Ready for Carriage (R4C/RFC) in air cargo

Definition

A shipment is operationally Ready for Carriage when it is prepared, packed, marked and documented in line with the booking and meets applicable security or dangerous goods requirements. The exact acceptance standard follows the carrier, handler and product rules.

Why does it matter?

A reservation confirms capacity, not automatic cargo acceptance. Defects in packaging, labels, documents or data can stop acceptance even when delivery is on time.

Key points

• Reconcile booking data with the physical packages.
• Prepare labels, AWB data and special documents.
• Resolve discrepancies with the carrier or handler before handover.

Practical example

The cargo reaches the terminal on time, but a required mark is missing. The shipment meets the acceptance standard only after correction.

Common mistakes

• Assuming booked cargo is automatically ready for acceptance
• Reporting changed dimensions or weight only at the terminal
• Leaving document checks until after cargo cut-off