ULD (Unit Load Device)

What is a ULD?

A ULD (unit load device) 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.

ULDs come in two forms: pallets and containers.

Pallets

Container

How will air cargo be consolidated?

Air cargo can be tendered loose to an airline, and the airline will load the air shipment into a ULD with other shipments.

Shippers can also book a ULD container and load the ULD themselves. Then a trucker at destination can pick up the entire ULD and deliver it to a warehouse to be deconsolidated.

Why do airlines use ULDs?

A ULD lets ground crews load many pieces of cargo as a single unit, which speeds up loading and protects freight in flight. Airlines build ULDs to fit the cargo holds of specific aircraft, so a ULD made for a wide-body jet may not fit a narrow-body. Each ULD also has its own weight and volume limits, which affect how much freight you can load and how the airline plans the flight.

Related terms: Air Waybill (AWB) and Chargeable Weight.

Back to the full glossary.