CARRIERS TO IMPLEMENT ?READY FOR CARRIAGE? STANDARDS

CARRIERS TO IMPLEMENT æREADY FOR CARRIAGEÆ STANDARDS    Several leading air freight carriers and forwarders said they will establish shipment acceptance standards next month and only shipments meeting the set criteria will be accepted.
   Germany-based Lufthansa Cargo said it is “taking the step in order to ensure the optimum quality of cargo products produced jointly by shipper, forwarder and airline.”
   “In a campaign launched with other cargo carriers, it draws the attention of business partners to the need to adhere to these 'Ready for Carriage' rules,” the carrier said.
   Air France, British Airways, KLM Cargo, Scandinavian Airlines System, Singapore Airlines and Swisscargo will also enforce the acceptance standards.'
   To comply, shipments must be delivered as booked to the airline prior to the final acceptance deadline, complete with airway bill and all other necessary documents. The airway bill must list accurate details of weight, number of packages, individual dimensions, content and service type.
   Customers must also obtain customs clearance beforehand, the carriers said. Each single package must be packed correctly and have the right label. All hazardous materials shipments must conform to International Air Transport Association dangerous goods regulations.