• Australia leads the world in air cargo safety by mandating load and restraint training for freight forwarders who build their own ULDs, closing a long-standing regulatory gap in cargo handling standards.
• The new rules take effect in January 2026, requiring trained certification before licence renewal, ensuring consistent, professional ULD construction to prevent in-flight load shifts and enhance aircraft safety.
• The move marks a major policy shift, placing direct responsibility on forwarders rather than airlines and setting a global benchmark for standardised cargo safety practices.

Australia has become the first country in the world to mandate load and restraint training for freight forwarders who build their own Unit Load Devices (ULDs)—a move hailed as a major step for air cargo safety. The decision follows a mail vote by airlines and earlier endorsement from the IATA/FIATA Consultative Council (IFCC).

Originally proposed by the Australian Cargo Executive Council (CEC), the initiative reflects growing concern over ULD construction standards and their impact on flight safety. Historically, forwarders building their own ULDs were not required to undergo formal training.

As almost 90 percent of export air cargo moves on passenger aircraft, it was agreed that anyone building a ULD should be professionally trained. This enhances both air travel safety and staff competency. The absence of mandatory training elsewhere remains a major gap, and Australia hopes its example will encourage others to follow.

The IFCBAA’s directors, also CEC members, argued that formal training would create a consistent standard for ULD construction. Under the new rules, freight forwarders who do not build their own ULDs are exempt and can indicate this to IATA by ticking a box on their applications, similar to current dangerous goods declarations.

The decision, formalised through IATA mail votes C124 and C125, amends the Cargo Executive Council and the Load Distribution and Restraint (LDR) Competence Certificate for Cargo Agents in Australia. The changes take effect on 12 January 2026, aligned with the expiry of individual IATA licences. Forwarders must complete training before their licence expires if they wish to load their own ULDs.

IATA will issue further guidance on the transition at its next CEC meeting, which is set to be phased out and replaced by the LCC. This will cover the new LDR competence requirements and changes to cargo operations.

The move is seen as a proactive step to prevent cargo-related accidents. ULDs must be correctly loaded and restrained to avoid shifting in flight, which can affect aircraft stability. Proper training ensures those responsible have the skills to do so safely.

Australia’s mandate places responsibility directly on freight forwarders rather than airlines—a significant moment in air cargo regulation that signals a shift toward stricter, standardised safety practices.