In the global trade landscape, Latin America has emerged as a vital logistics hub, connecting continents through its strategic geographic position and growing economic dynamism. As South America's largest airline group, LATAM Airlines plays a pivotal role in cross-border logistics with its extensive route network and specialized cargo services. However, for e-commerce businesses, manufacturers, and individual shippers, effectively tracking air cargo shipments remains a critical challenge.
1. LATAM Cargo Service Overview
1.1 Corporate Background and Global Network
Formed in 2012 through the merger of Brazil's TAM Airlines and Chile's LAN Airlines, LATAM Airlines operates its cargo division with 30 dedicated freighters, including Boeing 767-300F and 777F aircraft. The carrier serves 140 global destinations through three primary hubs:
- São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
- Santiago International Airport (SCL)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
GRU handles over 1.5 million tons of cargo annually, ranking as Latin America's busiest air freight hub. The Shanghai-São Paulo route operates with 24-hour transit time, demonstrating LATAM's efficiency in Asia-Latin America trade lanes.
1.2 Service Coverage
LATAM Cargo's network spans four continents with particular strength in:
- Latin America: Key markets include Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico
- North America: Major commercial centers like Los Angeles and New York
- Europe: International hubs including London and Frankfurt
- Asia-Pacific: Emerging markets such as Shanghai and Sydney
2. Shipment Tracking Process
2.1 Official Tracking Channels
Shippers can monitor shipments through LATAM's cargo tracking system by entering the 11-digit Air Waybill (AWB) number formatted as "045-XXXXXXXX" where "045" represents the IATA carrier code.
2.2 Tracking Status Interpretation
The system provides real-time updates every five minutes, with common status indicators including:
- Booked: Cargo received and documented
- In Transit: Shipment en route to destination
- Customs Clearance: Undergoing import procedures
3. AWB Number Structure and Validity
LATAM's AWB numbers maintain data accessibility for 180 days post-delivery. The numbering system combines the carrier prefix with an 8-digit unique identifier.
4. Exception Management
Common tracking issues include input errors or system delays. The carrier provides multilingual support through email and 24/7 phone assistance for unresolved cases.
5. Transit Time Analysis
Typical delivery windows vary by trade lane:
- Asia-Latin America: 3-4 days
- North America-Latin America: 1-2 days
- Europe-Latin America: 5-7 days
Weather patterns and customs processing significantly impact delivery reliability, with Brazil's average clearance time reaching 72 hours during peak periods.
6. Specialized Cargo Services
LATAM accommodates temperature-sensitive shipments, live animals, and regulated dangerous goods under strict IATA guidelines. Pricing follows standard air freight calculations using the greater of actual or volumetric weight.
7. Asia-Pacific Operations
The carrier maintains direct cargo facilities in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong while partnering with regional logistics providers for last-mile delivery solutions.
Through its strategic hub development and continuous network optimization, LATAM Cargo remains positioned to facilitate growing trade flows between Latin America and global markets. The carrier's tracking infrastructure provides shippers with essential visibility to manage complex supply chains effectively.