Cargo 200: Transportation of the Deceased in Ukraine and International Repatriation
The loss of a loved one is always a heavy blow. The situation becomes more complicated when death occurs far from home, and it becomes necessary to transport the body to its final resting place.
In such a sorrowful time, Ascension Funeral Home is ready to take on all the complex and delicate work of organizing transportation. The service, known as Cargo 200, provides a full range of measures for the dignified repatriation of the deceased, allowing the family to focus on saying goodbye, rather than on bureaucratic obstacles.
What is "Cargo 200"?
A term that originated in military vocabulary has now acquired a broader civilian meaning. So, what is Cargo 200 in the modern sense?
It is a comprehensive funeral service for transporting the body of a deceased person over long distances. Cargo 200 is a multi-stage process that requires special knowledge, transport, and meticulous documentation. The historical name is related to the average weight of a body in a zinc coffin, which was a conventional designation during transportation. Now, we refer to the entire range of actions: from preparing the body and collecting documents to delivering it to the place of burial.
When is the transportation service for the deceased needed?
The need to transport a body arises in various life circumstances. Most often, we are contacted in the following cases:
- A person died in another city or region of Ukraine, far from where the burial is planned.
- A citizen of Ukraine died while abroad (for work, vacation, or medical treatment).
- A foreign citizen died on the territory of Ukraine, and their body needs to be returned to their homeland.
- It is necessary to rebury the remains (exhumation) in another locality or country.
- Delivery of the bodies of heroes of the war for the independence of Ukraine.
Organization of Cargo 200 Transportation by Ascension Funeral Home
Transporting the deceased is a responsible process that is best entrusted to professionals. Ascension Funeral Home takes on all organizational worries, ensuring the peace of mind of relatives in a difficult moment. Our work in organizing the service proceeds in several stages: from the initial consultation to the moment the body arrives at its final destination. We coordinate every step, ensuring compliance with all norms and deadlines.
Methods of Body Transportation
Depending on the distance, urgency, and budget, we offer the optimal method of transportation.
- Automobile Transport
This is the most common option for transportation within Ukraine and to neighboring countries. We use modern, specialized hearses equipped with refrigeration units to maintain the required temperature. This ensures the preservation of the body and allows relatives to accompany the deceased. - Air Transport
For long-distance transportation between continents, air travel is used. This is the fastest method. Our agents handle all aviation documents, deliver the zinc container to the airport, and organize its reception in the destination country. - Rail Transport
Although this method is rarely used today due to logistical specifics, it is an option. The body is transported in a sealed container in a special baggage car.
Transportation of the Deceased within Ukraine
Transporting a body between cities in Ukraine is a relatively fast and less bureaucratic procedure compared to international repatriation. Having our own fleet of hearses allows us to promptly deliver the body to any corner of the country, while adhering to all sanitary standards. We develop the optimal route to minimize travel time.
What documents are needed for transportation within Ukraine?
To transport a body within the country, the following package of documents must be prepared:
- Medical certificate of death (form 106/o), issued by a medical institution.
- State death certificate (official), obtained from the civil registration authorities.
- A certificate from the funeral service stating that there are no foreign objects in the coffin (issued after the sealing procedure if a zinc container is used).
International Repatriation of the Body (Cargo 200)
Transporting Cargo 200 outside of Ukraine or into Ukraine from another country is a much more complex process. It requires in-depth knowledge of international law, standards of different countries, and often foreign language skills for communication with consulates, customs, and foreign funeral services. Ascension Funeral Home has many years of experience in the international repatriation of bodies, which allows us to carry out the procedure without delays and unforeseen problems.
Necessary documents and procedures for transportation from abroad
The process of international transportation includes many mandatory steps:
- Collection of a full package of documents in the country where the death occurred, and their notarized translation.
- Obtaining permission to import the body from the consulate of Ukraine (or the destination country).
- Mandatory embalming of the body to preserve it during transportation.
- Purchase of a special sealed zinc container and its official sealing with the issuance of a corresponding act.
- Preparation and submission of documents for customs clearance of the cargo.
- Organization of logistics — booking a flight or ordering a hearse for international transportation.
Cost of "Cargo 200" Transportation
The price of the body transportation service is always calculated individually, as it depends on many circumstances. We adhere to a policy of transparent pricing and provide a detailed estimate before starting work.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Distance | The main criterion that determines fuel costs or the price of airline tickets. |
| Type of transport | Automobile transport is generally a more budget-friendly option than air transport. |
| Urgency | Rapid organization of the process may require additional costs for expedited document processing. |
| Additional services | The cost of embalming, the price of a zinc coffin, collection and processing of an extended package of documents. |
| Customs duties | Mandatory payments and consular fees that apply to international transport. |
To get an accurate cost calculation for transporting the body, please contact our agent for a free consultation.
Why you should entrust the transportation of the deceased to us
Choosing a funeral agency for such a delicate matter is an important decision. Ascension Funeral Home guarantees professionalism and humanity.
- We understand that grief has no schedule, so our agents are available 24/7.
- We are thoroughly familiar with all the legal and logistical intricacies of the process, both in Ukraine and abroad.
- Our modern hearses are equipped with everything necessary for safe and dignified transportation.
- We take on the entire burden — from collecting the first certificate to meeting the body at the destination.
- You receive a detailed estimate with no hidden fees or unexpected expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to transport the body?
Answer: Transportation within Ukraine usually takes up to 24 hours from the moment all documents are ready. The timing for international transportation depends on the country of departure/destination and the speed of document processing at the consulate, on average it takes from 3 to 7 days.
Can relatives accompany the Cargo 200?
Answer: Yes, this is possible. Our hearse has comfortable seats for 2-5 accompanying persons. In the case of air transport, relatives can purchase passenger tickets on the same flight to travel with the deceased.
What is a zinc coffin and is it mandatory?
Answer: A zinc coffin is a sealed metal container in which the main wooden coffin is placed. Its use is a mandatory sanitary requirement for air transportation and crossing state borders. It ensures complete sealing and prevents the spread of odors.
Do you help with the subsequent organization of the funeral?
Answer: Yes, of course. After the body is delivered to its destination, our Ascension Funeral Home is ready to provide a full range of funeral services: organizing the farewell, digging the grave or cremation, conducting a religious ceremony, organizing a memorial meal, and any other assistance.