United Cargo: Global Air Freight Solutions

United Cargo aircraft and operations

As the air freight division of United Airlines, United Cargo provides global shipping solutions through an extensive network spanning 300+ destinations worldwide. Our air cargo services specialize in time-sensitive shipments, perishable goods transport, and oversized freight handling with 99% on-time performance for priority cargo.

United Cargo By the Numbers (2025)

  • Annual Volume: 1.8+ billion ton-miles
  • Global Destinations: 300+ airports served
  • Daily Flights: 4,500+ departures
  • Cargo Facilities: 150+ worldwide stations
  • Special Handling: 500,000+ live animals annually

Source: United Cargo 2025 Fact Sheet

Core Air Cargo Services

Service Capabilities Key Benefits
General Cargo Boxed, palletized, crated goods Global priority shipping
Perishables Cool Chain, frozen, chilled Temperature-controlled
Live Animals Pets, livestock, zoo animals IPATA-certified handling
Dangerous Goods HAZMAT, lithium batteries IATA-compliant

United Cargo Global Network

United Cargo global network map

Major Cargo Hubs

  • Chicago ORD (Global gateway)
  • Houston IAH (Energy corridor)
  • San Francisco SFO (Tech/Asia)
  • Newark EWR (Transatlantic)

Specialized Facilities

  • ORD Cool Chain Center
  • IAH Animal Care Center
  • SFO Pharma Handling
  • EWR Oversized Cargo

Key International Routes

Route Weekly Flights Aircraft Type Capacity
Chicago-London 28 flights 787-9 30+ tons
San Francisco-Tokyo 21 flights 777-300ER 40+ tons
Houston-Frankfurt 14 flights 787-10 25+ tons

Specialized Cargo Solutions

United Cargo specialized handling

Pharmaceutical Logistics

  • GDP-compliant handling
  • 2-8°C active containers
  • Real-time temperature monitoring

Live Animal Transport

  • PetSafe program
  • Veterinary-approved kennels
  • 24/7 animal care

Valuable Goods

  • High-value cargo security
  • Dedicated handling
  • Discreet packaging

United Cargo Shipping Process

1. Get a Quote

Use our online rate calculator or contact cargo sales for customized pricing based on route, weight, and service level.

2. Prepare Shipment

Properly package and label your cargo according to IATA regulations and United Cargo specifications.

3. Drop-off/Pickup

Deliver to our cargo facility or schedule a pickup through our ground network.

4. Track & Monitor

Use United Cargo's tracking system to monitor your shipment in real-time until delivery.

United Cargo Pricing & Rates

Factors Affecting Air Cargo Rates

  • Weight/Volume: Chargeable weight calculation
  • Route/Distance: Origin-destination pair
  • Service Level: Priority vs. economy
  • Special Handling: Temperature control, security
  • Market Conditions: Fuel surcharges, capacity

Sample Rate Ranges (2025)

Route General Cargo ($/kg) Perishables ($/kg)
USA-Europe $2.50 - $4.75 $3.25 - $6.00
USA-Asia $3.00 - $5.50 $4.00 - $7.25
USA-South America $3.75 - $6.50 $4.50 - $8.00

Note: Rates subject to change. Get current quotes here

United Cargo Pet Shipping

United Cargo PetSafe program

PetSafe Animal Transport Program

United Cargo's PetSafe program provides specialized handling for dogs, cats, and other household pets traveling as cargo. Our IPATA-certified staff ensures safe, comfortable transport with climate-controlled facilities and dedicated animal care areas.

Pet Shipping Requirements

  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • IATA-compliant travel kennel
  • Current vaccination records
  • Advance reservations required
  • Breed restrictions may apply

Learn more about PetSafe →

United Cargo FAQs

How do I contact United Airlines cargo?

United Cargo can be contacted through multiple channels:

Phone: 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331)
Email: cargo@united.com
Local Offices: Find your nearest cargo facility
Online: Contact form

How much is cargo per kg internationally?

United Cargo international rates typically range from $2.50 to $8.00 per kilogram depending on:

- Route (transatlantic vs transpacific)
- Service level (priority vs economy)
- Cargo type (general vs specialized)
- Current market conditions

Get an instant rate quote online or contact our cargo specialists for exact pricing.

What is United Airlines cargo?

United Cargo is the freight division of United Airlines, offering:

- Scheduled air freight services on 4,500+ daily flights
- Specialized handling for perishables, pharmaceuticals, live animals
- Global network serving 300+ destinations
- Logistics solutions including last-mile connections
- Temperature-controlled transport options

As one of the world's largest air cargo carriers, United Cargo moves over 1.8 billion ton-miles of freight annually.

Does United take dogs in cargo?

Yes, United Cargo accepts dogs through its PetSafe program with these conditions:

- Dogs must be at least 16 weeks old
- Certain brachycephalic breeds are restricted
- Health certificate required within 10 days of travel
- IATA-compliant kennel mandatory
- Advance reservations required (minimum 48 hours)
- Temperature restrictions may apply

View complete PetSafe guidelines

Additional United Cargo resources: