Special Cargo Transportation Programs

We have developed unique methods for handling unusual or very valuable cargo. These are divided into the following categories:  

VAL (Valuable Cargo). This class includes cash money, gold coins, securities, precious metals, jewelry and high technology. Security personnel, locked containers and special depots guarantee the security and safe arrival of these items.

VUG (Vulnerable Cargo). This class includes fragile items such as antiques or works of art. Lufthansa is one of the few companies equipped to handle such cargo by virtue of the fact that, in cooperation with museum curators and art specialists, we developed a unique security system and special containers. Our museum clients include the Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin Art Museum, the New York Museum of Modern Art and the Hermitage.  

Live Animals. Special climate needs, feeding, and temperamental dispositions make the transportation of animals a special challenge. In order to deal with this kind of cargo we created a special office to coordinate animal transportation. Our specialists accompany the animals when they are placed on the aircraft and then meet them after landing so that they can be provided the best conditions and minimum stress. We worked with scientists and aircraft manufacturers to design a special climatic system on board which controls both temperature and humidity.

Exotic animals. Lufthansa carefully follows international regulations covering the transport of animals. Siberian tigers, zebras, elephants, panthers, sharks, ostriches- what animal hasn't traveled on board Lufthansa? But the most difficult passengers were probably panda cubs. One of them, Yang-Yang, traveled on board a Boeing-747 in the passenger cabin so that the accompanying personnel could feed him and regulate the temperature during the flight. Lufthansa feels strongly about its responsibility to protect nature and has put in effect a ban on the transportation of wild animals.

Pets. Pets are accustomed to special comforts. We do our best to make them feel at home. Regardless of whether your pet travels with you or on a separate flight, we'll take good care of it. Lufthansa has transport containers available in four sizes.

Dangerous Cargo. Lufthansa speeds your dangerous goods smoothly and safely, negotiating the intricate network of laws and regulations governing the shipment of this type of cargo. In some countries the necessary packing material is not commonly available. In this case we obtain the materials ourselves from the manufacturers or find local solutions.

Perishable Cargo. Lufthansa's expertise in handling perishable cargo is well-known. In fact, we've received several awards for our unique abilities in this area. Flowers or plants, fruits or vegetables, fish, meat or dairy - we provide controlled temperatures and the proper handling for this class of goods.

Temperature-Sensitive. The shortest possible transportation time and appropriate storage conditions are crucial factors in the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. We guarantee both of these areas. Our special perishable cargo terminal in Frankfurt has 9,000 square meters of temperature controlled storage. In the fish and meat departments the temperature does not exceed 5 C. In other sectors 12 C is the maximum. Other areas are specially built for delicate flowers like roses and orchids. In the air, temperature-sensitive cargo travels in containers and cabins specially designed by aircraft manufacturers and Lufthansa for this purpose.

Pharmaceutical. Many pharmaceutical products are extremely sensitive to temperature. Together with Airbus and Boeing, we designed a system for the proper transportation of pharma-freight. Our refrigerated LD3 and LD7 containers are temperature controlled and allow for the monitoring and recording of temperatures at any point during the transport chain.

Big and Heavy. As specialists in the transportion of oversized goods and equipment of all types- including turbines, oil rigs and even the Moscow Circus- we deliver big and heavy cargo to any point in the world.

Vehicles. From trucks and buses to cars and bicycles, if it has wheels we'll know how to transport it.

Fashion Industry. Styles in fashion change quickly, so the speedy manufacturing and distribution of garments is crucial to the success of our designer clients. Because this is a global industry which involves fabrics, manufacturing, warehousing and retailing in different parts of the world, transport is important at every stage. Escada, Boss, Armani, Valentino, Betty Barclay and many other international labels have learned to rely on Lufthansa. We respond quickly to any changes in the needs of our fashion clients, using specially designed containers. The smallest are designed for 150 outfits- the usual amount needed for participation in a fashion show or exhibition.

Newspapers and magazines. When dealing with news and information, time is everything. More time-sensitive publications are delivered by Lufthansa then by anyone else, and that's good news to our customers.

Personal Possessions. Whether you're starting a new job in another country or returning home from a foreign assignment, Lufthansa can make the transition easier and more economical. If needed, we can deliver your cargo directly to your new home through our "airport to-door" system. Safe delivery of your personal belongings is assured through Lufthansa.