IATA
IATA (the International Air Transport Association) is the global trade association of the world's airlines, representing most international scheduled traffic. It develops the commercial and operational standards that make the worldwide air-transport system interoperable — for passengers and, importantly for logistics, for air cargo.
In freight, IATA sets and administers much of the framework the industry runs on: the air waybill format and conditions of carriage, the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), the Live Animals and Perishable Cargo Regulations, cargo agency accreditation (the CASS settlement system), and e-freight/e-AWB standards. It also assigns the familiar three-letter airport codes and airline codes. For forwarders and shippers, IATA accreditation and compliance with IATA rules are prerequisites for handling international air cargo, making IATA a foundational body in the air-freight world.
Air cargo works globally because IATA standardises it — one air waybill format, one set of dangerous-goods rules, common codes and settlement. A forwarder can't handle international air freight without playing by IATA's framework. Understanding IATA is understanding the rulebook the entire air-cargo industry runs on.
What does IATA do for air cargo?
Sets the air waybill standard, Dangerous Goods and Live Animals regulations, cargo agency accreditation and settlement, and e-freight standards.
Is IATA a regulator?
No — it is an airline trade association that sets industry standards; government regulation comes from bodies like ICAO and national authorities.