The IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) is your essential resource for understanding standard operating procedures at every stage of the transport chain. It offers insights into the entire shipping process, from door to door, helping you manage your cargo effectively. When all stakeholders follow ICHM standards, risks are reduced, and smooth operations are ensured.
Key Changes
The key changes for the ICHM 9th edition 2025 include enhancements to the content related to:
- Standards compliance in air cargo for Shipper Built ULD (SBU) handling,
- Handling activities at shipper and freight forwarder terminals, and
- Sustainability recommendations on Single-Use Plastic Product (SUPP).
The IATA Cargo Handling Council (ICHC) has focused on improving guidance for SBU handling quality and compliance standards. The goal is to raise safety awareness among air cargo stakeholders, especially within the freight forwarding community.
This edition includes enhanced content on cargo operations for shippers and freight forwarders, covering everything from booking and planning shipments to pick-up, transfer to carriers, receiving imports, and delivery to the forwarder hub. In collaboration with the ICHC, The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) has endorsed the ICHM to provide even more guidance for their stakeholders.
After two years of collaboration, the ICHC and IATA Sustainability team have developed new recommendations for reducing, reusing, and recycling SUPP in air cargo. This edition focuses on plastic sheets and stretch wrap used during cargo acceptance, build-up, breakdown, and release. The recommendations cover activities in both the carrier domain and shipper and freight forwarder facilities. Finally, the specifications for the maximum thickness and size of plastic sheets for different Unit Load Device categories will be included in the manual.
Ensure safe, secure, and sustainable cargo operations — ICHM is your friend.