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Home » Shipping & Logistics » Unit Load Device ULD Air Container Specifications
Last updated on April 8, 2019 by Ben Thompson

Unit Load Device ULD Air Container Specifications

Unit Load Device Air Container Specificaitons
Download ULD Specifications PDF

Download the specifications of ULD containers that are used to securely transport air cargo all over the world.

What are Unit Load Device (ULD) Air Containers?

A Unit Load Device (known as ULDs) are specially designed cargo pallets and containers that are used to load freight, luggage and mail onto aircraft. These devices allow large quantities of cargo to be bundled and strapped together securely onto 1 mobile unit, so they can safely and securely transported.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is responsible for publishing regulations around the use of Unit Load Devices. They can also be referred to as a cargo pallet or a PMC pallet.

ULDs come in 2 forms – Containers and pallets.

ULD containers and palletsUnit Load Device Air Container specificationsDownload ULD Specifications PDF

The following images and specifications illustrates the average external dimensions and weight limitations of popular ULDs. These images are to be used as a guide only. Please note that the exact weight limitations and dimensions will vary by manufacturer.

LD-1 Unit Load Device

Feature Description
IATA ULD Code AKC contoured container
Prefixes AVC, AVD, AVK, AVJ, and forkable AVY
Rate Class Type 8
Description Half-width lower hold container with one angled side. Door is either canvas or solid.
Loadability 747, 767, 777, 787, MD-11 lower hold
Door Opening 147 x 155 cm (58 x 61 in)
Maximum Gross Weight 1,588 kg (3,501 lb)
Tare Weight 70 to 170 kg (155 to 375 lb)
AS1825 Volume 5.0 m3(175 ft3)

LD-2 Unit Load Device

ULD LD-2 Air Container
Feature Description
IATA ULD Code DPE contoured container
Prefixes APA, DPA, and forkable DPN
Rate Class Type 8D
Description Half-width lower hold container with one angled side. Door is either canvas or solid.
Suitable for 747, 767, 777, 787 lower hold
Door Opening 44 x 60-in (112 x 152-cm)
Maximum Gross Weight 1,225 kg (2,700 lb)
Tare Weight 92 kg (203 lb)
AS1825 Volume 3.5 m3 (124 ft3)
Boeing Volume 3.5 m3 (124 ft3)

LD-3 Unit Load Device

ULD LD-3 Air Container
Feature Description
IATA ULD Code AKE contoured container
Prefixes AKE, AVA, AVB, AVC, AVK, DVA, DVE, DVP, XKS, XKG, and forkable AKN, AVN, DKN, DVN, and XKN
Rate Class Type 8
Description Half-width lower deck container with one angled side. Door is either canvas or solid.
Loadability A300, A310, A330, A340, 747, 767, 777, DC-10, MD-11, and L-1011
Door Opening 58 x 61 in (147 x 155 cm)
Maximum Gross Weight 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)
Tare Weight 181 lb (82 kg)
AS1825 Volume 159 ft3 (4.5 m3)

LD-4 Unit Load Device

ULD LD-4 Air Container
Feature Description
IATA ULD Code ALP rectangular container
Prefixes ALD, AWD, AWZ, DLP, and forkable ALB, ALC, AWB, and AWC
Rate Class Type 8
Description Full-width lower hold container. Door is canvas with built-in door straps.
Suitable for 767, 777, 787 lower hold
Door Opening 92 x 61-in (234 x 155-cm)
Maximum Gross Weight 2,449 kg (5,399 lb)
Tare Weight 120 kg (264 lb)
AS1825 Volume 5.7 m3 (200 ft3)
Boeing Volume 5.5 m3 (195 ft3)

LD-6 Unit Load Device

ULD LD-6 Air Container
Feature Description
IATA ULD Code ALF contoured container
Prefixes AWA, AWF, and forkable AWC
Rate Class Type 6W
Description With built-in door straps.
Suitable for 747, 777, 787, DC-10, MD-11 lower hold
Door Opening 120 x 60-in (305 x 152-cm)
Maximum Gross Weight 3,175 kg (7,000 lb)
Tare Weight 230 kg (507 lb)
AS1825 Volume 9.1 m3 (322 ft3)
Boeing Volume 8.9 m3 (316 ft3)

LD-7 Unit Load Device

ULD LD-7 Air Container
Feature Description
IATA ULD Code P1P flat pallet with net
Prefixes PAA, PAG, PAJ, PAP, PAX, P1A, P1C, P1D, and P1G
Rate Class Type 5
Description Universal general-purpose flat pallet for lower holds and main decks.
Suitable for Widebody: All aircraft lower holds and main decks. Standard-body: 707F, 727F, 737F, 757F, DC8F, DC9F main decks
Maximum Gross Weight 4,626 kg (10,198 lb)
Tare Weight 105 kg (231 lb)
AS1825 Volume 10.5 m3 (370 ft3)
Boeing Volume 10.7 m3 (379 ft3)

Other Unit Load Devices include:

  • LD-7 with Folding Wings Unit Load Device
  • LD-7 with Angled Wings Unit Load Device
  • LD-8 Unit Load Device
  • LD-9 Unit Load Device
  • LD-9 Reefer Unit Load Device
  • LD-11 Unit Load Device
  • LD-26 Unit Load Device
  • LD-29 Unit Load Device
  • LD-39 Unit Load Device
  • M-1 Unit Load Device
  • M-1H Unit Load Device
  • M-2 Unit Load Device
  • M-6 Unit Load Device
  • M-6 (188″H) Unit Load Device
  • M-6 Twin Car Pack Unit Load Device
  • MDP Half Pallet
  • PMC/P6P Pallet
  • PNA Half Pallet
  • Demi

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Unit Load Device ULD Air Container Specifications

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Unit Load Device ULD Air Container Specifications

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