Sheremetyevo Cargo tracking

What is Sheremetyevo Cargo?

Sheremetyevo-Cargo JSC is a cargo and mail handling operator based at Sheremetyevo International Airport, one of Russia's primary international air gateways, located near Moscow in the Khimki district of the Moscow Region. Unlike airlines or courier companies, the company does not operate aircraft. It functions as a ground handler and cargo terminal operator, managing the reception, storage, documentation, and dispatch of freight on behalf of the airlines using Sheremetyevo Airport. In this role, it serves 59 Russian and foreign carriers, making it one of the most airline-connected cargo operators in the Russian market.

The origins of Sheremetyevo-Cargo trace back to 1991, when a lease company called "Automated Cargo Complex" was established at the airport amid the broader economic transformation of post-Soviet Russia. Two years later, in 1993, the company was formally incorporated as a joint stock company through a privatization process initiated by its own workers, a model that characterized many industrial transitions of that era. In the years that followed, new divisions were created, warehouses were constructed, IT infrastructure was developed, and a fleet of proprietary trucks and ramp equipment was assembled to support growing cargo volumes.

A key development came in 1998, when Sheremetyevo-Cargo, working with a company called Integprog, developed and deployed an IT system known as "RussLand" which centralizes information about all operational processes across the terminal. That same year, the company joined FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations. From 1999 onward, it began receiving annual IATA compliance certificates and submitted to audits by both Russian and foreign inspection bodies, a practice maintained continuously since. The company also holds ISAGO certification, the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations, which is renewed every two years and validates the quality and safety of its ground handling operations.

The company's operational scope covers a wide range of cargo categories, from general freight and perishables to dangerous goods, valuables, diplomatic shipments, heavy and oversized freight, express cargo, and live animals. A network of over 700 CCTV cameras monitors every stage of the cargo-handling process, and the company publicly claims a record of zero lost cargo incidents across its operational history. This combination of technical infrastructure and long-standing industry certifications has established Sheremetyevo-Cargo as one of the most audited and validated ground handlers operating in the Russian market.

• Founded: 1993, through privatization of the "Automated Cargo Complex" lease entity created in 1991
• Legal form: JSC (Joint Stock Company)
• Headquarters: Khimki city, Moscow Region, Russia
• Airport operated from: Sheremetyevo International Airport (IATA code SVO), located near Moscow
• Airlines served: 59 Russian and foreign carriers
• Industry memberships: FIATA member since 1998, IATA compliance certified annually since 1999, ISAGO certified on a biannual basis
• Security infrastructure: Over 700 CCTV cameras covering all cargo-handling areas and every operational stage within the terminal
• Cargo IT system: "RussLand" developed in 1998 in cooperation with the company Integprog, centralizing operational data across the terminal

Which countries does Sheremetyevo Cargo deliver to?

Sheremetyevo-Cargo operates from a single location at Sheremetyevo International Airport and does not maintain facilities at any other point. Its geographic reach is determined entirely by the flight networks of the 59 Russian and foreign airlines it handles at the terminal. Because Sheremetyevo Airport functions as one of Russia's primary international air hubs, this carrier connectivity extends to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and other commercially active regions that the partner airlines serve.

Within Russia, the company provides ground handling for domestic flights operating through Sheremetyevo and offers truck transport services connecting the terminal directly to the Moscow metropolitan area. For international cargo in transit through Russia en route to a third country, the company provides handling and documentation support under the customs transit regime, allowing these shipments to move through without full Russian import clearance. This positions Sheremetyevo as an intermediate routing point for cargo traveling between continents, particularly on Asia-to-Europe corridors where Moscow serves as a transit hub.

The range of destination countries accessible via Sheremetyevo-Cargo reflects the route maps of the airlines it handles, which include major Russian carriers as well as Chinese and other international airlines. Russia-China cargo flows rank among the highest-volume bilateral corridors through the airport. European capitals, Middle Eastern commercial hubs, and Central Asian destinations are also well-represented in the airline route network that operates through SVO. The company does not publish a definitive list of destination countries, as coverage shifts with the scheduling and capacity decisions of the airlines it handles.

• Russia domestic: All destinations served by domestic airlines operating at Sheremetyevo, with ground delivery available within the Moscow metropolitan area
• Europe: Destinations served by Russian and European carriers through SVO, covering major commercial centers across Western and Eastern Europe
• Asia: Routes maintained by Russian and Chinese carriers, with China representing one of the highest-volume bilateral air cargo corridors through Sheremetyevo Airport
• Middle East: Destinations served by regional and Russian carriers operating routes between Moscow and Gulf and Levant commercial hubs
• Central Asia: Countries connected to Sheremetyevo through Russian carriers operating routes across the former Soviet space
• North America: Transatlantic destinations served by airlines maintaining scheduled routes through Sheremetyevo Airport
• Transit cargo: Cargo moving through Russia under customs control, including Asia-to-Europe and Europe-to-Asia shipments using Moscow as an intermediate routing point

What are the Sheremetyevo Cargo services and delivery times?

Sheremetyevo-Cargo provides a broad portfolio of cargo handling services at its facilities at Sheremetyevo Airport. The company's core function is general cargo handling, which covers the full ground-side workflow from receiving inbound freight off arriving aircraft to preparing outbound shipments for flight loading. Beyond general freight, the company has developed specialized handling capabilities for temperature-sensitive goods, dangerous goods, valuables, diplomatic shipments, heavy and oversized freight, live animals, and express cargo, each supported by dedicated infrastructure, vetted staff, and compliance with specific regulatory frameworks.

For temperature-sensitive goods, the company operates dedicated refrigerated vehicles capable of maintaining temperatures from -25°C to +25°C, handling both Unit Load Devices and loose bulk cargo during ramp transfers. The warehouse cold storage area provides 2,700 m³ of climate-controlled capacity covering the same temperature range. Dangerous goods covering all legally transportable categories are stored in a separate dedicated warehouse per IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Valuable cargo such as precious metals, banknotes, jewelry, watches, and art objects is handled in a secure 71 m² warehouse staffed by a vetted long-term team, with GPS-tracked and camera-equipped ramp vehicles used for all apron movements of valuables. Diplomatic cargo is handled according to applicable customs protocols with priority processing.

Heavy and oversized freight is accommodated using high-loaders ranging from 3 to 30 tons, with two dedicated terminal stations reserved for this category. The company also handles live animals including farm, zoo, circus, and exotic species such as giraffes, white whales, walruses, bears, and hippopotamuses, with customs processing given priority status to minimize terminal dwell time. Two dedicated terminal stations are set aside for express and courier shipments, reducing turnaround for time-sensitive consignments. The company additionally manufactures cargo packaging to client-provided drawings and performs deconsolidation of consolidated shipments for distribution to individual consignees.

In terms of timing, Sheremetyevo-Cargo does not publish standardized transit schedules, which is consistent with its role as a terminal handler rather than an airline. Transit from origin to destination depends on the flight schedules of the partner airlines and the downstream logistics arranged by the freight forwarder or consignee. One specific performance commitment the company does publish is the release of cargo documents to the client within 2 hours of flight arrival, allowing customs brokers and forwarders to initiate clearance without delay. Total shipment transit times, accounting for routing and customs processing, typically range from 3 to 24 days depending on the destination and service type used.

• General cargo handling: Full ground-side lifecycle from aircraft arrival to warehouse storage to outbound flight preparation and documentation
• Perishable cargo: Cold chain management with refrigerated ramp vehicles (-25°C to +25°C) and 2,700 m³ of climate-controlled warehouse capacity
• Dangerous goods: All legally transportable categories handled in a dedicated, separately equipped warehouse per IATA DGR standards
• Valuable cargo: Secure 71 m² warehouse with a vetted team, GPS-tracked ramp vehicles, and full CCTV coverage across all handling areas
• Diplomatic cargo: Handling for embassy and diplomatic mission shipments with priority processing under applicable customs protocols
• Heavy and oversized cargo: High-loaders from 3 to 30 tons, with two dedicated terminal stations reserved for non-standard freight
• Express and courier cargo: Two dedicated terminal stations for accelerated processing of time-sensitive shipments
• Live animals: Handling for farm, zoo, circus, and exotic animals with priority customs processing to minimize terminal transit time
• Customs clearance: Export and import declarations including electronic filings per IATA rules and Russian customs regulations
• Truck delivery: Ground transport between the terminal and addresses within the Moscow metropolitan area
• Packaging and deconsolidation: Custom cargo packaging manufactured to client drawings and break-bulk deconsolidation for onward distribution to individual consignees
• Permanent client program: Dedicated IT system access, reserved document cells, office rental within the terminal complex, and representative passes for registered regular clients
• Document release time: Cargo documents made available to the client within 2 hours of flight arrival

What are the Sheremetyevo Cargo rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Sheremetyevo-Cargo does not publish retail tariff schedules, which is standard practice for airport cargo terminal operators that work through airline and freight-forwarder intermediaries rather than directly with end-customers. Pricing for a given shipment is typically composed of Air Waybill charges set by the airline covering the flight, supplemented by the ground handler's terminal handling charges. Forwarders and shippers obtain quotes through direct engagement with the relevant airline or through a freight forwarder, not through the terminal operator directly.

For specialized cargo categories, pricing reflects the additional infrastructure and regulatory compliance required. Valuable goods handling involves secure warehousing, GPS-tracked vehicles, and a dedicated vetted team, all of which are factored into the service cost. Dangerous goods require separate storage and specialized documentation under IATA DGR, and live animal handling involves customs prioritization and species-appropriate care, both of which carry charges above standard general cargo rates. Perishable goods handling draws on a purpose-built cold chain infrastructure across both the ramp and warehouse, similarly reflected in the service pricing.

In terms of physical limits, the company's heavy cargo infrastructure accommodates individual consignments up to 30 tons using high-loaders of the appropriate capacity. Perishable cargo is accepted in both Unit Load Device format and as loose bulk cargo. The terminal's 29 reception and delivery stations allow simultaneous processing of multiple shipments, and the two dedicated heavy cargo stations are designed to handle non-standard dimensions that fall outside the parameters of standard freight handling equipment.

• Pricing model: Tariffs determined through Air Waybill charges from the airline combined with terminal handling charges, with no public retail schedule available
• Maximum weight for heavy cargo: Up to 30 tons per consignment, handled by high-loaders of the appropriate rated capacity
• Perishable cargo formats accepted: Both Unit Load Devices (standard airline cargo containers) and loose bulk cargo
• Cold chain temperature range: -25°C to +25°C for both refrigerated ramp vehicles and warehouse cold storage facilities
• Warehouse cold storage volume: 2,700 m³ of climate-controlled space within the terminal facility
• Valuable cargo warehouse area: 71 m² dedicated secure warehouse for precious metals, banknotes, jewelry, watches, and art objects
• Premium categories: Dangerous goods, live animals, and valuable cargo incur additional handling charges reflecting specialized infrastructure and regulatory requirements

What are the Sheremetyevo Cargo delivery options?

As a cargo terminal operator, Sheremetyevo-Cargo's primary delivery model is built around the terminal's freight pickup window, where consignees or their authorized customs brokers and freight forwarders collect cargo after completing customs formalities. The terminal is equipped with 29 stations for receiving and delivering cargo, which allows the simultaneous processing of multiple shipments. Two of these stations are dedicated exclusively to express and courier cargo, providing a faster channel for time-critical freight collection.

For outbound shipments originating in the Moscow area, the company provides truck delivery services that collect freight from the shipper's premises and transport it to the terminal for export processing. The same ground transport service operates in reverse for import cargo, connecting the terminal to delivery addresses within the Moscow metropolitan area. This inland transport capacity means the company can serve shippers and consignees in Moscow without requiring them to manage their own terminal logistics or arrange separate collection.

Registered permanent clients have access to a set of reception benefits that reduce the administrative burden of frequent shipments. These include pre-issued access passes for company representatives, reserved document cells within the terminal for faster retrieval of cargo release paperwork, and access to dedicated IT systems that provide shipment visibility. Email notifications are sent automatically when cargo arrives at the terminal, allowing consignees to prepare for pickup without relying on manual status checks. The company also assigns a personal manager to each registered client to oversee shipments and serve as a direct point of contact throughout the handling process.

• Terminal freight pickup: 29 stations for simultaneous cargo reception and delivery, with consignees collecting freight after customs clearance is completed
• Express and courier pickup: Two dedicated terminal stations reserved for expedited collection of time-sensitive shipments
• Truck delivery (outbound): Ground transport from shipper premises in the Moscow metropolitan area to the terminal for export processing
• Truck delivery (inbound): Ground transport from the terminal to consignee addresses within the Moscow metropolitan area
• Permanent client program: Pre-issued passes, reserved document cells, dedicated IT system access, and a personal manager for registered regular shippers and consignees
• Arrival notifications: Automated email alerts sent to consignees when cargo arrives at the terminal
• Document release time: Cargo documents made available within 2 hours of flight arrival under the company's standard performance commitment

What should I do if my Sheremetyevo Cargo parcel is lost or damaged?

Sheremetyevo-Cargo places considerable emphasis on cargo security and integrity as a central element of its operational model. The company operates a network of over 700 CCTV cameras that cover all cargo-handling areas and every stage of the processing workflow within the terminal. This monitoring infrastructure supports the company's published claim of zero lost cargo incidents. The business operations management IT system is described as providing full guarantees of cargo safety from receipt through delivery.

In the event of a discrepancy, loss, or damage claim, the relevant starting point is the Air Waybill covering the shipment. Claims against air cargo are formally governed by the conditions of carriage of the airline that issued the AWB, supplemented by applicable Russian aviation regulations and for international shipments, the Montreal Convention, which sets international standards for liability in air cargo transport. The freight forwarder or customs broker who arranged the shipment is typically the first point of contact for initiating a formal claim, as they hold the documentation and the contractual relationship with the airline.

For direct support from Sheremetyevo-Cargo, the company is reachable by phone and through its official website. The personal manager service assigns a dedicated contact to registered clients for each shipment, providing a direct channel for resolving issues or escalating concerns during the handling process. While specific claims procedures and compensation timelines are not detailed in publicly available documentation, the combination of the CCTV monitoring system, the annual IATA compliance audits, and the biannual ISAGO certification establishes a formal accountability framework for cargo under the company's custody.

• Security infrastructure: Over 700 CCTV cameras covering all cargo-handling stages throughout the terminal
• Published loss record: Zero lost cargo incidents, attributed to full CCTV monitoring coverage and IT-based cargo management systems
• Formal claim basis: Claims governed by the conditions of carriage of the relevant airline's Air Waybill and by the Montreal Convention for international shipments
• First point of contact: The freight forwarder or customs broker who arranged the shipment and holds the AWB documentation
• Direct carrier support: Available by phone and through the company website, with a personal manager assigned to registered clients as a direct escalation contact
• Regulatory oversight: Annual IATA compliance audits and biannual ISAGO certification provide a structured accountability framework for ground operations

Does Sheremetyevo Cargo handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Sheremetyevo-Cargo handles both import and export international cargo at Sheremetyevo Airport, which is one of Russia's primary customs control points for air freight. Customs clearance is offered as a direct service, covering both export and import declarations including electronic filings in compliance with IATA regulations and the Russian Customs Code. The company serves as an intermediary between airline clients and Russian customs authorities, processing documentation on behalf of shippers and consignees routing freight through Moscow.

For cargo moving through Russia to a third country under customs transit control, the company provides the handling and documentation support required to maintain the transit regime without triggering full Russian import clearance. Dangerous goods transported internationally are handled in strict compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, the international standard governing the air transport of hazardous materials. Diplomatic cargo, which holds special customs status under the Vienna Convention, is processed according to the applicable protocols for embassy and mission shipments, with priority handling reflecting the particular requirements of that category.

Live animal shipments receive priority treatment through the customs process, a requirement driven by animal welfare considerations and international treaty obligations. Sheremetyevo customs processed 168 exotic animal shipments in 2025 alone, including cheetahs, elephants, tigers, penguins, and capybaras, reflecting the volume of CITES-regulated cargo moving through the airport. The company is a member of FIATA, the global federation of freight forwarders, which connects it to an international network of logistics professionals and aligns its practices with cross-border cargo movement standards recognized worldwide.

• Export customs: Full export declaration service including electronic filing in compliance with IATA rules and the Russian Customs Code
• Import customs: Full import clearance handling including e-declaration, covering all standard and specialized cargo categories
• Transit cargo: Handling and documentation support for international freight moving through Russia under customs transit control to third-country destinations
• Dangerous goods: International handling in full compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations across all legally transportable categories
• Diplomatic cargo: Priority customs processing under Vienna Convention protocols for embassy and diplomatic mission shipments
• Live animals: Priority customs processing in compliance with CITES obligations, with 168 exotic animal shipments processed through Sheremetyevo customs in 2025
• Industry affiliation: FIATA member since 1998, connecting the company to global freight forwarding standards and networks

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a Sheremetyevo-Cargo shipment, the status updates visible on the tracking system correspond to the key operational milestones in the terminal handling workflow. These updates reflect the physical and administrative stages a shipment passes through from the moment it is received at the terminal to the point at which it is released to the consignee or loaded onto a departing aircraft. Here are the main statuses and their meanings.