PRE — Prepared for Loading

PRE is a tracking status indicating that cargo has been prepared and made ready for loading onto an aircraft. It confirms that all pre-loading activities, including documentation verification, security screening, and physical preparation, have been completed. This status appears in the shipment lifecycle after acceptance but before the cargo is actually loaded onto the aircraft, allowing carriers to efficiently manage loading schedules and provide shippers with visibility into their cargo's readiness state.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment with AWB number 020-12345678 shows PRE status at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), indicating the pharmaceuticals are temperature-controlled and ready for loading on flight LH441 to New York JFK. An Emirates SkyCargo consignment carrying AWB 176-98765432 displays PRE status at Dubai International (DXB) after completing security screening and being staged in the cargo loading area for flight EK236 to London Heathrow.

• PRE
• prepared for carriage
• ready for loading

How long does cargo typically remain in PRE status before actual loading?

Cargo typically remains in PRE status for 2-6 hours before loading, depending on the flight schedule, cargo terminal efficiency, and peak periods. For time-sensitive shipments like pharmaceuticals or perishables, carriers prioritize moving from PRE to loading within 1-2 hours to maintain cold chain integrity.

What happens if my shipment shows PRE status but the flight gets delayed?

When flights are delayed, cargo in PRE status remains staged in temperature-controlled areas or secure zones until the new departure time. Carriers update the expected loading time in their systems, and the shipment maintains PRE status until actual loading begins. For special cargo like live animals or perishables, handlers may adjust care protocols during extended PRE periods.