Why Choosing the Right Service for Your Cargo Matters




When it comes to air freight, it’s easy to think that getting your shipment from point A to point B is all that matters. But seasoned shippers know how it gets there — and under what conditions — can make or break the success of a delivery.


Take, for example, a healthcare distributor based in Chicago who recently faced a critical shipment: several boxes of temperature-sensitive medical kits needed to arrive in São Paulo within 48 hours. They couldn’t freeze. They couldn’t overheat. And if they didn’t arrive on time, hospitals would be left waiting.


The stakes were high. The margin for error? None.

6/10/2025

The Right Shipment, The Wrong Product

Initially, the distributor booked the shipment under a general freight service. It was cost-effective, and the assumption was that the kits would arrive quickly enough. But just hours before the flight, a United Cargo representative reviewing the shipment details noticed something critical: the declared contents required temperature control — and the selected product didn’t offer that.

Thankfully, the issue was caught in time. The rep reached out, explained the situation, and helped rebook the shipment under LifeGuard, United Cargo’s specialized service for life sciences and pharmaceutical cargo. This solution included temperature monitoring, cold chain protection, and trained handling teams — all essential to preserving the integrity of the shipment.

What Could’ve Gone Wrong?

Had the shipment moved under general service, the kits could have been exposed to temperature fluctuations on the tarmac or during transfer. Best case? A delay and some waste. Worst case? A total loss, not to mention the impact on the patients and healthcare staff waiting on the other end.

Why It Matters?

Choosing the right cargo product isn’t about checking a box. It’s about ensuring:

  • Temperature-sensitive items stay within range
  • Urgent shipments arrive on time, every time
  • High-value or regulated goods are handled securely and compliantly
  • You avoid costly delays, fines, or damaged cargo

At United Cargo, each product is designed with a specific customer need in mind — from EXP for time-critical shipments, to TempControl for perishables, and Secure for high-value items.

What You Can Do

The next time you book a shipment, ask yourself:

  • Is my cargo sensitive to time, temperature, or handling?
  • Are there regulatory or packaging requirements I need to meet?
  • Would a specialized service reduce risk or protect the value of what I’m sending?

If you're unsure, United Cargo's support team is always ready to guide you. That one switch in service ensured delivery success, saved the shipment, and protected a customer relationship. Choosing the right cargo service isn’t just a logistics decision. It’s a business decision — one that impacts your timelines, your reputation, and your bottom line.

Ready to ship smarter?

Visit unitedcargo.com to explore our products or speak with an expert.