Canada
Canadian North Cargo Tracking
About
Canadian North's cargo division has been handling cargo to remote areas of the north for over 75 years. The carrier's extensive route network serves the cargo needs of more northern communities than any other airline in Canada. In July 2025, the airline introduced a new Priority Medical Supply classification for pharmaceutical shipments.
How to track Canadian North shipments
1. Visit https://cargo.canadiannorth.com/TrackAndTrace.html to access the official tracking portal. 2. Enter your air waybill number in the format 518-XXXXXXX where the prefix 518 identifies Canadian North and the final digit is a check digit calculated by dividing the 7-digit serial number by 7 and taking the remainder (example: 518-1234567). 3. Your shipment status will show acceptance, departed, arrived, and ready for pickup milestones. 4. If your cargo hasn't been updated after arrival, wait a minimum of 72 hours before contacting the local cargo warehouse or call 1-800-267-1247 for assistance.
What 518-XXXXXXXX means
The AWB prefix 518 uniquely identifies Canadian North as the issuing carrier for cargo shipments. The 7-digit serial number following the prefix is the unique shipment identifier, and the final digit is a mod-7 check digit calculated by dividing the serial number by 7 and using only the remainder. For example, with serial number 1234567, dividing by 7 gives remainder 5, making the complete AWB number 518-12345675. This prefix ensures proper routing and identifies that Canadian North is responsible for handling and delivering the shipment.
Canadian North live animal transport
Canadian North transports live animals under the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR), which govern container, ventilation, and species-specific handling requirements for livestock, day-old chicks, zoo animals, household pets, and laboratory animals. Bookings require species-specific documentation and approved containers; book through the cargo team with at least 48 hours notice.
Canadian North specialized cargo handling
The carrier operates a 42,646 sq ft cargo facility in Ottawa with expanded refrigeration for perishable and temperature-sensitive shipments. Canadian North offers Priority Medical Supply service for pharmaceutical cargo, introduced in July 2025.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I track my Canadian North cargo shipment?
- Visit https://cargo.canadiannorth.com/TrackAndTrace.html and enter your AWB number in the format 518-XXXXXXX (example: 518-1234567). If your shipment status hasn't updated after 24 hours, wait a minimum of 72 hours from flight arrival before contacting the cargo warehouse, as processing can take up to 3 days due to high volume.
- What does AWB prefix 518 mean?
- The prefix 518 identifies Canadian North as the issuing carrier. The complete AWB format is 518-XXXXXXX where the first 3 digits (518) are the airline code, followed by a 7-digit serial number, and the final digit is a mod-7 check digit. For example, serial 1234567 divided by 7 has remainder 5, making the AWB 518-12345675.
- Does Canadian North handle pharmaceutical shipments?
- Canadian North introduced Priority Medical Supply classification for pharmaceutical shipments in July 2025. Pharmaceutical shipments require advance booking and should be arranged through the Cargo Sales and Service team. The carrier also operates refrigerated facilities in Ottawa for temperature-sensitive cargo.
- How do I book cargo with Canadian North?
- Contact cargo logistics at 1-800-267-1247 or email [email protected] for pickup requests and enquiries. For specialty shipments including animals, human remains, secure or pharmaceutical cargo, advance booking is required through the Cargo Sales and Service team.
Canadian North cargo contact
- Phone
- 1-800-267-1247
- [email protected]
- Cargo enquiry
- https://cargo.canadiannorth.com/TrackAndTrace.html
- Website
- https://canadiannorth.com/
Related carriers
Other cargo airlines in the same region as Canadian North.