# Air cargo handling software that ties acceptance, screening and build up to one record

> Air cargo handling is the ground process that takes a consignment from acceptance at the warehouse counter through security screening, storage, build up into unit load devices and onto the aircraft. It runs under federal security rules requiring that 100 percent of cargo on passenger aircraft is screened, and under hazardous materials rules covering acceptance checks and the notification to the pilot in command. Neurobird keeps acceptance, screening evidence, build up and documents on one consignment record.

- URL: https://neurobird.com/aircargo/
- Product: Neurobird Air Cargo Handling Coverage Platform
- Niche: air cargo handling
- Buyer: ground handlers, cargo terminals and indirect air carriers
- Status: in development, open for early access
- Updated: 2026-08-21

## What Neurobird Air Cargo Handling does

- Track a consignment from acceptance through screening, build up and load, with a single status everyone reads
- Hold the screening method, the person and the time against the pieces, so chain of custody survives the handover
- Assemble dangerous goods acceptance, the notification to the pilot in command and the shipping paper in one place
- Keep security training and shipping paper retention dates from becoming somebody's calendar reminder

## How it works

1. **Every consignment is a record** Air waybill, pieces, weight, special handling codes and the flight it is booked to, held from acceptance rather than from build up.
2. **Screening is evidence, not a tick** The method, the operator and the timestamp attach to the pieces, and chain of custody has to be intact before the unit load device closes.
3. **Documents follow the aircraft** The shipping paper, the notification to the pilot in command and the acceptance checks are stored against the flight, and the retention clock starts automatically.

## From the source material

> The air carrier must have procedures in place to ensure that employees and vendors are properly trained in the process, the loading is properly completed, and that cargo restraints and loading devices are properly maintained.

Source: FAA AC 120-85, air cargo operations, https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/120-85.pdf

## Industry context

- **100 percent** Since 3 August 2010, an aircraft operator under a full program must ensure that 100 percent of its cargo is screened prior to transport on a passenger aircraft, up from the 50 percent threshold that applied from February 2009. (source: eCFR, 49 CFR 1544.205, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-1544.205)
- **90 days** An indirect air carrier must apply for a security programme not less than 90 calendar days before it intends to begin operations, and the application must name every proprietor, partner, officer, director and owner. (source: eCFR, 49 CFR 1548.7, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-1548.7)
- **12 months** Each indirect air carrier must ensure its authorised employees and agents complete recurrent security training at least annually, covering their own responsibilities under the programme and any security directives in force. (source: eCFR, 49 CFR 1548.11, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-1548.11)
- **1 year** An aircraft operator must retain each hazardous materials shipping paper copy, or an electronic image of it, for one year after the material is accepted by the initial carrier, and for three years where the material is a hazardous waste. (source: eCFR, 49 CFR 175.33, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-175.33)
- **122.48b** Advance cargo data must be transmitted as early as practicable and no later than prior to loading of the cargo onto the aircraft, with referrals resolved and any do not load instruction addressed before departure. (source: eCFR, 19 CFR 122.48b, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/section-122.48b)

## Pricing

- Single station: $260 per station, per month
- Handling agent: $520 per station, per month
- Network: $1,040 per station, per month

## Questions

### What is air cargo handling?

Air cargo handling is the ground process that moves a consignment from acceptance at a warehouse counter to a loaded position on an aircraft. It covers acceptance checks, security screening, storage, build up into unit load devices, documentation including any dangerous goods paperwork, and the physical load. Most of it is regulated by security rules in 49 CFR chapter XII and hazardous materials rules in 49 CFR part 175.

### What are the cargo screening requirements?

Under 49 CFR 1544.205(g), an aircraft operator under a full program has had to ensure that 100 percent of cargo is screened prior to transport on a passenger aircraft since 3 August 2010. Screening may be done by the carrier, by a comparable carrier, by a certified cargo screening facility under 49 CFR part 1549, or by the security authority.

### When must advance cargo data be filed?

Air cargo advance screening data must be submitted as early as practicable and no later than prior to loading the cargo onto the aircraft, with any referral resolved and any do not load instruction addressed before the shipment moves.

### How long are hazmat shipping papers kept?

Under 49 CFR 175.33(c), the aircraft operator must retain each shipping paper copy, or an electronic image of it, for one year after the material is accepted by the initial carrier. For a hazardous waste that becomes three years.

### Does it replace the airline cargo system?

No. Bookings, capacity and rating stay in the carrier's system. What lives here is the ground process: acceptance, screening evidence, build up and the documents that have to exist when the aircraft leaves.

### Can it handle unit load device build up?

Yes. A unit load device is a record that consignments attach to and detach from, so you can see what is in a can before it goes to the ramp rather than reconstructing it afterwards.

## Sources

- [49 CFR 1544.205, acceptance and screening of cargo](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-1544.205)
- [49 CFR 1548.7, indirect air carrier security programme](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-1548.7)
- [49 CFR 1548.11, indirect air carrier training](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-1548.11)
- [19 CFR 122.48b, air cargo advance screening](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/section-122.48b)
- [49 CFR 175.30, inspecting hazardous materials shipments](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-175.30)
- [FAA AC 120-85, air cargo operations](https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/120-85.pdf)

## Contact

- office@neurobird.com
- https://neurobird.com/