Brazil
VARIG Cargo Tracking
About
VARIG, established in 1927, was Brazil's flagship airline and one of Latin America's largest air freight carriers until its bankruptcy in 2006. In 1993, VARIG officially established its cargo subsidiary as Varig Cargo, which became independent as VarigLog in 2000 with a fleet of eleven cargo aircraft and distribution centers across Brazil and internationally. All VARIG cargo operations were permanently suspended in February 2012 when VarigLog was declared bankrupt.
How to track VARIG shipments
1. VARIG Cargo tracking is no longer available as the airline's official tracking website cannot track shipments. 2. For historical shipments, enter your AWB prefix in the format 042-XXXXXXXX or 183-XXXXXXXX where the last digit is a mod-7 check digit (example: 042-12345675). 3. Contact your freight forwarder or shipping agent as VARIG Cargo no longer operates and cannot provide tracking services. 4. For any historical cargo inquiries, refer to your original shipping documentation as no active tracking system exists.
What 042-XXXXXXXX means
The 042 AWB prefix identifies VARIG as the original issuing carrier, though the airline ceased cargo operations in 2012. The 7-digit serial number is the unique shipment identifier assigned sequentially by VARIG. The final digit is a check digit calculated by dividing the 7-digit serial by 7 and using only the remainder (mod-7 calculation). When this prefix appears on an air waybill, it indicates the shipment was originally booked through VARIG's cargo system, though current handling would require transfer to active carriers.
VARIG live animal transport
VARIG 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.
VARIG specialized cargo handling
VARIG's cargo division transported pharmaceuticals, electronics, machinery, horses, cattle, and tropical fish and fruits. The airline operated specialized cargo centers (TECA) that could store perishables, valuable cargo, and dangerous goods.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I track my VARIG cargo shipment?
- VARIG Cargo tracking is no longer available as the carrier's official website cannot track shipments. If you have a shipment with AWB prefix 042, contact your freight forwarder or original shipping agent for assistance, as VARIG ceased all cargo operations in 2012 and has been bankrupt since then.
- What does AWB prefix 042 mean?
- The prefix 042 identifies VARIG as the original issuing carrier. The format is 042-XXXXXXXX where the first three digits (042) identify VARIG, followed by a 7-digit serial number unique to that shipment, and ending with a mod-7 check digit calculated by dividing the serial number by 7 and using the remainder.
- What happened to VARIG's cargo operations?
- VARIG Cargo was officially established in 1993 as VARIG's cargo subsidiary, became independent as VarigLog in October 2000, but all operations were suspended on February 1, 2012 and the company was declared bankrupt on September 27, 2012. No cargo services have operated under the VARIG name since 2012.
- How do I book cargo with VARIG?
- VARIG no longer offers cargo services as the airline's cargo division has been permanently closed since 2012. For air cargo services in Brazil, contact active carriers or freight forwarders who can provide current booking options and routing through operational airlines.
VARIG cargo contact
Related carriers
Other cargo airlines in the same region as VARIG.