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AIRRATE

Cold
Every handoff matters. Airline handling, terminal infrastructure, transit time and packaging all affect cold-chain integrity.
Cargo Operating on Its Own Clock

Perishable shipments have no margin for unnecessary delay.

Live lobster from the US Northeast, pharmaceuticals from US life-science hubs and cherries from the Pacific Northwest all depend on carefully managed air cargo operations.

These shipments have limited tolerance for delays. The rate-sourcing process must move just as quickly as the cargo. airrate.com gives freight forwarders access to available airline options for perishable and temperature-sensitive shipments at any time of day.

Cargo Types We Support

Specialized air cargo for products that cannot wait.

Perishable and cold-chain air freight serves food, agriculture, life sciences and other temperature-sensitive industries.

Fresh Produce

Cherries, berries, leafy greens and other US-grown produce moving to markets across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences

Temperature-sensitive drugs, vaccines and biotech products requiring controlled handling throughout transit.

Seafood and Aquaculture

Live lobster, salmon, crab and other seafood from US coastal gateways moving to Asia and Europe.

Dairy and Meat

High-value animal products requiring consistent temperature management from origin through destination.

What to Review Before Booking

The airline rate is only one part of the decision.

A perishable booking must also account for handling capability, transit time, airport infrastructure, packaging and regulatory requirements.

01 Active Temperature Control Confirm whether the airline provides ATC handling at origin and destination. Airline
02 Transit Time and Stops Fewer connections mean less handling and a lower risk of spoilage. Routing
03 Cold-Chain Facilities Review the temperature-handling capability of the cargo facilities at both airports. Airport
04 ULD and Packaging Type Requirements may include refrigerated containers, dry ice, gel packs or passive insulated packaging. Equipment
05 Regulatory Documentation Confirm phytosanitary certificates, CITES permits and other documents required for the product. Compliance
Air Cargo Cold-Chain Flow

Temperature integrity must continue through every stage.

A successful cold-chain shipment depends on coordinated handling from airline acceptance through arrival at the destination cargo terminal.

01

Cargo Preparation

The shipper prepares the product, packaging and required temperature-control materials.

02

Airline Acceptance

Documentation, packaging and handling requirements are reviewed at the cargo terminal.

03

Aircraft Transit

The shipment moves through direct or connecting air cargo services according to the booking.

04

Destination Handling

The destination terminal manages arrival, storage and release according to the cargo requirements.

Key Perishable Trade Lanes

Major international air corridors for temperature-sensitive cargo.

These routes support important flows of flowers, fruit, pharmaceuticals, seafood and other perishable products.

Origin Destination Common cargo
PHL / JFK USA Global Pharmaceuticals and biologics
SEA USA Asia (Korea, China, Japan) Cherries and fresh produce
BOS USA China and Europe Live lobster and seafood
ANC / SEA USA Japan and Korea Salmon and other seafood
LAX USA Asia and Middle East Berries, produce and chilled meat
Why Use airrate.com

Faster rate access for cargo that cannot wait.

Search available airline options without depending on separate callbacks from individual rate desks.

01

Search Any Time

Access rate options during the day, at night or over the weekend.

02

Compare Airlines

Review available carriers, routing and transit information in one search.

03

Review Handling

Identify airline options suited to the temperature-sensitive requirements of the shipment.

04

Move Toward Booking

Select the appropriate option and confirm through the airrate.com platform.

Search perishable air freight rates any time.

Compare airline options for fresh produce, flowers, pharmaceuticals, seafood and other temperature-sensitive cargo.