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Unit Load Device

The term Unit Load Device (ULD) means any type of container with an integral pallet, or aircraft pallet whether or not owned by an IATA member, and whether or not considered to be aircraft equipped.

Aircraft ULDs

These are units that interface directly with an Aircraft loading and restraint system. They meet all normal restraint requirements without the use of supplementary equipment – providing they are loaded in accordance with the specific Aircraft Load and Balance Manual. Such units become an integral part of the Aircraft structure, when loaded and are typically Certified Aircraft Containers or Pallet and Net assemblies. Note: The Aircraft Load and Balance Manual includes controls for-

  • The type, number and positions,that ULDs can be loaded
  • Their allowable Max Gross Weights
  • Acceptable alternate ULD loading
    • Arrangements such as:-
    Carriage of loads exceeding normal allowances.
    Load limitations with broken/missing restraint components.

These controls may effect direct interlining of ULDs between Aircraft Types. Aircraft ULDs may be loaned to shippers and agents for loading purposes provided they can prove that they are equipped and capable to handle them in accordance with the Aircraft Load and Balance Manual(s).

Non-Aircraft ULDs

These units do not interface with the aircraft restraint system. They must be registered with IATA and conform to IATA standard specifications. Non-aircraft ULDs, in order to be eligible for rating incentives, must be owned by a shipper or agent.

 
ULD Type Code
IATA uses three letter codes to describe key characteristics of the ULD

Position 1

The Position 1 letter describes the container as:

1. certified as to airworthiness or non-certified
2. structural unit or non-structural
3. fitted with equipment for refrigeration, insulation or thermal control (Thermal) or not.
4. containers, pallets, nets, pallet/net/non-structural igloo assembly
A Certified Aircraft Container
D Non-Certified Aircraft Container
F Non-Certified Aircraft Pallet
G Non-Certified Aircraft Pallet Net
J Thermal Non-Structural Igloo
H Horse Stalls
K Cattle Stalls
M Thermal Non-Certified Aircraft Container
N Certified Aircraft Pallet Net
P Certified Aircraft Pallet
R Thermal Certified Aircraft Container
U Non-Structural Container
V Automobile Transport Equipment

The following are obsolete codes that are still found on some older ULDs.
B Certified Main Deck Aircraft Container
C Non-Aircraft Container
E Non-Certified Main Deck Aircraft Container
S Structural Igloo- Solid Doors
T Structural Igloo-Other Closures (other than solid doors)

Position 2

The Position 2 letter describes the base dimensions of the container. For containers manufactured after October 1, 1990 the following code letters are used:
A 2235 x 3175mm (88 x 125")
B 2235 x 2743mm (88 x 108")
E 1346 x 2235mm (53 x 88")
F 2438 x 2991mm (96 x 117 3/4")
G 2438 x 6058mm (96 x 238 1/2")
H 2438 x 9125mm (96 x 359")
J 2438 x 12192mm (96 x 480")
K 1534 x 1562mm (60.4 x 61.5")
L 1534 x 3175mm (60.4 x 125")
M 2438 x 3175mm (96 x 125")
N 1562 x 2438mm (61.5 x 96")
P 1198 x 1534mm (47 x 60.4")
Q 1534 x 2438mm (60.4 x 96")
R 2438 x 4938mm (96 x 196")
X Misc. >2438mm and <3175mm (96" and 125")
Y Misc. <2438mm (96")
Z Misc. >3175mm (125")

Position 3

The Position 3 letter describes the container's contour, fork lift capability, and in the case of pallets and nets, the restraint system into which the unit is classified. The Position 3 codes are extremely complex and are not within the scope of this publication. Refer to the IATA "ULD Technical Manual" for complete information.
 
External Links
BA ULD Specifications

Home > Air > ULD

 

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