Unit Load Devices – ULD

What is ULD in Air transportation? Air cargo and freight is an enormous industry valued more than $120 billion in 2021 and continuing to expand. Cargo is transported via dedicated freighter aircraft and airlines, as well as as belly freight on the majority of scheduled passenger flights. This is enabled by the use of Unit Load Devices – ULDs. These standard-sized containers, which are used worldwide, facilitate cargo sorting, storage, and movement.

What Is ULD in Air Transport?

An ULD is a device used to gather and restrain cargo, mail, and luggage during air freight. It’s either an aircraft container or a hybrid of an aircraft pallet and a pallet net.

The aircraft Cargo Loading System (CLS) is designed to directly restrict the ULD. And, because the aircraft CLS interacts directly with the ULD, the unit load device becomes part of the aircraft’s structure during flight and is thus regulated, like any other aircraft component, to guarantee flight safety under all conceivable conditions. The unit load device’s design, testing, production, operations, maintenance, and repair are all subject to civil aviation authorities’ safety and airworthiness standards.

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Benefits of using ULD

There are various advantages when utilizing ULD. One of the key reasons why ULDs are used is to get rid of manual airplane loading. The ability to pre-load units saves a significant amount of time during aircraft turnaround and handling. Units can be positioned at the cargo warehouse to await the arrival of an aircraft. This is also true when ULDs carry baggage on passenger flights.

ULDs also facilitate cargo movement between planes. Units can be transported swiftly between airplanes at hubs and even onto other modes of transportation if cargo is packed appropriately and in appropriate devices for the transferred aircraft.

Notably, there are Temperature-Controlled Container (TCC), Fire Resistant Container (FRC), Fire Containment Cover (FCC), horse stall, cattle stall, Garment on Hanger (GOH), and other special purpose aircraft ULDs assist the delivery of special goods by air.

However, the primary objective of ULD is to secure the loads from takeoff until landing, particularly during turbulence, which is comparable to the purpose of a passenger seat belt. If the weights were not secured and controlled during flight, they would not only harm the aircraft, but they would also impair the aircraft’s weight and balance, causing the aircraft to lose control.

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What are types of ULDs?

There are two types of ULDs: (1) Pallets and (2) Containers

Pallets are aluminum sheets that are used to secure freight. They can be either single-layer or double-layer. Pallets are used to transport merchandise that has certain standards or criteria. Pallets are lighter than containers, which reduces labor needs. Furthermore, the pallet cost is inexpensive.

Containers, as the name implies, are big loading containers. The containers can be loaded and unloaded at the warehouses of shippers and consignees. The container’s surface material is strong and long-lasting, assuring the cargo’s safety. One advantage of the container over the pallet is the protection it gives.

As a result, ULD is made of appropriate materials and is suited to carry goods securely.

In conclusion

ULDs ensure the safe transport of goods via air. Following IATA rules entails adhering to worldwide safety standards in order to maintain the integrity of the cargo while guaranteeing that the aircraft, crew, and passengers reach safely at their destination.

More information regarding the ULD Regulations Manual and others may be found at IATA.org.

Or you can count on Best Cargo Logistics – We are proud to be one of the most reputable and trust-worthy company in Vietnam with many years of expertise in providing air freight services.

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