Get your export cargo ready to hand over—not stuck waiting because an approval, document or cutoff check was missed. Use this checklist before you pack and book.
When you’re ready to arrange a customer delivery, start on Send to see the options and prices that apply to your parcel.
What is this air cargo checklist for?
A booking is not the same as final cargo acceptance. Before handover, make sure you know whether your goods need advance approval, what the flight and cargo cutoffs are, which documents are required, and how screening will be handled. That gives your team a repeatable routine and helps you keep customers updated with a shipment reference.
What should you check before handing over export cargo?
- Identify the goods clearly. Flag anything that may be restricted, dangerous, battery-powered, perishable, fragile or otherwise special before you pack it.
- Ask the carrier or freight forwarder whether the goods need prior acceptance approval, specific handling, a particular aircraft type or additional documents.
- Check that space is available for the planned flight and get the current cargo acceptance cutoff and document deadline. Record both; don’t assume a booking confirms acceptance.
- Prepare accurate shipment details and the required shipping documents. These may include an invoice, packing list, export declaration and permits or licences where applicable. Check requirements with your customs clearing agent.
- Pack the goods appropriately and confirm any required marks, labels and packaging instructions before handover.
- Confirm how screening will be completed and how cargo security will be maintained through the handover process.
- Allow time for checks and corrections before the applicable cutoff. Keep the booking details and acceptance or handover confirmation together.
Do batteries or controlled goods need approval first?
Treat batteries and controlled or potentially dangerous goods as a separate check—not as ordinary cargo. Before packing, ask which rules apply to the exact item and shipment. For batteries, check packaging, protection against short circuits, required marks and labels, and supporting documents. Requirements can vary by carrier, so confirm the current instructions before tendering.
How do screening and documents affect your cutoff?
Being nearly ready can still mean missing the cutoff. Cargo may need screening and other security checks before loading, while incomplete or inaccurate paperwork can hold up acceptance. Confirm the document deadline as well as the cargo cutoff, and make sure you know who is responsible for arranging screening.
What are the easy-to-miss checks?
- A booking confirmation does not prove that cargo has passed acceptance or screening.
- A planned flight is not a substitute for checking available space and the current cutoff.
- One person should own the final check of goods, documents and handover details.
- Keep the shipment reference and acceptance confirmation so you can update your customer.
Whether your team is preparing an order near Industrial Area or Embakasi, keep the same checks in one handover routine: identify the goods, confirm requirements, record the cutoff and retain the shipment reference.
What’s the next step after your cargo checklist?
Moveka is Kenya’s largest courier and one of Kenya’s most deeply connected courier networks. When you’re ready to arrange a customer delivery, go to Send to see the options and prices that apply to your parcel.
