Imagine needing to transport urgent cargo quickly from northern France to destinations worldwide, with only one airport code to go by: XRX. What information lies behind this code, and can it meet your air freight needs?
The IATA code XRX, often associated with the French city of Roubaix, actually refers to the now-defunct Off-line Pt Airport in La Roche-sur-Yon. This distinction is crucial for air cargo planning to avoid transportation delays caused by misinformation.
I. Decoding XRX: Airport Information
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) airport code, a three-letter identifier, serves as a unique designation for airports worldwide. XRX was originally assigned to Off-line Pt Airport in France's Hauts-de-France region. However, this airport has ceased operations, rendering the XRX code obsolete for practical air cargo purposes.
- Code: XRX
- Original Airport: Off-line Pt Airport (La Roche-sur-Yon)
- Associated City: Roubaix (though not the actual airport location)
- Region: Hauts-de-France
- Country: France (FR)
- Time Zone: UTC+01:00
- Continent: Europe
- Airport Type: Non-customs facility
II. Understanding Non-Customs Airports
Non-customs airports lack the infrastructure and personnel required for international customs clearance. For international shipments, cargo must first be transported to a customs-approved airport for processing before reaching its final destination.
When encountering the XRX code, verify whether the shipping locations have appropriate customs capabilities or plan to route through alternative airports with customs facilities.
III. Air Cargo Alternatives Near Roubaix
While Off-line Pt Airport is no longer operational, several viable alternatives serve the Roubaix area for air freight:
- Lille Airport (LIL): The closest major airport to Roubaix, offering both domestic and international flights with comprehensive cargo handling capabilities.
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): France's largest airport provides extensive international connections and robust cargo services, accessible via road or rail from Roubaix.
- Brussels Airport (BRU): This significant European cargo hub in Belgium offers efficient freight services and convenient transit options.
Selection should consider factors including distance, flight frequency, cargo capacity, customs efficiency, and transportation costs.
IV. Key Considerations for Air Cargo Operations
Beyond airport codes and facilities, successful air freight requires attention to several operational aspects:
- Document Accuracy: Ensure all shipping documents contain precise information about consignees, cargo descriptions, weights, and dimensions to prevent delays.
- Carrier Selection: Choose airlines and freight forwarders with established networks and reliable service records.
- Customs Compliance: Research destination-specific import regulations and prepare necessary documentation in advance.
- Cargo Insurance: Protect shipments against potential transportation risks with appropriate coverage.
- Proper Packaging: Use airline-approved packaging that withstands handling stresses, with additional protection for fragile or special items.
V. Airport Code Reference Systems
Various online platforms provide airport code lookup systems with these key functions:
- Airport code searches by name, city, or country
- City code queries
- Detailed airport information including customs status
- Some systems include destination-specific labeling and documentation requirements
These tools are essential for air cargo professionals to quickly access accurate information.
VI. Effective Search Techniques
When using code reference systems, consider these search methods:
- Fuzzy searches using partial names or codes
- Initial letter searches for city or airport names
- Combination searches with location identifiers
VII. Additional Logistics Tools
Other valuable resources for air cargo operations include:
- Air shipment tracking systems
- Airline information databases
- Shipping company directories
- Ocean freight tracking
- Vessel schedule references
- Global port information systems
While XRX remains associated with Roubaix, it actually refers to a discontinued airport. For current air cargo needs, selecting appropriate alternative airports and carefully managing all operational aspects ensures efficient, reliable freight transportation. Proper utilization of available reference tools further enhances operational effectiveness.