Crazy Secret Cargo: Guess What’s Flying Under You? (Dead Bodies and More!)…[Infographic]
For the right price, airlines will fly almost anything! Have you enjoyed an in-flight movie unknowingly sitting a few feet above a live alligator or a dead body? Check out this infographic brought to you by your friends at Schumacher Cargo. We’re proud to be the cargo and international moving specialists!
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How Much Cargo Flies With Us?
- Proportion of all cargo entering US (from the United Kingdom to Sweden, China and other countries) in 2010 that flew via passenger jet = one third.
- Amount of cargo volume on trans-pacific passenger flights in 2013 – 9.4 million cubic meters (that’s 3,760 swimming pools of cargo being moved each year)
- Hold volume of an Airbus A380, the big daddy of all passenger jets – 184 m³ (that’s roughly two semi trucks)
- Yearly revenue for US airlines from cargo on passenger planes = $4.7 billion
- Profit margin on Delta’s cargo business = 50%
So, want to know what you could be sharing a plane with?…
A Dead Body?!
Human remains traveling cargo on passenger flights are surprisingly common.
- Airline code for a dead body on board – “Jim Wilson”
- Cadaver crates are labelled “HEAD” so loaders know which end is which.
In 2008, a woman was stopped at Munich airport after baggage control found her brother’s skeleton in her case. His last wish was to be buried in Italy. As she had a death certificate and was breaking no German laws, she was allowed to board.
Number of on-board deaths each year – 260!
Singapore Airlines Airbus A340-500 features a “corpse cupboard” for storage just in case someone dies on the plane.
Radioactive Material
It’s common for small amounts of radioactive material, usually for medical uses, to be transported in the holds of passenger flights, specially packed to prevent leakage.
A Bomb?!
In 2010, explosive devices were found hidden inside Hewlett–Packard printers on passenger flights. But don’t panic – since this incident, airlines are required to screen 100% of cargo
- Number of commercial airline bombing incidents– 88
- Number of bomb-detection dogs working nationwide in 2007 = 400
- Number dead from bombs in air = 44: 1955 – United Airlines flight DC-6B from Denver to Seattle crashed after John Graham hid a dynamite bomb in his mother’s luggage, in order to collect her life insurance.
Live Animals
Need to move your pet? No problem. Major airlines fly everything from grandma’s pet Chihuahua to poisonous snakes.
- Number of live animals transported by air every year in the United States – over two million.
- Number of pets that died on air flights between 2005 and 2010 – 144.
In 2013, DHL flew three manatees to new homes. The marine mammals were loaded in open-topped crates in the hold.
In 2010, security staff at Bangkok airport discovered a tranquilized baby tiger, not-so-cunningly hidden in a suitcase of toy tigers.
Firearms?
Airlines will take guns and ammunition as checked baggage, but for some passengers, that just ain’t handy enough.
Number of guns found in carry-on luggage in the United States in 2013: 894
In one week during that period:
- 65 guns found
- 45 loaded
- 15 had bullets in the chamber ready to be fired.
Increase in guns found in 2012 – 30 %
Luxury Cars
When you’ve spent a cool million or two on a car, man, you just don’t want to wait! You want that car shipped to you ASAP. Everything from Formula One race cars to a $2.5 million Bugatti travel by air, many on passenger flights.
- Number of cars flown by Delta on passenger planes per year = 100
- Number of cars flown by Lufthansa per year = 1,400
- Cost of flying a $450,000 Aston Martin coupe from Frankfurt Germany to New York on a Delta passenger jet = $10,000
Room for a Little…
Here’s some other items you might be surprised to hear is flying under your feet…
- Christmas cheer? This year, Fedex is delivering 17,000 live Christmas trees to American troops stationed overseas.
- Breast milk? One courier company delivered 2,750 bottles of donor breast milk to South Africa in 2011 to help babies with HIV/AIDS.
- Sperm? Animal and human, kept frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour tanks or on dry ice.
Crazy huh? Betcha’ you’ll be thinking about this on your next flight!
Our pets are a large part of our lives, and that means that we sometimes want them to travel with us and remain a part of our lives abroad. However, international pet travel can be a complicated process. Not too worry, Schumacher Cargo specializes in the international transportation of your furry, or scaly, pets.
While we’ll handle the tough work, there are other things you can do to prepare yourself and your pet for travel.
5 Tips For Pet Travel:
Check the Fees:
You can bet the airlines are going to charge a pretty penny for your precious cargo. Don’t count on the cuddliness of your pet to get you out of additional fees. Check with your airline before your trip on the costs. The average price is about $125 each way for your pet, with United being the most expensive at $250.
No Surprises:
A surprise furry companion is not your airline’s new best friend. Most airlines prefer you to give them advance notice when you make your reservation that you’re going to be bringing a pet. This will allow them to make the preparations on their end, which will benefit your pet.
Know the Policies:
Every airline has their own requirements for your pet’s travel you need to know before you head to the airport. First you need to know if your pet will be allowed to travel in the cabin or if it will have to be checked. While they’re all different the most common requirements are that you arrive early, provide your own kennel, make sure your animal has access to food and water, and have a health certificate for your pet (especially important for international travel).
Use a Proper Kennel:
Though the flight may only be a couple hours and you can handle the discomfort of a tight seat, that’s not how your pet should travel. Many airlines require kennels to be big enough for the pet to stand, to sit, and to lie down upon without pressing on any of the kennel’s sides.
Is the Pet Allowed:
Perhaps the biggest part of your travel plans is knowing whether or not your destination will allow your pet. Every country has their own rules regarding this and some will allow your pet to travel with you without a quarantine, but some won’t. Even Hawaii has a quarantine restriction for pets.
Written by Alex Bach
Bicycles are a great way to explore a city. First off, there’s no fuel or parking costs so they’re one of the cheapest methods, and by far the greenest method. Bikes also allow you to access certain parts of a city you wouldn’t be able to in a car, such as beaches or parks; and lastly, bikes are a leisurely and fun way to take in a city more than sitting in the back of a cab. So grab your bike and check out these amazing, bike-friendly cities.
And if you’re planning an indefinite stay, Schumacher Cargo can help you make the move. Check out our options for international moving.
Best Cities to Explore by Bicycle
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bicycling has long been a part of Amsterdam’s culture; so much so that bike paths were worked into the infrastructure prior to the advent of the car. This is quite the opposite of many American cities. Of course, that doesn’t mean it can’t get a bit confusing for tourists. Luckily there are plenty of bike maps with great routes and stops along the way.
Portland, Oregon
America’s hipster headquarters would, naturally, have a great biking culture. Great bike lanes, green areas, scenic paths and even bike brewpubs make this city a fantastic destination for a bike vacation.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen rounds out the Top 3 biking cities in the world. Much like Amsterdam, biking is a large part of the culture and community, with 125 areas designated solely for bike parking. Their numerous paths are designed to accommodate the different demands of the tourist, giving you historical, national or contemporary options.
Beijing, China
Biking is one of the most prolific means of expedience in Beijing and one of the greatest ways to get to know the city. While biking is popular, the popularity means that it is not necessarily the destination for bicyclists looking to hit max speed.
Trondheim, Norway
Trondheim is such a bike friendly city that they’ve even endeavored to remove the worst parts of bike riding: the dreaded uphill pedal. Trondheim, taking inspiration from skiing, have created bike tow ropes to help pull bicyclists uphill. If that isn’t bike friendly I don’t know what is.
Traverse City, Michigan
The beauty of a seaside villa with regional wineries and amazing restaurants and breweries…except that it isn’t on a seaside but on Lake Michigan. Traverse City is one of the Midwest’s biggest summer destinations and part of that reason is the wealth of gorgeous biking paths. 18 miles of peninsula allows you to see not only the turquoise waters, but historic homes and lush orchards that make up the area.
Sometimes your life needs a change; and sometimes that change needs to be something bigger than just a different color of paint in the living room. Moving to another country can be just the change you need: providing a new experience, a new perspective, and immersing yourself in a new culture. And one of the best places to move for those looking for a new paradigm is Argentina.
The first major step is getting your belongings to your new home; an easy task for an experienced company. Whatever you want to bring, let us help with the burden.
7 Reasons You should Move To Argentina:
1. A European Non-Europe
The lifestyle in Argentina is very comparable to those found in Europe. In fact, Buenos Aires is often referred to as the Paris of South America for both its beauty and culture.
2. Save Money
While the culture is more European, the costs are not. Economic setbacks in the last couple decades have driven down the cost of living; making it easier to afford good living and entertainment without the huge costs associated with London, Paris, Zurich or Dublin.
3. The Food
Argentina’s cuisine is one of the most celebrated cuisines of South America. When most of the country’s migrants have Spanish or Italian background, you know the food is going to be outstanding.
4. The Wine
Argentina, with its varied geographies, has become very famous for their wine, especially their unique and sumptuous Malbecs.
5. The Diversity
Along with migrants of Spanish and Italian descent you will also find many Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Korean migrants and a good amount of Middle Eastern migrants as well, helping to expand the already diverse culture.
6. The Geography
You would expect the eighth largest country in the world–and the second largest in South America–to have an abundance of geography and you’d be right. From lush urban areas to beaches, to mountains, to jungles, plains and rocky seaside villages reminiscent of the UK, Argentina has every geography you could ask for.
7. The Activities
Generally, the more variegated geography a country has, the more options for activities can be found. Argentina is no exception. From skiing, to horseback riding, to winery tours, hiking, mountain climbing, boating or just laying on the beach, there is no shortage of fun.
With this much to offer, it’s no wonder Argentina has attracted migrants and ex-pats from so many countries and it’s why you should pick up and move today. Check out our page on how to move to Argentina and fill out our quote form to get started!
If you’ve traveled by plane at least more than twice, you’ve probably found yourself seated next to a flier who seems to think you were seated next to him or her solely as a means of being their personal conversationalist. Sometimes a small conversation or chit-chat is perfectly fine, and other times you would prefer to be left your book, music, work, or taxes.
These chatty fliers can be especially bothersome on long, international flights, which can lead to additional stress if you’re moving. Hopefully these tips will provide you with some polite ways to turn down your neighbor’s attempts at conversation without crushing their feelings.
1. Use the Power of the Headphones
Headphones have the tremendous power to isolate yourself in a public space. They signal to your neighbor that you’re unavailable and, if they continue talking, allow you to pretend like you can’t hear them. Although headphones won’t necessarily protect you against prods to your shoulder by your neighbor asking you what you’re watching/listening to and sharing their own experiences and/or recommendations/opinions. You can use this time to learn your way around some of the must have travel apps.
2. Feign Sick
Nothing quiets a traveler faster the possibility of contracting an airborne disease like the flu or a cold. This doesn’t mean you have to sneeze on your neighbor. Simply explain to them that you’re just getting over a nasty cold or flu and, for their own sake, probably shouldn’t get too close.
3. The Work Excuse
Just about everyone understands and respects the fact that work can be demanding. Politely tell your Chatty Cathy that you’re swamped with work and it’ll be the end of you if you can’t hunker down and focus. Just don’t follow up their questions of “what do you do” with something contradictory like “I’m unemployed”.
4. The Weary Traveler
This is a good exercise as it appeals to the traveler in them. Tell them that while you would love to hear more about their grand kid’s performance as Tree number 2 in the school play, you’ve spent the last 24 hours in airports getting no sleep and just really need the time to rest and recoup before the next leg of your travels.
5. Language
This trick isn’t necessarily the most polite–and has the strong possibility of backfiring if you happen to be sitting next to a bilingual–but sometimes pretending like you don’t speak your neighbor’s language can prevent any attempts at conversation. Just make sure you follow through and when the stewardess comes for a drink order don’t ask for “a Manhattan on the rocks and kick the vermouth in the side with a pair of steel-toed boots.”
Traveling isn’t always easy and comfortable, but with these tips you might be able to at least get some semblance of peace and quiet.
