Your Guide to Air Cargo at RIX

Navigating cargo handling agents at Riga Airport

By Unicore Overseas SIA team

How to Find Your Shipment's Warehouse

When your cargo arrives, it goes to a specific handling agent's warehouse. The agent is determined by the airline that carried your goods.

The easiest way to know where to go is by looking at your Air Waybill (AWB).

Three Simple Steps:

  1. 1Find your 11-digit AWB number. It is usually at the top left, top right, and bottom right of the document.
  2. 2The first 3 digits are the airline prefix. This prefix tells you which airline it is.
  3. 3Match the airline to its handling agent in the list below.

Example:

If your AWB number is 020-12345678, the prefix is 020. This is Lufthansa Cargo. Looking below, you will see that Lufthansa Cargo is handled by AG Handling. That's where your shipment will be!

Important Note:

If your number is shorter or longer than 11 digits, it might be a House Air Waybill (HAWB) or a courier tracking number (like DHL, UPS, etc.). These follow a different process. If you are unsure, contact us, and we will help you trace it.

RIX Air Cargo Handling Agents

Baltic Cargo Center (Baltic Cargo Hub)

Address:

Mazā Gramzdas iela 9B, Lidosta "Rīga", LV-1053

Customer Service:

+371 67068777

Import Dept (After Hours):

+371 67668457 / +371 26129611

Opening Hours:

Mon–Fri: 09:00 – 19:00

Sat: 10:00 – 16:00

Sun: Closed

Handles Airlines:

  • 657 - AirBaltic Cargo
  • 117 - SAS Cargo
  • 157 - Qatar Airways Cargo
  • 999 - Air China Cargo
  • 098 - Air India
  • 014 - Air Canada

ACTS (Aviation Cargo Transit Services Ltd.)

Address:

Ziemeļu iela 16, Mārupes novads, LV-1053

Customer Service:

+371 67 930 201

Opening Hours:

Mon–Fri: 09:00 – 17:00

Sat: Closed

Sun: Closed

Handles Airlines:

  • 250 - Uzbekistan Airways
  • 235 - Turkish Airlines

AG Handling

Address:

Ziemeļu iela 12, Lidosta, Mārupes pag., Rīga

Dzirnieku iela 26, Mārupe, LV-2167

Customer Service:

+371 67009133

Opening Hours:

(Varies, please call to confirm)

Handles Airlines:

  • 105 - Finnair Cargo
  • 724 - Swiss Cargo
  • 080 - LOT Polish Airlines
  • 020 - Lufthansa Cargo
  • 082 - Brussels Airlines
  • 328 - Norwegian
  • 566 - UIA (Ukraine Int'l)

What Does a Cargo Handling Agent Do — and What Don't They Do?

An Air Cargo Handling Agent (also known as a Ground Handling Agent) manages the physical and administrative processing of freight between air and land. They act as the operational bridge between the airline, freight forwarders, and airport authorities. This is not the same role as a freight forwarder.

✓What They Do (Services Performed)

  • Warehouse Operations

    Receive, weigh, measure, and store freight within the airport cargo terminal.

  • Physical Handling

    Operate heavy machinery (forklifts, K-loaders, and conveyor belts) to build and break down cargo pallets and containers (Unit Load Devices or ULDs).

  • Documentation Check

    Verify Air Waybills (AWBs), commercial invoices, and verify security statuses for cargo.

  • Special Cargo Processing

    Provide temperature-controlled storage and handling for perishables, pharmaceuticals, live animals, and dangerous goods.

  • Aircraft Loading & Unloading

    Secure cargo in the aircraft holds according to strict weight and balance load plans.

  • Customs/Security Assistance

    Facilitate security screening and cooperate with customs and regulatory bodies during cargo clearance.

✗What They Don't Do (Out of Scope)

  • Shipping & Freight Booking

    They do not directly sell cargo space to individual shippers — this is done by airlines or freight forwarders like Unicore Overseas.

  • International Customs Clearing

    They do not officially clear cargo through customs — this is handled by specialized customs brokers or the consignee/shipper.

  • Final Delivery

    They do not typically deliver cargo to the final customer's door. This "first and last-mile" transport is handled by trucking companies or freight forwarders like Unicore Overseas.

  • Packaging and Labeling

    They do not package, box, or initially label the cargo. Preparing the freight for shipment is the responsibility of the shipper or the freight forwarder.

  • Flight Operations & Load Planning

    While they load the plane, they do not usually create the mathematical load plans or fly the aircraft. That is the job of Airline Load Control and flight crews.

If you need a full-service freight forwarder who handles booking, customs clearance, packaging, and door-to-door delivery — contact Unicore Overseas.

What Happens When My Shipment Arrives? (Import)

1

Notification

The handling agent receives your cargo and will notify you (the consignee) of its arrival, usually via phone or email from your AWB details.

2

Free Storage Period

You generally have 48 hours of free storage after the notification is sent. Weekends and holidays are often not included, but this policy varies by agent. After this, storage fees will apply.

3

Check Shipment Origin

If from the EU (and stayed within the EU): You can go directly to the warehouse to pick up your shipment. You will need to pay the handling fee to the agent before they release the goods. Most agents do not offer door delivery.

If from outside the EU (or left the EU): You must clear customs first.

4

Customs Clearance (for Non-EU)

This process involves declaring the shipment's commodity, origin, and value to determine the VAT and any import duties. Once paid and documents are checked, customs will release the shipment. After release, you can pay the handling fee and collect your goods.

We can help!

Customs procedures can be complex. Unicore Overseas will be happy to handle all customs formalities for you to ensure a smooth and quick release.

General Airport Info

  • All agents offer secure handling for dangerous goods, mail, and have refrigerators for temperature-controlled cargo.
  • Handling costs vary by agent and depend on the shipment's type, volume, and weight.
  • The State Veterinary Service and Customs Office are located at the Baltic Cargo Hub (BCC).

Thinking About Exporting?

For air exports, the process is much simpler for you. Your freight forwarder handles all the details.

Unicore will manage all handling charges, security, marking and labeling, and customs clearance for your export shipments.

Contact Us For an Export Quote

Need Expert Air Freight Services?

Let our experienced team handle your international shipments. Get a free quote today.

Get Free Quote

Related resources

Related service

Air Freight Service

IATA-certified express air cargo from Riga (RIX) worldwide.