This article is presented by the M9 Logistics Germany Office:
Air cargo transportation to Liberia and Sierra Leone
Temperature-controlled and dangerous goods transport for laboratory supplies
In October 2025, our logistics team successfully arranged two sensitive airfreight shipments from Roermond, the Netherlands (6045 GX) to Liberia and Sierra Leone. The cargo consisted of laboratory tubes — temperature-sensitive materials classified as dangerous goods (DG) requiring both IMDG/IATA compliance and temperature control throughout the entire journey.
Project overview
| Destination | Route | Cargo Type | Weight | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monrovia, Liberia (ROB) | Roermond → Amsterdam → Monrovia | DG + Keep Cool (Laboratory Tubes) | 4 Pallets / 134.7 kg | 10 days |
| Freetown, Sierra Leone (FNA) | Roermond → Amsterdam → Freetown | Temperature-Controlled (Laboratory Tubes) | 1 Pallet / 40 kg | 10 days |
Cargo description
The shipments included laboratory tubes used for medical and analytical testing.
Due to their chemical composition, they were classified as Dangerous Goods under IATA DGR, requiring special documentation, labeling, and certified handling procedures.
At the same time, the products had to be transported under temperature-controlled conditions (Keep Cool range +2°C – +8°C) to preserve the stability of reagents and ensure product quality on arrival. Each pallet was professionally packed with thermal insulation and
refrigerant gel packs, verified by a DG-certified packer before air uplift.
DG-Approved airline with cold chain capability
Both destinations Liberia (ROB) and Sierra Leone (FNA) are considered low-frequency airfreight routes, with limited weekly cargo capacity and a high proportion of passenger luggage occupying available belly space.
The challenges we faced:
- Finding an airline with temperature-controlled capacity and DG acceptance for chemical lab materials;
- Maintaining the cold chain integrity during export handling, transit, and arrival;
- Managing tight flight schedules and limited uplift capacity to West Africa;
- Rebooking the Sierra Leone cargo after the initially selected airline rejected the shipment due to DG restrictions and overbooking.
Our freeight solution
To meet the client’s deadlines and cargo requirements, we developed a two-track airfreight solution using our trusted airline partners and temperature-controlled logistics network.
1. For Liberia (ROB)
- Carrier: DG-approved airline with a reliable cold-chain facility in Amsterdam (AMS).
- Pre-Carriage: Pick-up from Roermond with temperature monitoring.
- Handling: DG check, temperature validation, and documentation at AMS cargo terminal.
- Export Clearance: Processed electronically through Dutch customs in under 24 hours.
- Transit Time: 10 days total, including ground pre-carriage, export handling, and final delivery in Monrovia.
2. For Sierra Leone (FNA)
- Initial Challenge: Original airline declined the booking due to capacity limits.
- Solution: Within 24 hours, we re-routed the cargo via an alternative partner with available space and DG handling certification.
- Temperature Control: Continuous cold-chain supervision until uplift.
- Transit Time: 10 days end-to-end — despite the initial rebooking.
Results of air freight transportation from Erope to Africa
Both shipments were delivered safely, compliantly, and within the required temperature range. The client received the laboratory tubes in full integrity, ready for immediate use at their research and healthcare facilities in West Africa.
Key achievements:
- 100% compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
- Continuous temperature control throughout the supply chain
- On-time delivery to two destinations with limited air capacity
- Rapid response to airline rejection and re-booking
- Total transit time for both shipments — 10 days
Key transportation factors
- Origin: Roermond, the Netherlands (6045 GX)
- Destinations: Monrovia, Liberia (ROB) / Freetown, Sierra Leone (FNA)
- Weight: 174.7 kg total (5 pallets)
- Cargo: Laboratory Tubes – Dangerous Goods with Temperature Control (+2°C to +8°C)
- Route: Roermond → Amsterdam (AMS) → West Africa
- Transit Time: 10 days door-to-destination
- Challenge: Limited flight capacity, DG restrictions, and cold-chain requirements
- Result: Safe, compliant, and temperature-controlled delivery within 10 days
Freight forwarding service for African countries
We specialize in airfreight logistics for pharmaceutical and laboratory products, combining DG compliance and cold-chain expertise. Our global network and 24/7 coordination ensure your time-critical cargo arrives safely, even in challenging regions like West Africa.
Our services include:
- Airfreight of Dangerous Goods (DG Class 3, 6.1, 8, 9)
- Temperature-controlled logistics (+2 °C – +25 °C)
- IATA DG documentation and labeling
- Pharma-compliant packaging solutions
- Customs clearance and last-mile delivery in destination countries
Why clients choose us
- Temperature-controlled expertise. Certified cold-chain and DG packers.
- Fast transit times. Optimized routing even for low-frequency destinations.
- DG-approved airlines. Compliance with IATA and ADR regulations.
- Turnkey documentation. DG declarations, export clearance, and airway bills handled in-house.
- Global reach. Experience in shipping to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Contact Us
E-mail: pricing_de@m9logistics.com
Telephone: +49 0 69 999993350
Location: M9 Logistics GmbH, Cargo City South, Building 638C 60549, Frankfurt, Germany. View on the maps.
