Ready for Carriage (R4C): why proper packaging matters for every shipment
Dangerous or ordinary, perishable or valuable—every shipment must reach the terminal in a condition that allows it to be lifted, set down, moved, stacked and transported without damaging its contents or other cargo.
Prepared by the Unicore Overseas SIA operations team
An IATA CASS and DGR certified freight forwarder in Riga with more than 20 years of operational experience.
R4C
What does “Ready for Carriage” mean?
R4C is more than a status in a system. It is a practical acceptance condition: cargo data and documents are correct, packaging is safe, every piece is identifiable, and the carrier can handle the shipment on the planned route. The IATA Cargo Handling Manual treats accepting shipments as ready for carriage and preparing them for transport as a distinct stage of the air-cargo process.
Packaging protects the contents
The outer pack, internal cushioning and closure method match the weight, shape, fragility and duration of the transport chain.
Stackable or non-stackable
It is clear whether other freight may be placed on top. If not, this is disclosed before pricing and booking are confirmed.
Firmly restrained
Packages cannot slide, tip or fall. Palletized cargo is strapped and protected with edge boards where necessary.
Correctly marked
Every piece is identifiable, obsolete labels are removed, and all required orientation, fragile or special-handling marks are visible.
01 · Packaging
Pack for predictable handling—not just a neat shelf
Transport packaging must contain, cushion and protect its contents through the entire logistics chain. A Fragile sticker cannot compensate for thin board, empty space or inadequate closure.
- 1
Choose outer packaging rated for the weight
A corrugated box must be within its manufacturer's load rating at the actual gross weight. Heavy, dense or sharp items normally need double- or triple-wall board, a rigid container or a wooden case.
- 2
Prevent movement inside the package
Fill voids and separate parts so they cannot strike one another or the outer walls. Cushioning must recover its shape and should not collapse under the product's weight.
- 3
Protect against ordinary shocks and vibration
Freight is lifted, set down, sorted and transferred. As a conservative practical check, ask whether the packaging would protect the contents in an accidental fall of about one metre. This is not a universal IATA test; it is a useful way to expose obviously weak packaging.
- 4
Close every seam and opening
Use tape, staples, screws or bands suited to the package weight. Stretch film protects against dust and unitizes light cartons, but on its own is generally not adequate mechanical restraint for heavy cargo.
- 5
Design for the whole route
Packaging must survive not only the flight or ocean leg, but also pickup, terminal handling, security screening, transit transfers, customs inspection and final-mile delivery.
An important distinction
UN packaging for dangerous goods, temperature-packaging validation and product-specific drop or vibration tests are specialist requirements. They cannot be replaced by a simple home test or a general R4C checklist.
02 · Pallets
Palletized cargo is ready only when it is restrained
A pallet lets a forklift lift multiple pieces safely, but it does not protect cargo by itself. Some airlines require strapping as a condition of acceptance; the exact requirement can vary by carrier, route and cargo type.
- Use an undamaged pallet with a capacity appropriate to the cargo's weight and dimensions.
- Keep cartons inside the pallet footprint; overhang weakens boxes and exposes them to impact.
- Place the heaviest pieces at the bottom and distribute weight evenly.
- Secure cargo to the pallet with at least two suitable bands in each necessary direction, while following the airline's specific requirements.
- Use edge boards and a top cap so straps do not crush cartons and the top surface is stronger.
- Anchor stretch wrap around the pallet base, but do not rely on film as the only restraint for heavy cargo.
- Keep forklift entry points clear and make sure no loose component or strap is hanging down.
Stackability changes the booking
If cargo is stackable, its top surface and packaging must withstand a reasonable top load without crushing the contents.
If cargo is non-stackable, disclose it in the quote request. The carrier may need to reserve more floor area, which can affect price and space availability.
A Do Not Stack mark is an instruction, not structural protection.
03 · Marks & labels
Marks explain how to identify and handle the cargo
Labels must be correct, legible, firmly attached and visible. Remove old addresses and barcodes—conflicting marks are a common cause of misrouting.
| Mark or label | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Shipping mark | Consignee, destination, reference and piece count, for example 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3. |
| This Way Up | For packages that must remain in one orientation. Apply the arrows on two opposite sides. |
| Fragile / handle with care | Warns handlers about sensitive contents, but never replaces internal cushioning and a strong outer pack. |
| Do not stack | Must be agreed before booking. A label alone cannot protect the cargo and non-stackability may change the freight price. |
| Dangerous goods | Requires marks, hazard labels and documents specific to the UN substance, packing instruction and route. |
| Perishable / temperature-sensitive | Apply the appropriate IATA or airline label, handling code and temperature indication where required. |
| Valuable and other special cargo | Use booking-specific handling instructions, codes and security procedures; visible marking is also assessed from a security perspective. |
04 · Special cargo
Special cargo needs more than a good box
Dangerous, perishable, temperature-sensitive, valuable and other special cargo is subject to specific rules, documents, booking conditions and handling procedures.
The customer provides
- Discloses the exact contents, value, weight, dimensions and product properties.
- Chooses product and inner packaging suitable for the contents and protects against leakage, movement or breakage.
- States if the cargo must not be stacked, tilted, frozen or exposed to a defined temperature range.
- Provides an SDS and other documents when the product may be dangerous or otherwise regulated.
Unicore coordinates
- Checks carrier, route and terminal acceptance requirements.
- Advises on outer packaging, repacking, palletization and restraint.
- Applies agreed shipping marks, AWB labels and special-handling instructions.
- Prepares or coordinates DG, perishable, valuable and other special-cargo documentation within the agreed service scope.
An undisclosed risk is not ready for carriage
Lithium batteries, aerosols, perfume, paint, adhesives, dry ice and many everyday products may be dangerous goods. If you are unsure, send us the complete product description and current SDS before packing and booking.
Read the dangerous-goods guide05 · Damage risk
Insufficient packaging can weaken a claim
Carrier liability and cargo insurance do not guarantee compensation for every loss. If packaging was unsuitable for the product or ordinary transport conditions, the carrier or insurer may rely on contract or policy exclusions. The outcome always depends on the facts and the applicable terms.
Create an evidence record
- Product and internal protection before the box is closed
- Closed package from every side
- Labels, marks and piece numbering
- Straps, edge boards, wrap and pallet base
- Serial numbers or seals where applicable
R4C checklist before handover
Use this list for ordinary cargo. Special or regulated cargo must also satisfy its specific requirements.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does Ready for Carriage (R4C) mean?
Ready for Carriage means that, at handover, the shipment is properly packed, closed, marked, documented and prepared for safe handling and transport. Exact acceptance requirements depend on the mode, airline, route and cargo type.
Does ordinary, non-dangerous cargo also need suitable packaging?
Yes. Ordinary cargo is still lifted, set down, moved by conveyors and forklifts, exposed to vibration and sometimes loaded beneath other freight. Packaging must suit the product's weight, shape, fragility and expected transport chain.
Must every package survive a one-metre drop?
No. One metre is not a universal IATA acceptance test for every shipment. It can be used as a conservative practical question when assessing normal handling risk. Fragile, dangerous or other special cargo needs a packaging solution—and where required a validated test method—appropriate to the product and applicable rules.
Must cargo on a pallet be secured with straps?
Some airlines, routes and terminals require strapping as a condition of acceptance. Even where it is not expressly mandated, cargo must be firmly secured to a sound pallet so it cannot slide, tip or separate during handling.
Who applies dangerous-goods and special-handling labels?
The customer must disclose accurate information about the contents and their properties in good time. Where agreed, Unicore checks the booking requirements and applies the required IATA or airline marks, labels and handling instructions for dangerous, perishable, valuable, fragile and other special cargo.
Can insufficient packaging affect a cargo-damage claim?
Yes. If unsuitable packaging caused or contributed to the damage, a carrier or insurer may limit or reject compensation under the applicable contract or policy terms. Photograph the cargo, packaging, marks and pallet restraint before handover.
Is your shipment ready for carriage?
Send the product description, packaging photos, piece count, weight, dimensions and destination. We will check the requirements before the cargo reaches the terminal.
Industry sources
We always check the specific requirement in the current edition and with the selected carrier.