Freight Basics - Airline Unit Specifications
An airline unit or unit load device (ULD) is a pallet or a container which is used to hold loose freight to be shipped via airfreight.
Airline units are used to protect your goods in transit and to speed transitions through customs and airports.
ULD come in two different forms:
- Pallets – These are large flat base of aluminium with rims designed to lock onto cargo net lugs
- Containers – Also known as cans or pods, are closed units that can either be fully made out of aluminium or made out of a combination of aluminium, polycarbonate sheets and cargo nets. These are designed so that they fit perfectly in the circular cargo hold of the plane
The following guide shows you the different types of airline units. Our loaders will choose the most appropriate unit for your freight so that you don’t have to.
Airline units availability is dependent on the airline and the destination.
Please contact your local Air & Ocean Branch for advice specific to your shipment.
Unit Type | Internal Volume |
Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) |
Door Clearnace | Max Gross Weight | Tare Weight | |
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AKH / LD3-45 |
3.6m³ | 146 x 149 x 113cm | 1135kgs | 88kgs | |
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AKE / LD-3 |
4.3m³ | 140 x 147 x 152cm | 148 x 152cm | 1587kgs | 85kgs |
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DQF/ LD-8 |
7.2m³ | 140 x 433 x 152cm | 235 x 152cm | 2499kgs | 132kgs |
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ALF / LD-6 |
9m³ | 140 x 310x 152cm | 293 x 147cm | 3175kgs | 159kgs |
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AAF / LD-26 | 13m³ | 208 x 302 x 152cm | 293 x 147cm | 4626kgs | 159kgs |
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AAU / LD-29 | 14.5m³ | 208 x 302 x 152cm | 293 x 147cm | 4626kgs | 159kgs |
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PAG Pallet | 11.1m³ | 207 x 301 x 158cm | 4626kgs | 120kgs | |
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PMC Pallet | 12.1m³ | 228 x 301 x 158cm | 5035kgs | 120kgs |