.
- International shipments may require earlier drop-offs due to customs clearance.
What Are the Packaging and Labeling Requirements?
United Airlines mandates strict packaging and labeling rules for cargo acceptance, especially for regulated or fragile shipments.
Key requirements:
- Durable packaging must withstand stacking and turbulence.
- Labeling must include shipper and consignee info, destination airport codes, and hazard indicators (if applicable).
- Live animals must be shipped in IATA-compliant kennels with proper ventilation and absorbent material.
- Perishable items must be packed with gel packs, dry ice, or insulated containers depending on product requirements.
Improper packaging is the leading cause of damage claims and can result in shipment rejection.
What Are the Costs and How Are Rates Calculated?
Cargo rates are calculated based on chargeable weight, which is the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight.
Factors affecting cost:
- Weight and dimensions
- Service type (e.g., QuickPak vs. UASecure)
- Origin and destination
- Commodity type
- Special handling (e.g., refrigeration, oversized freight)
Fuel surcharges, security fees, and international handling charges may apply. United offers a rate calculator via its website for common routes and commodities.
What Policies Govern United Airlines Cargo Shipments?
United Cargo shipments are governed by IATA and U.S. government regulations. United also has its own Contract of Carriage, which details terms for liability, claims, and documentation.
Required documentation:
- Air Waybill (AWB)
- Shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods (if applicable)
- Health certificates for animals
- Import/export licenses for certain commodities
- Commercial invoice for international shipments
Liability:
- Standard liability is limited unless additional insurance is purchased.
- For most shipments, liability is capped under the Montreal Convention or Warsaw Convention depending on the route.
How Does United Airlines Handle International Cargo?
United Airlines Cargo offers international shipping to over 100 countries. Its global network includes partnerships with interline carriers for extended reach.
Customs and international documentation:
- Pro forma/commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Import permits, when required
- Customs declaration forms (provided by freight forwarder or United Cargo agent)
Transit times depend on route, clearance requirements, and service level. Cold chain and pharma shipments often receive expedited customs clearance through specialized lanes.
How Can You Track Your United Airlines Cargo Shipment?
United offers an advanced tracking system through its cargo portal. Each shipment is assigned an Air Waybill Number (AWB) used for real-time tracking.
Features:
- Flight status updates
- Temperature monitoring (for TempControl shipments)
- Location scans at each checkpoint
- Proof of delivery time stamps
Notifications can be set up for status changes or delays. Customers can also contact United Cargo’s 24/7 service center for direct updates.
How Does United Airlines Ensure Safety and Compliance?
United Cargo adheres to a rigorous safety framework involving both airline-specific and federal compliance standards.
Safety protocols include:
- TSA-certified cargo screening
- IATA-compliant dangerous goods handling
- GMP and GDP standards for pharmaceuticals
- Animal welfare regulations enforced under USDA/APHIS
Temperature-controlled containers are regularly calibrated, and staff are trained in live animal handling, HAZMAT management, and secure chain-of-custody procedures.
What Makes United Airlines Cargo Competitive?
United’s cargo services compete on the strength of its global network, service diversity, and compliance excellence.
Competitive advantages:
- Real-time digital tracking and eBooking
- 24/7 operational support
- Specialized products for pharma and pets
- Presence in key cargo hubs like Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Newark (EWR)
Compared to carriers like Delta Cargo and American Airlines Cargo, United’s strength lies in its balanced focus on commercial, specialized, and regulated shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions about United Airlines Cargo
Can individuals use United Airlines Cargo?
Yes, individuals can ship, but certain services (e.g., PetSafe) may require use through approved agents.
What items cannot be shipped?
United prohibits items like recreational drugs, undeclared cash, weapons, and flammable goods without permits.
How are claims handled?
Claims must be filed within 14 days for damage and 120 days for loss, accompanied by documentation and photos.
Do all airports support all cargo services?
No. Smaller airports may only offer basic UASecure services. TempControl, PetSafe, or DG acceptance may be restricted to major hubs.