did not fly it myself, but arranged for it in the late 80's:
the oceanic games (or south pacific games) were to be held in tonga and a 20' container worth of rubber granulate (for the running track) was not depatched in time from europe by seafreight.
2 weeks before opening of the games, this was noticed and off went 18 tons of 50kgs bags to SIN by airfreight, palletized - still mae it down to AKL palletized, but from there it was belly in 727 and 737.
the running track was useable (eg DRY) 6 hours before the opening ceremony.
invoice value of the rubber granulate came in at a mere USD 5.000, but the freight went six digits.
about 15% of the bags were broken in transit in AKL, but the quantity ended up bebing sufficient.
the supplier of the rubber granulate went bust in the early 90's following a major scandal.