Here you will find all the information you need about ULDs, also known as unit charge devices.
For example, what is the meaning of a ULD, how can a ULD be identified, and which ULD is best suited for each aircraft to maximize the aircraft's cargo space. We've even added a ULD dictionary.
This page in brief
Meaning of ULD
category ULD
Terminology ULD
Flight capacity and ULD search tool
ULD certified
Unit Load Unit Identification (ULD)
How to maximize airplane cargo space
Conversion table: ATA / IATA designation
Meaning of ULD
Unit Load Device (ULD) is used to transport goods by air. This process is also known as ULD air freight. ULDs can transport any type of cargo, from passenger bags toperishable goodsin Formula 1 horse and car racing. ULDs fall into two main categories: air containers and air pallet/net combinations.
ULDs are essential for the safe, rapid and economical transportation of air cargo. They allow you to combine individual pieces of cargo, luggage or mail into one whole, which can then be quickly loaded and unloaded on the plane.
To prevent the ULD from moving in flight and possible damage to the aircraft, the aircraft is equipped with cargo and restraint systems. These connect directly to the ULD, effectively locking the ULD into place to become part of the aircraft.
The primary purpose of ULD is to secure the load in flight. The safety of the aircraft and its passengers always comes first. But also ULDs:
- eliminates the need for manual loading and unloading
- secure the contents of the load so that the goods arrive intact
- to maximize the use of the aircraft's cargo space
- enables quick and easy transfer of cargo between aircraft
The global introduction of standard containers has greatly improved cargo handling, reducing operating costs. This in turn helps reduce freight costs and streamline trade flows.
Like any other aircraft component, ULDs are regulated to ensure flight safety under all possible and extreme conditions. These rules are established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and incorporated into national legislation by each Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA evaluates and certifies the ULD for continued airworthiness.
save andmigration of empty ULDshas long been a key issue for the air transport industry. Global imbalances cost enormous sums and cause endless suffering. It also undermines efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.
Our solution to this problem? To create certified containers that can be folded and stacked when empty. Now you don't have to leave your containers in the middle of the world because the return flight is too expensive. And you can take one step closer to emission-free flying.
Our collapsible containers can carry the same amount of cargo as standard containers and meet exactly the same airworthiness requirements. Wondering which ULDs can fail? Take a look at oursfoldable general cargo containersIfolding horse boxes.
The difference between a container and a pallet
Both pallets and containers allow you to combine a large amount of cargo into one unit that can be used on wide-body aircraft and some narrow-body aircraft.
The palletized load is secured with a net which is attached to the edge of the pallet. Containers, also known as cans and pods, are typically lightweight structures that include a base, a frame with side panels and a roof, and fabric or solid doors. There are many different types of containers. Some are collapsible, some are insulated, some are ventilated or cooled, etc.
- It facilitates loading and unloading of goods
- Eases loading and unloading from the aircraft
- Provides better protection against all weather conditions
- Provides better protection against load damage
- Provides better protection against aircraft damage than payload
- Prevents unauthorized access to the load
- Cheaper to use than containers
- Accepts loads that are difficult to fit in containers (eg oversized loads)
- Accepts some "Special Cargo" loads that can only be loaded on open pallets
- They are stackable and therefore efficient and easy to store empty and return by plane
category ULD
At VRR, we like to experiment and question the status quo. This is because we want to create unique products that help meet the real challenges of the aviation industry. Our ambition to be quirky, bold and uncompromising has resulted in six different families of customized freight solutions:
Terminology ULD
Need help figuring out all the terms and definitions commonly used in ULD in the airfreight industryVRRWebsite? We have listed the most common ones. Such as ULD, airworthiness, certification, CLS and STC. I hope it will help!
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Flight capacity and ULD search tool
Most ULDs are compatible with one or more aircraft types. But how do you know which aircraft is respondingULDhave or need VRR has developed a compatibility tool to help you determine your aircraft's capability andULD capacity.
Find the right ULD for your flight
In addition to the security of your shipment, there are two other elements that are quickly becoming an urgent priority in the air freight world these days: Sustainability and reliability. This free checklist will help you consider these priorities when buying or leasing a ULD.
ULD certified
Some believe aULD– whether it's an airborne container or a pallet and net combination – it's simply a way to transport and protect your cargo. That is of course their purpose, but did you know that they are also an essential part of flight safety? ULD can only be loaded onto an aircraft after its airworthiness has been proven.
Certificate issued by EASA or FAAconfirms the airworthiness of the ULD. It must meet the highest industry standards to fit into the cargo loading system.
All ULDs we sell are certified and can be approved for use by airlines without further approval.
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Unit Load Unit Identification (ULD)
Each Air Unit Loading Device (ULD) is identified by a ULD code. This code is a unique combination of letters and numbers starting with a three-letter prefix that identifies the ULD type. This prefix is followed by a unique 4- or 5-digit sequence number to distinguish it from others of the same type. The last two or three characters indicate the owner of the ULD (eg airline).
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How to maximize airplane cargo space
When designing an aircraft loading device (ULD), special attention is paid to the use of the aircraft's cargo area. Unfortunately, cargo holds come in many shapes and sizes, which means air cargo ULDs must come in many shapes and sizes as well. How to check which charging device is suitable for your aircraft? First, we'll explain the difference between optimal, suboptimal, and suboptimal ULDs, and then show you the most useful onesULD compliance tool.
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Conversion table: ATA / IATA designation
Each Air Unit Loading Device (ULD) is identified by a ULD code. This code is a unique combination of letters and numbers. Codes like LD2,LD3, LD9, M1 etc. were developed under ATA many years ago, while codes such asOP,AAP,TO,RKN, VGA is part of the IATA ULD identification system. The use of IATA identification system codes is generally preferred. Read on to see our conversion table to convert an ATA ID code to an IATA code.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The unit load unit (ULD) isused to transport goods by air. This process is also known as ULD air freight.
Unit Load Device (ULD) is used to transport goods by air. This process is also known as ULD air freight. ULDs can transport any type of cargo, from passenger bags toperishable goodsin Formula 1 horse and car racing.
Unit Load Devices (ULDs) are used as baggage and cargo containers and have locks that prevent them from moving in the hold during flight.
ULDs eliminate the need for manual loading and unloading. Secure the contents of the load so that the goods arrive intact. Maximize the use of aircraft cargo space and enable quick and easy transfer of cargo between aircraft.
ULDs fall into two main categories: air containers and air pallet/net combinations.
The estimated replacement value of nearly 1 million ULD aircraft, worth more than $1 billion each, makes them expensive items to maintain properly. Many people working in aviation are unaware that ULDs are aircraft parts and directly contribute to aircraft safety.
A ULD container or pallet is used to load baggage, cargo and mail on wide-body aircraft and some narrow-body aircraft. It has many advantages over carrying cargo in different areas of the aircraft.
ULDs are essential for the safe, rapid and economical transportation of air cargo. Theseallows you to assemble individual pieces of cargo, baggage or mail into a whole, which can then be loaded and removed from the aircraft at high speed.
ULDs are transported to aircraft using ULD carts specially designed for ULD transport and loading. The ULD trolley has a special design designed to hold the ULD.
Air freight depends on ULD for safe and fast shipping. ULDs can help assemble individual pieces of cargo, baggage or mail into a single unit, which can then be loaded onto and off an aircraft.