Follow Your Shipment Online

Track and Trace

With First Air’s Cargo Track and Trace feature you can monitor your shipment’s progress in real time. Enter the AWB number you received from First Air’s cargo office in the search field below to track your shipment.

Search for cargo

First Air’s vast and comprehensive route system serves the cargo needs of more northern communities than any other air carrier in Canada. From small packages to bulk items, equipment and even vehicles, First Air’s versatile fleet can handle just about any cargo shipment.

With major staging points in Ottawa, Montreal, Kuujjuaq, Iqaluit, Yellowknife, Edmonton and Winnipeg, refrigeration facilities and a reliable truck-to-air network, we are well equipped to handle a wide range of cargo movement.

For a list of local First Air cargo offices, click here.

Our Cargo Services

Truck-to-Air Network

You don’t need to be at a First Air shipping counter to have your cargo shipped. Here’s how it works:

If your package originates in a major southern Canadian centre (excluding Winnipeg), it can be picked-up and shipped by ground to one of our northern air staging points.
Your package will then be air shipped to its final northern destination.
Perishable products may not be shipped this method due to inadequate refrigeration facilities during truck to air handling.

Handling Methods

Choose from one of four secure and efficient cargo handling methods:

Cargo Prioritair

The fastest way to get your shipment there
A little more money, a bit less time
Your shipment travels on the next available flight

General Cargo

A little more time, but more economical
Delivered in up to five days (depending on flight frequencies)

FirstPac

Package delivery system up to 2.2 kg (5lbs) per package
Flat rates anywhere First Air flies
Delivered on the next available flight
Non-perishable, non-valuable items only

Cargo Charter

Intended for high volume cargo movements
For destinations outside of First Air network
When immediate timelines are critical
For more information see: Charter Services

How Freight Charges are Calculated

First Air applies dimensional weight calculations to all shipments to determine if the actual or dimensional weight will be used in the calculation of charges. The greater value of the two will be applied.

DIM Calculator

Multiply, in centimetres, the length, width and height of the package and divide by 6000 to calculate dimensional weight in kilograms.

Declaring the Value of Your Shipment

When a declared value is stated on the waybill, a charge of $0.75 per $100 declared value will be charged. In the event of damage or loss, the limited liability per kilogram will therefore be increased based on the weight of the shipment and the amount declared on the waybill. (Some exceptions apply, i.e. food and carvings.)

Claims for loss or damages will only be calculated on the weight of those parts or pieces of a shipment that were lost or damaged.

If no declared value is stated on the waybill, in the event of damage or loss, the amount of liability will not exceed $1.10 per kilogram.