How to Ship
Southwest Airlines Cargo® likes to keep things simple, and that's why we offer you effortless shipping with fast, efficient service. Shipping cargo can seem complex with a lot of rules, so here's our 101 lesson on shipping on Southwest Airlines® .
Who We Serve
Whether you're an individual or a large business, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandates Southwest Airlines may only accept cargo weighing 16 ounces or greater from Known Shippers or TSA-approved Indirect Air Carriers (IAC).
A Known Shipper is an individual or business that has an established reputation in the shipping community and is offering their own goods for transportation. To become a Known Shipper, you must complete a Cargo account application and fax it in to (214) 792-4199. Additional supporting documentation may be requested to complete the application approval process. Once your account is established, please remember to bring the account number to ship with Southwest Airlines Cargo.
If you are a Courier or Freight Forwarding company you may be known as an Indirect Air Carrier, (IAC). If you are already a TSA approved IAC, then you will need to provide a copy of your Indirect Air Carrier certification letter along with your account application.
For details on how to become a TSA approved company, please contact:
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security |
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Southwest Airlines does not accept shipments weighing 16 ounces or greater from an Unknown Shipper. However, we will accept a small package, provided it is one piece weighing less than 16 ounces and a valid government-issued photo identification is provided.
Shipments Weighing Less than 16 Ounces
- Take your shipment to a local Southwest Airlines Cargo facility; be sure to check the cutoff time and hours of operation for the facility.
- Choose the service that fits your shipping needs.
- Complete the air waybill.
- Be sure you bring a government-issued photo ID for drop off and pickup.
- Track the progress of your shipment on swacargo.com®.
- Sit back and relax.
All Other Shipments
- Cargo Customers must be a TSA approved Indirect Air Carrier or become a Known Shipper by completing the account application process.
- Once you have your Southwest Airlines Cargo account number, take your shipment to a local Southwest Airlines Cargo facility; be sure to check the cutoff time and hours of operation for the facility.
- Choose the service that fits your shipping needs.
- Complete the air waybill.
- Be sure you bring a government-issued photo ID for drop off and pickup.
- Track the progress of your shipment on swacargo.com®.
- Sit back and relax.
How to Pickup a Shipment
- Track the air waybill on swacargo.com to verify your shipment has arrived at its destination.
- Shipments may be picked up at the Cargo facility of the destination airport.
- Bring the air waybill number and a government-issued photo ID to pickup your shipment.
Additional Details to Consider
Before Customers ship with Southwest Airlines Cargo, check out cutoff times, items not accepted for shipping, packaging, pickup & delivery, and shipping guidelines.
Cutoff TimesSouthwest Airlines Cargo facilities have a designated cutoff time before each flight. This means the air waybill transaction and inspection must be complete prior to the Cargo facility's stated cutoff time for all Next Flight GuaranteedSM (NFG) shipments.
Items Not Accepted for Shipping
View a list of items Southwest Airlines does not accept for shipment.
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 Guidelines
We want to take the guess work out of your shipping needs. Shipping Guidelines provides Customers with information on weight & size, cutoff times, packaging & marking requirements, and much more.
