A ULD, or Unit Load Device, is a standardised aircraft container or pallet used to load, secure, and transport air cargo, baggage, and mail. ULDs allow airlines and cargo handlers to group loose shipments into units that fit aircraft holds safely and efficiently. They improve loading speed, protect goods during transit, support aircraft weight and balance planning, and reduce manual handling. Common ULD types include air cargo containers, pallets, and pallet nets.
A Unit Load Device (ULD) is a standardized pallet or container used to load baggage, cargo, and mail on wide-body aircraft. ULDs allow ground handlers to load multiple pieces of cargo as a single unit, reducing aircraft turnaround time.
Types of ULDs
- LD-3: most common ULD for widebody aircraft, fits in lower deck
- PMC pallet: flat aluminum pallet with net for upper deck main deck cargo
- AKE: small container for lower deck
- LD-7: largest lower deck container
ULD Weight and Volume
- Each ULD type has a maximum gross weight limit
- Exceeding ULD weight limits incurs overweight surcharges
- Volume varies by aircraft type and route
Air freight rates for consolidated shipments are based on the weight and volume of the entire ULD, with the airline charging the NVOCC for the ULD space used.
For related logistics context, see Dedola’s air freight shipping services and glossary entries on Air Freight, Air Waybill (AWB), Airline Terminal Fee, and Dimensional Weight.
