Domestic air freight in Australia operates under one of the most tightly regulated aviation environments in the world. Every shipment—whether general freight, perishables, pharmaceuticals, or Dangerous Goods—must comply with a network of regulations overseen by national aviation authorities, security agencies, and industry bodies. These frameworks ensure safety, cargo integrity, and secure movement between key hubs like Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Darwin.
For readers who want to see how these regulations apply to a real domestic lane, refer to the full route analysis here: Air Freight Melbourne to Perth.
The Core Regulatory Bodies Governing Domestic Air Freight
Australia’s aviation cargo ecosystem is shaped by several high-authority entities, each playing a specific role in safety, security, and compliance. The most influential bodies include:
- CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) – Aircraft operations, DG rules, air operator certification
- Department of Home Affairs – Aviation Transport Security oversight
- Office of Transport Security – Screening, accreditation, regulatory enforcement
- IATA (International Air Transport Association) – Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
- DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) – Biosecurity rules, quarantine checks
- TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) – Cold-chain pharma handling compliance
These entities interact closely with airlines, freight terminals, ground handlers, and screening providers to ensure every movement meets national standards.
1. Aviation Transport Security Requirements
Under the Aviation Transport Security Act (ATSA) and the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, all domestic air cargo must be screened before uplift. Screening occurs at approved facilities and must be performed by accredited screeners. The allowable methods include:
- X-ray screening for clean, uniform cargo
- ETD (Explosive Trace Detection) for cargo that cannot be x-rayed
- Physical examination for oversized or dense freight
- Canine screening units for high-volume freight terminals
These requirements apply to every major airport, including MEL, SYD, BNE, PER, ADL, and regional airports with interstate connections.
2. CASR and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
Dangerous Goods (DG) shipments—such as lithium batteries, aerosols, chemicals, and flammable substances—fall under:
- CASR Part 92 – DG handling in aviation
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for packaging, labeling, and documentation
DG cargo must be tendered earlier than general freight because additional checks are performed, including:
- UN classification verification
- Packaging integrity assessment
- Shipper’s Declaration checks
- Compatibility within ULDs
Failure to meet documentation or packaging standards is one of the most common reasons DG shipments are rejected at terminals.
3. Airline-Specific Acceptance Rules
While national regulations provide the baseline, airlines operating domestically—such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Rex—apply their own acceptance standards. These rules address:
- Weight limits for bulk-load and ULD positions
- Volumetric restrictions for specific aircraft types (B737, A330, A321P2F)
- Temperature-control requirements for perishables and pharmaceuticals
- Size limits for odd-size or tall freight
- Priority uplift categories for time-sensitive cargo
Because the domestic fleet varies daily, acceptance rules shift depending on aircraft rotation. For example, wide-body A330 services offer significantly more belly space than narrow-body 737 flights, but they are not consistently scheduled.
4. Screening, Cut-Offs, and Terminal Handling Requirements
Domestic air freight operates on strict cut-off windows. Most terminals set:
- 2–4 hours before departure for general freight
- Earlier lodgement for DG, oversize, and perishables
Failure to lodge within these windows can result in rolled cargo, especially during peak periods like:
- Pre-Christmas trading season
- End-of-financial-year freight surges
- Mining shutdown cycles in WA and QLD
- Weather disruptions at major hubs
Screening queues, equipment availability, and terminal congestion often play a larger role in real transit times than the actual flight duration itself.
5. Biosecurity and Perishable Freight Regulations
Certain freight types—fresh produce, seafood, animal products, plant materials—may fall under DAFF biosecurity requirements. These rules dictate:
- Packaging standards for plant or animal-based products
- Temperature-control requirements
- Documentation for inter-state quarantine restrictions
- Specific handling procedures at arrival airports
Western Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the country, meaning freight moving into Perth must be declared accurately to avoid clearance delays.
6. Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and Documentation Standards
Under national Chain of Responsibility regulations, everyone in the logistics chain is responsible for the safety and legality of a shipment. Documentation must include:
- Consignment notes
- DG declarations (if applicable)
- Commercial invoices
- Temperature logs for cold-chain cargo
- Shipper and receiver details compliant with aviation security rules
Incorrect paperwork or undeclared items can result in immediate refusal of freight.
Why These Regulations Matter
Domestic air freight is fast and efficient, but only when cargo meets the requirements set by aviation authorities and airlines. Regulations ensure:
- Safe aircraft operations
- Secure movement of goods
- Integrity of the national supply chain
- Accurate traceability
- Compliance with structured aviation guidelines
Mastering these rules helps businesses avoid delays, penalties, and costly re-bookings—especially on high-volume lanes like Melbourne to Perth.
To better understand how regulations affect real-world transit and pricing, refer to the full pillar guide: Air Freight Melbourne to Perth.