Valuable Cargo (VAL)

Valuable Cargo (VAL) is cargo defined by IATA as goods valued at over $1,000 USD per kilogram (or equivalent, such as GBP 450 per kilogram in the United Kingdom). It requires secured transportation chain from acceptance to delivery under specific security measures in accordance with local regulations at origin and destination. All valuable cargo shipments must use the special handling code 'VAL' in documentation and handling instructions. Due to special handling requirements, VAL shipments are limited to a maximum of 50 kg per piece to ensure smooth handling and storage.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment (AWB 020-45678901) carrying diamond jewelry worth $150,000 USD weighing 8 kg requires VAL handling from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to New York JFK Airport (JFK), with each piece limited to 50 kg and secured storage throughout transport. An Emirates SkyCargo valuable cargo shipment (AWB 176-98765432) transports precious artwork valued at $2,500 per kilogram from Dubai Airport (DXB) to London Heathrow (LHR), requiring tamper-evident packaging and the VAL special handling code on all documentation.

• VAL
• high-value cargo
• valuables
• precious cargo

What is the maximum weight limit per piece for Valuable Cargo (VAL) shipments?

VAL shipments are limited to a maximum of 50 kg per piece to ensure smooth handling and storage. Larger shipments may be accepted on request from some carriers, but require advance booking at least 24 hours prior to flight departure.

Can Valuable Cargo (VAL) be consolidated with other cargo in a ULD container?

Valuable cargo cannot be accepted in a consolidated shipment loaded in a ULD unless the entire shipment comprises valuable cargo. VAL shipments also cannot be transported on road feeder services (RFS) and require direct airport-to-airport handling with secured transport chains.