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Southwest Airlines Cargo

Shipping 101

While shipping via air cargo might seem difficult and full of ‘hard to understand’ rules, shipping on Southwest Airlines Cargo is really quite simple and convenient. To learn about steps A-Z, and everything in between, read on for your lesson on Shipping 101. You may also want to read our Shipping Guidelines.

For shipments weighing 16 ounces or less:

  1. Take your shipment to your local Southwest Airlines Cargo Facility.
  2. Choose the type of service to send your package.
  3. Complete the airbill transaction.
  4. Be sure you bring two forms of identification. One must be a government-issued photo i.d.
  5. You may track the progress of your shipment on swacargo.com.
  6. Sit back and relax.

For all other shipments:

  1. The first step to ship is to become a Known Shipper by applying for your Shippers ID or Southwest Airlines Cargo Account number (this process takes a minimum of 7 days as mandated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)).
  2. Once you have your Shippers ID or Southwest Airlines Cargo Account number, take your shipment to your local Southwest Airlines Cargo facility.
  3. Choose the type of service to send your package.
  4. Complete the airbill transaction.
  5. You may track the progress of your shipment on swacargo.com.
  6. Sit back and relax.

Additional Details to Consider:

  • Cutoff Times: Southwest Airlines Cargo facilities have a designated cutoff time before each flight. (See published cutoff times.) This means the airbill transaction and inspection must be complete prior to the cargo facility’s stated cutoff time for all NFG (Next Flight Guaranteed) shipments.
  • Ensure your shipment is properly packaged.
  • Delivery services are available by calling the Cargo Sales & Service Center at (800) 533-1222 or your local Southwest Airlines Cargo Facility. See Delivery Services for more information.

How to pick up a shipment:

  • Go to swacargo.com to verify your shipment has arrived its destination.
  • Shipments may be picked up at the Cargo Facility of the destination airport.
  • Be sure to bring the airbill number and your drivers license to pick up your shipment.