How to Ship

We like to keep things simple, and that's why we offer you effortless shipping with fast, efficient delivery. Shipping cargo can seem complex with a lot of rules, so here's our Shipping 101 lesson. No homework necessary!

For shipments weighing less than 16 ounces

1. Take your shipment to your local Southwest Airlines Cargo facility. Be sure to check the cutoff time for the facility.
2. Choose the type of service to send your package.
3. Complete the air waybill transaction.
4. Be sure you bring 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. First, you will need 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. Be sure to check the cutoff time for the facility.
3. Choose the type of service to send your package.
4. Complete the air waybill transaction.
5. You may track the progress of your shipment on swacargo.com.
6. Sit back and relax.

International shipments

Southwest Airlines offers cargo service to select cities in Canada. For everything you need to know regarding international shipping on Southwest Airlines, check out our International Shipping page.

How to pick up a shipment

• Go to swacargo.com to verify your shipment has arrived at its destination by tracking the airbill or contacting our Cargo Customer Care Center.
• Shipments may be picked up at the Cargo Facility of the destination airport.
• Be sure to bring the air waybill number and your driver's license to pick up your shipment.

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 air waybill transaction and inspection must be complete prior to the cargo facility's stated cutoff time for all NFG (Next Flight Guaranteed) shipments.

Packaging

It is important to ensure your shipment is properly packaged.

Pickup & Delivery

To independently schedule a pickup and/or delivery, locate a courier through our partnership with MCAA.

Shipping Perishables

Learn more about shipping your perishable items.

Items Not Accepted for Shipping

View a list of items we do not ship.

You also may want to check out our Shipping Guidelines.