Unit Load Device (ULD)
Unit Load Device (ULD) refers to any transport container used for packing goods and cargo. This includes pallets, crates, ULD containers, IATA/ICAO type containers, unitized load, etc. These are utilized in air freight logistics to facilitate ease of loading and unloading of the air cargo as well as enhance safety during transportation by aircraft. There are a number of types of ULDs depending on their design and size.
Airfreight containers are usually made from lightweight yet strong materials such as aluminum or fiberglass that can withstand the weight of heavy cargo with maximum efficiency while minimizing fuel consumption by the aircraft. The interior space is designed with forklift slots that allow easy movement of the ULD device within the cargo hold. There are also ULDs with built-in dunnage that helps to keep the cargo in place during transit and prevent shifting that could damage the goods.
ULDs can be either reusable or disposable. Reusable ULDs are those that can be used multiple times while disposable ones are only good for a single-use. The choice of which type to use depends on the logistics requirements of the company as well as the type of goods being transported.
Some of the most popular types of ULD
Some of the most popular types of Unit Load Devices include:
- Airfreight containers are the most commonly used type of ULD. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate different types and sizes of cargo. The most popular sizes are the LD3 and LD6, which can hold up to 3,000 pounds and 6,000 pounds respectively.
- Pallets are another type of ULD that is commonly used in air freight logistics. They are flat platforms that goods can be placed on for easy loading and unloading. Pallets can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, or metal.
- Crates are also commonly used in airfreight logistics. They are basically boxes that are used to transport goods. Crates can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, or metal.
- Another type of ULD is the IATA/ICAO type container. These are specially designed containers that are used to transport cargo by air. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the nature of the cargo being transported and the requirements of the airline.
- Unitized load is another type of ULD that can be used for transporting large volumes of cargo efficiently in an aircraft. It consists of several smaller units that are grouped together and loaded into the aircraft as a single unit, rather than individually carrying each piece separately which would take up more space and be less efficient overall. Unitized loads are typically used when carrying bulk items such as furniture, machinery, or other large objects.
In general, ULDs are used to improve the efficiency of air freight logistics by facilitating the loading and unloading of cargo as well as enhancing safety during transportation.
Related Links
Unit load device
ULD (Unit Load Device) – Flexport Glossary
Unit Load Devices (ULD) – SKYbrary Aviation Safety
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