Cargo Held / On Hold
The cargo has been put on hold due to security screenings, billing issues, packaging concerns, or disputes over freight charges. It cannot move forward until the issue is cleared.
What Does HLD Mean in Air Cargo?
The status code HLD (representing Cargo Held / On Hold) is a standard milestone defined by the IATA Cargo Interchange Message Procedures (Cargo-IMP). It serves as a key check-in event scanned by airline personnel or cargo terminal operators. Tracking this event provides shippers and logistics providers with end-to-end visibility, ensuring that transit connections, cargo transfer, and customs clearance proceed in an orderly manner.
What to Do Next? (Consignee Advice)
Recommended Steps:
Verify with your freight forwarder that all invoices are paid and all safety regulations (dangerous goods declarations) have been met.
Carrier-Specific Naming Quirks
Although the IATA Cargo-IMP standard prescribes the status code HLD, different global airlines and cargo handlers often display this milestone under customized labels. Here is how major carriers translate it:
Emirates refers to this as 'Held by Carrier', DHL Cargo labels it 'Operational Hold', and Delta shows 'Security Hold'.
Typical Next Status Milestone
In the standard lifecycle of an air freight shipment, once the cargo passes through the Cargo Held / On Hold (HLD) milestone, it is expected to transition into the following phase:
➡️ RCS (Released / Re-entered)
Frequently Asked Questions
On your Air Waybill (AWB), the status code HLD represents Cargo Held / On Hold. This status notifies shippers and consignees that The cargo has been put on hold due to security screenings, billing issues, packaging concerns, or disputes over freight charges. It cannot move forward until the issue is cleared.
The time a shipment remains in HLD depends on carrier schedules and transit phases. Typically, it transitions within 12 to 36 hours. If a shipment remains in this status for several days without updates, we recommend contacting your freight forwarder or broker for clarification.
Track Air Cargo
Enter your 11-digit AWB number to track cargo status instantly.