Unit load device facts for kids
A unit load device, often called a ULD, is like a special box or flat platform used to carry things on airplanes. Think of it as a big, strong container or a sturdy pallet. These ULDs help load luggage, mail, and other goods onto large airplanes, and sometimes smaller ones too.
Using ULDs means that many smaller items can be put together into one big unit. This makes loading and unloading planes much faster and easier for the airport crew. It also helps prevent flight delays because everything is organized. Each ULD has its own list, called a manifest, which tells everyone what's inside. This helps keep track of all the items being shipped.
What Are the Types of ULDs?
There are two main kinds of unit load devices: containers and pallets.
ULD Containers
These are like strong, metal boxes, usually made of aluminum. They have special hooks and points that make them easy to move around the airport and load onto planes.
ULD Pallets
These are flat, strong platforms, also usually made of metal. Items are placed on the pallet and then held in place with a strong cargo net that attaches to the sides of the pallet.
Below is a table showing the different sizes of ULDs. The "Volume" tells you how much space is inside the container. The "Dimensions" show how big the ULD is from the outside.
| Container type | Volume | Dimensions (base width / overall width × depth × height) |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD1 | 4.90 m3 (173 cu ft) | 156 / 234 × 153 × 163 cm (61.5 / 92 × 60.4 × 64 in) |
shaped to fit the plane, half width |
| LD2 | 3.40 m3 (120 cu ft) | 119 / 156 × 153 × 163 cm (47 / 61.5 × 60.4 × 64 in) |
shaped to fit the plane, half width |
| LD3 | 4.50 m3 (159 cu ft) | 156 / 201 × 153 × 163 cm (61.5 / 79 × 60.4 × 64 in) |
shaped to fit the plane, half width, standard size |
| LD3-45 | 3.60 m3 (127 cu ft) | 156 / 244 × 153 × 114.3 cm (61.5 / 96 × 60.4 × 45 in) |
specially shaped, full width; used on Airbus A320 planes |
| LD6 | 8.95 m3 (316 cu ft) | 318 / 407 × 153 × 163 cm (125 / 160 × 60.4 × 64 in) |
shaped to fit the plane, full width, like two LD3s |
| LD8 | 6.88 m3 (243 cu ft) | 244 / 318 × 153 × 163 cm (96 / 125 × 60.4 × 64 in) |
shaped to fit the plane, full width, like two LD2s; DQF-prefix |
| LD11 | 7.16 m3 (253 cu ft) | 318 × 153 × 163 cm (125 × 60.4 × 64 in) |
same as LD-6 but not shaped; rectangular |
| Pallet type | Volume | Linear dimensions | Remarks |
| LD8 | 6.88 m3 (243 cu ft) | 153 × 244 cm (60 × 96 in) |
same floor size as the container version; FQA-prefix |
| LD11 | 7.16 m3 (253 cu ft) | 153 × 318 cm (60.4 × 125 in) |
same floor size as the container version; FLA- and PLA-prefixes |
| LD7 (2 pallet variants) |
10.8 m3 (381 cu ft) 11.52 m3 (407 cu ft) |
224 × 318 cm (88 × 125 in) 244 × 318 cm (96 × 125 in) |
PAG- and P1P-prefixes PMC- and P6P-prefixes |
Images for kids
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Unit load device sizes
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An ATR 72 airplane with its cargo door open
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A view inside an Airbus A300 showing how LD3 containers fit
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A line of LD3 containers with AKE written on them
See also
In Spanish: Elemento unitario de carga para niños
