Unit load device

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Unloading LD3 containers from a Boeing 747

A unit load device (ULD) is a container used to load luggage, freight, and mail on wide-body aircraft and specific narrow-body aircraft. It allows preloading of cargo, confidence the containerised load will fit in the aircraft and efficient planning of aircraft weight and balance and reduced labour and time in loading aircraft holds compared with 'bulk-loading' single items of cargo or luggage by hand. Each ULD has its own packing list or manifest so that its contents can be tracked. A loaded aircraft cargo pallet secured with a cargo net also forms a ULD, but its load must be gauged for size in addition to being weighed to ensure aircraft door and hold clearances.

The IATA publishes ULD regulations and notes there are 900,000 in service worth more than US$1 billion, averaging $1100 each.[1]

Types[]

ULDs come in two forms: pallets and containers. ULD pallets are rugged sheets of aluminium with rims designed to lock onto cargo net lugs. ULD containers, also known as cans and pods, are closed containers made of aluminium or a combination of aluminium (frame) and Lexan (walls), which, depending on the nature of the goods to be transported, may have built-in refrigeration units. Examples of common ULDs and their specifics are listed below.

Lower hold containers[2] volume in cu.ft (m3), dimensions in inches (cm)
type internal
volume 		height depth base
width 		overall
width 		width contour IATA Suitability
LD3-45[3] 131 (3.7) 45 (114.3) 60.4 (153.4) 61.5 (156.2) 96 (243.8) Full double AKH Airbus A320/Airbus A321
LD2 124 (3.5) 64 (162.6) 47 (119.4) 61.5 (156.2) Half single APE Boeing WB
LD3 159 (4.5) 61.5 (156.2) 79 (200.7) AKE Airbus WB, Boeing WB, DC-10/MD-11, L-1011
LD1 175 (5.0) 92 (233.7) AKC Boeing WB, MD-11
LD4 195 (5.5) 96 (243.8) 96 (243.8) Full none AQP Boeing 767/777/787
LD8 (2×LD2) 245 (6.9) 125 (317.5) double AQF Boeing 767/787
LD11 256 (7.2) 125 (317.5) none ALP Boeing 747, 777, 787, DC-10/MD-11
PLA pallet[a] 250 (7.1) PLA 747, 777, 787
LD6 (2×LD3) 316 (8.9) 160 (406.4) double ALF 747/777/787, DC-10/MD-11
LD26 (P1P base) 470 (13.3) 88 (223.5) AAF Airbus A330, A340, A350 & Boeing 747/777/787, DC-10/MD-11
LD7 winged pallet[b] 495 (14.0) P1P 747, 777, 787, DC-10/MD-11
LD7/P1P pallet[a] 379 (10.7) 125 (317.5) none P1P All widebodies
LD9 (P1P base) 381 (10.8) AAP Boeing WB, DC-10/MD-11
LD29 (P1P base) 510 (14.4) 186 (472.4) double AAU 747
LD39 (P6P base) 560 (15.9) 96 (243.8) AMU 747
P6P pallet[a] 407 (11.5)[c] 125 (317.5) none P6P 747, 767, 777, 787, DC-10, MD-11
Notes
  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c Flat pallet with a cargo net
  2. ^ The LD-7 winged pallet adds folding wings to the P1P flat pallet to allow overhang
  3. ^ up to 750 cu ft (21.2 m3) with a 118 in (299.7 cm) height
Unit load device sizes

≈≈≈≈

Identification[]

Dimension names of ULD (LD3/AKE shown)

All ULDs are identified by their ULD number. A three-letter prefix identifies its type and key characteristics,[4] followed by a 4 or 5 digit serial number (4 if prior to October 1, 1993; either 4 or 5 if after October 1, 1993) to uniquely identify it from others of the same type, and ending with a two character (alpha-numerical) suffix identifying the ULD's owner (if an airline, often the same as IATA designator codes). For example, AKN 12345 DL means that the ULD is a forkliftable LD3 with the unique number 12345 and its owner is Delta Air Lines.[5]

IATA ULD prefix[4][5]
Type[a] Base Size[b] (Depth × Base Width) Contour/Restraint[c] (Overall Width × Height)
  • A Certified Aircraft Container
  • B Certified Winged Aircraft Pallet[d]
  • C Non-Aircraft Container[e]
  • D Non-Certified Aircraft Container
  • E Non-Certified Main Deck Aircraft Container[e]
  • F Non-Certified Aircraft Pallet
  • G Non-Certified Aircraft Pallet Net
  • H Certified Horse Stalls
  • J Thermal Non-Structural Igloo
  • K Certified Cattle Stalls
  • L Certified Multi-Contour Aircraft Container
  • M Thermal Non-Certified Aircraft Container
  • N Certified Aircraft Pallet Net
  • P Certified Aircraft Pallet
  • Q Certified Hardened Aircraft Container
  • R Thermal Certified Aircraft Container
  • S Certified Multi-Modal Air/Surface Container[f]
  • U Non-Structural Container (Igloo)[g]
  • V Automobile Transport Equipment
  • W Certified ULD for Aircraft Engine Transport
  • X Reserved for airline internal use
  • Y Reserved for airline internal use
  • Z Reserved for airline internal use
  • A 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm (88 in × 125 in)
  • B 2,235 mm × 2,743 mm (88 in × 108 in)
  • E 1,346 mm × 2,235 mm (53 in × 88 in)[e]
  • F 2,438 mm × 2,991 mm (96 in × 117+3⁄4 in)[e]
  • G 2,438 mm × 6,058 mm (96 in × 238+1⁄2 in)
  • H 2,438 mm × 9,125 mm (96 in × 359+1⁄4 in)[e]
  • J 2,438 mm × 12,192 mm (96 in × 480 in)[e]
  • K 1,534 mm × 1,562 mm (60.4 in × 61.5 in)
  • L 1,534 mm × 3,175 mm (60.4 in × 125 in)
  • M 2,438 mm × 3,175 mm (96 in × 125 in)
  • N 1,562 mm × 2,438 mm (61.5 in × 96 in)
  • P 1,194 mm × 1,534 mm (47 in × 60.4 in)
  • Q 1,534 mm × 2,438 mm (60.4 in × 96 in)
  • R 2,438 mm × 4,978 mm (96 in × 196 in)
  • S 1,562 mm × 2,235 mm (61.5 in × 88 in)
  • X Miscellaneous sizes, largest dimension between 2,438 and 3,175 mm (96 and 125 in)[e]
  • Y Miscellaneous sizes, largest dimension 2,438 mm (96 in)[e]
  • Z Miscellaneous sizes, largest dimension >3,175 mm (125 in)[e]
  • A Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,438 mm (96 in × 96 in)
  • B Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,438 mm (96 in × 96 in)
  • C Lower Deck, 2,337 mm × 1,626 mm (92 in × 64 in)
  • D Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,997 mm (96 in × 118 in)
  • E Lower Deck, 2,007 mm × 1,626 mm (79 in × 64 in)
  • F Lower Deck, 4,064 mm × 1,626 mm (160 in × 64 in)
  • G Lower Deck, 2,007 mm × 1,143 mm (79 in × 45 in)
  • H Lower Deck, 2,438 mm × 1,143 mm (96 in × 45 in)
  • J Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,438 mm (96 in × 96 in)
  • K Main/Lower Deck, 3,175 mm × 1,626 mm (125 in × 64 in)
  • L Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,946 mm (96 in × 116 in)
  • M Main Deck, 2,235 mm × 2,286 mm (88 in × 90 in)
  • N Lower Deck, 2,007 mm × 1,626 mm (79 in × 64 in)
  • P Lower Deck, 3,175 mm × 1,626 mm (125 in × 64 in)
  • U Lower Deck, 4,724 mm × 1,626 mm (186 in × 64 in)
  • V Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,438 mm (96 in × 96 in)
  • X Main Deck, 2,438 mm × 2,997 mm (96 in × 118 in)
  • Y Main Deck, 3,175 mm × 2,083 mm (125 in × 82 in)
  • Z Main Deck, 3,175 mm × 2,083 mm (125 in × 82 in)
Notes
  1. ^ Identifies ULD category (certification, ULD type, thermal units).[5]
  2. ^ Identifies standard base dimensions.[5]
  3. ^ Identifies contour (profile dimensions & shape), forklift holes, and other miscellaneous information.[5] For certified pallets (Pxx), this identifies the NAS 3610 classification to which the pallet is certified.[6]
  4. ^ Previously used as "Certified Main Deck Aircraft Container"; this designation is obsolete.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i This designation is obsolete.
  6. ^ Previously used as "Structural Igloo - Solid Door"; this designation is obsolete.
  7. ^ Previously used as "Structural Igloo - Other Closures" (meaning any door other than a solid door); this designation is obsolete.

Common prefixes[]

A string of LD3 containers with AKE prefix
An LD3-45 container with AKH prefix. An AKE prefix ULD is visible to the right.
  • AAA: LD7 container (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), 81 in (2,057 mm) tall, contoured for maindeck narrow-body
  • AAD: LD7 container (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), 96 in (2,438 mm) tall, contoured for maindeck wide-body (aka A1)
  • AAF:[7] LD26 container
  • AAP:[7] LD9
  • AAU:[7] LD29 container
  • AAY: LD7 container (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), 81 in (2,057 mm) tall, contoured for maindeck wide-body and narrow-body (aka A2)
  • AAZ: LD7 container (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), 64 in (1,626 mm) tall, contoured for maindeck wide-body and narrow-body and any belly (aka L9)
  • AGA:[7] M2 container
  • AKC:[7] LD1 without forklift holes
  • AKE:[7] LD3 without forklift holes/half ALF
  • AKH, AKW: LD3-45 mainly for A320/321, 45 in (1,143 mm) tall, same base as AKE, extensions on both sides
  • AKN:[7] LD3 with forklift holes
  • ALB:[7] LD4 with forklift holes
  • ALD: LD11 container (aka L11)
  • ALF:[7] LD6 without forklift holes
  • ALP:[7] LD11 without forklift holes
  • ALP:[7] LD4 without forklift holes
  • AMA:[7] M1 container
  • AMD:[7] M1H container
  • AMJ: LD7 container (96 in × 125 in or 2,438 mm × 3,175 mm), 96 in (2,438 mm) tall, contoured for main deck wide-body (aka M1)[citation needed]
  • AMU:[7] LD39 container contour similar to ALF, but deeper and bigger extensions. biggest lower-deck container
  • AVY:[7] LD1 with forklift holes
  • AWC:[7] LD6 with forklift holes
  • AYY:[7] Demi, a half-width contoured container typically used for the main deck
  • AYX:[7] AYY with fittings to connect a fire extinguisher so as to carry Dangerous Goods
  • DPE:[7] LD2 without forklift holes
  • DPN:[7] LD2 with forklift holes
  • DQF:[7] LD8 with forklift holes
  • FLA:[7] LD11 pallet
  • FQA: LD8 pallet (same floor dimensions as DQF)
  • HMA:[7] Horse stall
  • KMA:[7] Sheep and goat pen
  • P1P:[7] LD7, large pallet (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), folding wings for overhang
  • PAD:[7] LD7, large pallet (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), flat
  • PGA:[7] M6, large pallet (96 in × 238.5 in or 2,438 mm × 6,058 mm), freighter main deck only
  • PLA:[7] LD11 pallet
  • PMC: LD7, large pallet (96 in × 125 in or 2,438 mm × 3,175 mm)
  • QKE: LD3 same as AKE but made of KEVLAR and designed to be bombproof. No forklift holes.
  • RAP:[7] LD9 with refrigeration unit
  • RAU:[7] LD29 container with refrigeration unit
  • RKN:[7] LD3 with refrigeration unit
  • RWB:[7] LD11 with refrigeration unit
  • SAA: Full-sized version of the AYY
  • SAX: Full-sized version of the AYX
  • VRA:[7] M6, large pallet (96 in × 196 in or 2,438 mm × 4,978 mm), twin car rack
  • XAW:[7] LD7, large pallet (88 in × 125 in or 2,235 mm × 3,175 mm), fixed wings for overhang
  • XKC: LD3 without forklift holes/half ALF[citation needed]

Main-deck ULDs[]

On the main deck of cargo planes are 79 to 96 inches (2,007 to 2,438 mm) tall ULDs with footprints similar to those of 88 inches (2,235 mm) or 96 inches (2,438 mm) wide pallets and 62 inches (1,575 mm) or 125 inches (3,175 mm) long. A 62-inch (1,575 mm) wide x 88-inch (2,235 mm) tall ULD is half the volume of a 125-inch (3,175 mm) x 88 inch pallet. The 20 foot pallet is 238 inches (6,045 mm) long and 96 inches (2,438 mm) wide. What the actual dimensions of contoured upper deck ULDs are is very hard to know, because most manufacturers only profile width, length and height data.

There are several common types of contoured main deck ULDs, that are contoured (curved to fit in the plane's body) to provide as much cargo volume as possible. Initially ULD contouring was simply a triangle removed from one or two corners of the profile of the ULD, such as the common LD3 and LD6. Main deck ULDs use curves for the contoured shape to truly maximize cargo volume. Upper deck ULDs are just like lower deck ULDs that are either the full width of the plane with two corners of the profile removed (lower deck LD6 lower), or that container is cut in half, down the center line of the plane, (lower deck LD3 and upper deck AAX).

Main deck ULDs and pallets are not only taller than lower deck ULDs, they are frequently two or four times longer. They are usually organized like an LD6, using the width of the plane and missing two profile corners, or two very long LD3s, stored in parallel to use the plane's width and each missing one profile corner, but often twice or four times as long from plane's nose to tail.

Many air cargo companies use main deck ULDs that have both features called dual-profile, so that on smaller planes such as the Boeing 727, they are stored widthwise and have two corners contoured, and on the bigger Boeing 767, they can be rotated 90 degrees and shipped in parallel like LD3s, so that only one corner is contoured when being used like an LD3. This greatly simplifies transportation of cargo containers at slight cost of cargo volume.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "ULD Regulations". IATA.
  2. ^ "Pallets and containers" (PDF). Boeing. 2012.
  3. ^ "AKH (LD3-45)". Nordisk Aviation.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b "Identifying a Unit Load Device". VRR Aviation. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e "Guide to Air Freight Containers". World Trade Press. 2000. Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2016-11-02.
  6. ^ "All about contours". ULD Care. 29 October 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah "Boeing Cargo" Archived February 13, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, Boeing, March 2012.

External links[]

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