A ULD (Unit Load Devices) is a device used to move cargo being shipped as airfreight. More specifically, a ULD is used to consolidate cargo in order to assist with the loading process onto an airplane.
The first three letters of a ULD code are perhaps the most important. They are used to identify the type, size and shape of the ULD. This information is vital in determining not only the type of cargo it can contain but also the aircraft it is compatible with.
Unit Load Devices (ULDs) come in two forms: Containers and Pallets.
Both pallets and containers allow a large quantity of cargo to be bundled into a single unit, which can be used on wide-body aircraft and certain narrow-body aircraft.
Cargo on pallets are secured by a net, which is attached to the pallet’s rim. Containers, also known as cans and pods, are typically lightweight structures comprising a base, a frame with side and roof panels, and a fabric or solid door. There are many different types of containers. Some are collapsible, some are insulated, and others are ventilated or refrigerated and so on.
Below images describes the main Unit Load Devices (ULDs) used by AEROTRANSCARGO aircraft for air cargo operations.
IATA code: AKE
Area: Lower deck
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F, A330F
Maximum gross weight: 1,588 kg (3,500 lb)
Tare weight: 100 kg (220 lb)
IATA code: AMJ
Area: Main deck
Aircraft type: 747F
Maximum gross weight: 6,804 kg (15,000 lb)
Tare weight: 355 kg (781 lb)
IATA code: PLA
Area: Lower deck
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F
Maximum gross weight: 3,175 kg (7,000 lb)
Tare weight: 168 kg (370 lb)
IATA code: HMA stall
Area: Main deck
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F
Maximum gross weight: 3,500 kg (7,716 lb)
Tare weight: 1,310 kg (2,888 lb)
IATA code: AKN
Area: Lower deck
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F
Maximum gross weight: 1,588 kg (3,500 lb)
Tare weight: 129 kg (284 lb)
IATA code: RKN
Area: Lower deck
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F
Maximum gross weight: 1,588 kg (3,500 lb)
Tare weight: 82 kg (181 lb)
IATA code: RAP
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F
Maximum gross weight: 4,620 kg
IATA code: LD-1
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F, 767F, 787F
Maximum gross weight : 1,588 kg
IATA code: LD-6
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F, 787F
Maximum gross weight : 3,175 kg
IATA code: LD-9
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F, 787F
Maximum gross weight : 4,624 kg
IATA code: LD-11
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F, 787F
Maximum gross weight : 3,176 kg
IATA code: LD-39
Aircraft type: 747F
Maximum gross weight : 5,035 kg
IATA code: M-1
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F
Maximum gross weight : 6,804 kg
IATA code: M-1H
Suitable for : 747, 777F
Maximum gross weight : 6,800 kg
IATA code: M-2
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F
Maximum gross weight : 11,340 kg
IATA code: PAG, PAJ, P1P
Area: Lower deck, main deck
Aircraft type: Any widebody lower hold
Maximum gross weight: 6,033 kg (13,300.5 lb)
Tare weight: 105 kg (231 lb)
IATA code: PLA
Area: Lower deck
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F
Maximum gross weight: 3,175 kg (6,999 lb)
Tare weight: 91 kg (200 lb)
IATA code: PRA(16 Foot Pallet)
Area: Main deck
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F, A330F
Maximum gross weight: 11,300 kg (24,911 lb)
Tare weight: 410 kg (904 lb)
IATA code: PMC
Area: Main deck, lower deck
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F, A330F
Also known as: P6P
Maximum gross weight: 6,804 kg (15,000 lb)
Tare weight: 120 kg (265 lb)
IATA code: PGA(20 Foot Pallet)
Area: Main deck
Aircraft type: 747F, 777F
Also known as: P7A, P7E, P7F, PSG, PGE, PGA
Maximum gross weight: 13,608 kg (30,000 lb)
Tare weight: 505 kg – 545 kg
IATA code: PYB
Area: Main deck (QL & QR position)
Aircraft type: 747F
Maximum gross weight : 18,14 kg
Tare weight : 60 kg