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Air Cargo Container (ULD) Specifications
Unit load devices (ULDs) are the containers and pallets airlines use to load cargo and baggage on aircraft. This guide gives the base size, height, maximum gross weight, tare weight, volume, door opening, IATA contour code and compatible aircraft for the main ULDs used by airlines worldwide, including the AKE (LD3), AKH (LD3-45), ALF (LD6), DQF (LD8), AAF, AAP/AA2, AAU, AAX, AMP, PAG, PMC, PGA, PRA and PEB. Names and codes vary slightly between airlines, so use these figures as a guide and confirm contour and loading specifications when you book. Depth Logistics arranges air freight and defence air charter flights from Brisbane, Darwin and Townsville.
ULD types
Compare ULDs at a glance
| ULD | US domestic code | Deck | Base (mm) | Max gross (kg) | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKE (LD3) | LD-3 | Lower | 1534 x 1562 | 1,587 | All B747, B767, A330, A380 |
| AKH (LD3-45) | LD-45 | Lower | 1534 x 1562 | 1,000 | A320 |
| ALF (LD6) | LD-6 | Lower | 1534 x 3175 | 3,175 | All B747, A330, A380 |
| DQF (LD8) | LD-8 | Lower | 1534 x 2438 | 2,449 | B767 |
| AAF | LD-26 | Lower | 2235 x 3175 | 4,626 | All B747, A330, A380 |
| AAU | LD-29 | Lower | 2235 x 3175 | 4,626 | All B747 |
| AAP / AA2 | LD-9 | Main or lower | 2235 x 3175 | 4,626 | All B747, B767, A330, A380 |
| AMP | – | Main or lower | 2438 x 3175 | 5,100 | All B747, B767, A330, A380 |
| AAX | – | Main | 2235 x 3175 | See page | B767F |
| PAG (main deck) | M-1 | Main | 2235 x 3175 | 4,626 | B747F, B767F |
| PAG (lower deck) | LD-7 | Lower | 2235 x 3175 | 4,626 | All B747, B767, A330, A380 |
| PMC (main deck) | M-1 | Main | 2438 x 3175 | 5,100 | B747F, B767F |
| PMC (lower deck) | PLT | Lower | 2438 x 3175 | 5,100 | All B747, B767, A330, A380 |
| PGA | M2 | Main | 2438 x 6058 | 13,608 | B747F |
| PRA | M2 | Main | 2438 x 4978 | 6,803 | B747F, B767F |
| PEB | PLT | Main | 1346 x 2235 | 2,516 | B747F |
Containers
- AKE (LD3) – lower deck
- AKH (LD3-45) – lower deck
- ALF (LD6) – lower deck
- DQF (LD8) – lower deck
- AAF – lower deck
- AAU – lower deck
- AAP / AA2 – main or lower deck
- AMP – main or lower deck
- AAX – main deck
Pallets
- PAG (main deck) and PAG (lower deck)
- PMC (main deck) and PMC (lower deck)
- PGA – main deck
- PRA – main deck
- PEB – main deck
Notes for unit load devices (ULDs)
- Weights shown are the approved structural ULD weight only. Maximum gross weight may vary with aircraft type and position in the hold.
- Actual tare weights may vary by manufacturer.
- Codes depend on contour and weight.
- Please confirm contour and loading specifications at the time of booking.
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) publishes the regulations for ULDs. ULDs may also be called cargo pallets or PMC pallets.
- Inspect every ULD before use for damage that would make it unserviceable.
- Load baggage and cargo evenly, keeping the load’s centre of gravity within 10% of the centre of the base.
- After loading, the container door must close securely.
- No certified ULD may be flown unless its manufacturer’s plate (TSO plate) is attached and legible. This is a legal requirement of the certifying authorities (for example the FAA and EASA).
- Container doors must always be securely closed or secured open.
Air freight from Brisbane, Darwin and Townsville
We book air freight, arrange online air freight customs clearance, and charter aircraft such as the Boeing 747-400ERF freighter for oversize or urgent defence cargo. For sea containers, see our shipping container specifications.
Air freight enquiries
Contact us
Call your nearest office, or reach us any hour on the 24-hour line.
24-hour line
07 3054 4670Coolangatta
Head office
2/17 Griffith St
Coolangatta QLD 4225
Postal address: PO Box 811
Coolangatta QLD 4225
Brisbane
8 Culya St
Pinkenba QLD 4008
Darwin
31 Muramats Rd
East Arm NT 0822
Townsville
16 Mackley St
Garbutt QLD 4814
Frequently asked questions
What is a ULD in air cargo?
A unit load device: a container or pallet used to load cargo and baggage onto aircraft. IATA publishes the regulations for their use.
What are the dimensions of an AKE (LD3) container?
Base 1,534 x 1,562 mm (60.4 x 61.5 in), height 1,620 mm (64 in), max. gross weight 1,587 kg (3,500 lb), internal volume 4.5 m³. It fits all B747, B767, A330 and A380 aircraft (lower deck).
Do ULD sizes vary between airlines?
Names and codes vary slightly between carriers, and max gross weight depends on aircraft type and position. Confirm contour and loading specifications at booking.
How should cargo be loaded into a ULD?
Evenly, with the centre of gravity within 10% of the centre of the base, and the door must close securely afterwards.
