Navigating air cargo shipments can be challenging, especially when critical goods are in transit. For those utilizing Sun Country Airlines' cargo services, understanding how to effectively track shipments is essential for supply chain management. This guide provides a detailed overview of Sun Country's cargo operations, tracking procedures, and practical tips for shippers.
Sun Country Airlines Cargo: Regional Expertise in North American Short-Haul Transport
While primarily known as a leisure travel airline, Sun Country Airlines has developed significant cargo capabilities since its founding in 1982. The carrier operates an extensive network covering North America, the Caribbean, and Central America, offering efficient air freight services through partnerships with third-party logistics providers.
Key Operational Data:
- Network Coverage: Services 60 airports across North America, with 80% focused on U.S. secondary cities, creating an efficient point-to-point regional system
- Capacity: The Minneapolis hub operates over 150 daily flights connecting 40 domestic U.S. airports and 10 Caribbean destinations
Primary Service Areas
- Continental U.S.: Major hubs (JFK, LAX, ORD) and emerging cities (AUS, BNA)
- Caribbean: Popular destinations including SJU and PUJ
- Central America: Key cities like MEX and SJO
Sun Country Cargo Tracking: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Official Tracking Channels
The most direct method is through Sun Country's official website. Users can access the tracking system by:
- Navigating to the "Cargo" section and selecting "Track Your Shipment"
- Alternatively, visiting the dedicated tracking page directly
2. Essential Information: Air Waybill Number
The tracking system requires the complete Air Waybill (AWB) number in the format "SY-XXXXXXXX" (where SY is Sun Country's IATA code).
Example:
Correct: SY-12345678
Incorrect: SunCountry12345678 (missing IATA prefix)
3. Status Interpretation
The system provides real-time updates approximately every 30 minutes. Common statuses include:
- Booked: Cargo received and entered into the system
- In Transit: Cargo en route to destination
- In Transit - Transfer: Cargo at intermediate hub awaiting connection
- Delivered: Cargo available for pickup at destination
- Customs Clearance: Undergoing customs inspection
4. Alternative Tracking Methods
Third-party platforms also support Sun Country cargo tracking, including:
- 17TRACK (multilingual interface)
- TrackTrace (API capabilities for enterprise users)
Transit Time Factors and Estimates
Typical transit times vary by route:
- Domestic U.S.: 1-2 days (e.g., LAX to JFK)
- North America-Caribbean: 2-3 days (e.g., MSP to SJU)
- North America-Central America: 1-2 days (e.g., LAS to MEX)
Key Influencing Factors
- Weather: Winter storms can increase delay probabilities by 25%
- Flight Scheduling: Connection efficiency at regional hubs
- Customs Processing: Varies from 24 hours (U.S.) to 48 hours (some Caribbean nations)
Special Cargo Considerations
Permitted Special Cargo
- Temperature-Sensitive: Requires 48-hour advance notice with temperature maintenance (-18°C to 4°C)
- Live Animals: Must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations and use approved containers
- Dangerous Goods: Limited to Classes 2-9 (e.g., batteries requiring UN38.3 certification)
Pricing Structure
- Basis: Chargeable weight is the greater of actual or volumetric weight (L×W×H/6000)
- Surcharges: Fuel adjustment factor (approximately 10% of base rate) varies monthly
Asia Service Considerations
Sun Country currently operates no direct Asian freight stations but serves the region through partnerships with global logistics providers like DHL and FedEx. Recommended approaches include:
- Using international carriers for Asia-North America trunk routes
- Leveraging Sun Country's regional network for final North American distribution