What is ULD in Air Cargo: Unit Load Device is the full form of an ULD. A base or pallet which is used to carry cargo from one place to another place can be referred as an ULD. You might be wondering that how come cargo shipments with big weight and dimensions are moved from airport terminals to directly into an aircraft for shipping worldwide. Well there is no rocket science here, with the help of an ULD it is all possible.
What is ULD in Air Cargo
Now imagine you are shifting from United States to United Arab Emirates to save up on your taxes but, you cannot leave your favourite things behind and one of your favourite thing can be the car you drive. So you decided to take your car along with you. Now the first question arises in your mind that how the shipping company is going to load your car to the aircraft?
So the answer for this question is very simple. An ULD (Unit Load Device) will be used to load your car from the ground to directly into the aircraft. First your car will be lifted with the help of an EVM (Electric Vehicle Motor) and then it will be loaded on the pallet (ULD) by following all the safety measures.
The amazing feature of an ULD is that it is movable anywhere from airport terminals to aircraft’s easily. A 20 ft ULD is enough to load a single Bugati or a BMW. So this is how your car will be ready to be shipped through air cargo with the help of an ULD.
Types of ULDs in Air Cargo
There are two forms of unit load device (ULD):
- Pallet
- Container
Unit Load Device (Pallet)
A pallet ULD is physically a base of aluminium which can carry different types of cargo. Once this pallet ULD is loaded with cargo shipments, then with help of straps it is secured along with cargo net lugs. Only fully secured pallets ULD can be loaded to the aircraft.
Any security breach or human error can cause a big risk to the safety of flight and their passengers. There is no fix or limited dimension of the ULD, as it comes in different sizes as per the requirement of the airline. The standard size and the ULD handling safety measures are prepared by IATA.
Unit Load Device (Container)
Container ULDs are also known as cans or pods. They are physically made up of aluminium and once the cargo is loaded in this container then it can be closed from outside and easily ready to be loaded in the aircraft. These containers are also available in different sizes as per the requirement of airline and IATA set’s their dimension guidelines.
Responsibilities of Other Parties
| Party | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Civil Aviation Authorities | Regulatory oversight, compliance enforcement |
| Aircraft/Cargo Loading System Manufacturers | Development and maintenance of loading systems |
| Cargo Terminal Operators | Management of cargo terminal facilities |
| Ground Handling Agents | Handling ULDs during aircraft ground operations |
| Freight Forwarders | Coordination of cargo shipments |
| Customs Brokers | Customs clearance for cargo |
| Cargo Sales Agents | Selling cargo space on flights |
| Post Offices | Handling mail shipments |
| Shippers | Preparation and packing of cargo |
| Consignees | Receiving and claiming cargo |
| Ground Transportation Providers | Transporting cargo to and from the airport |
| ULD Manufacturers | Production of Unit Load Devices |
| ULD Repair Stations | Maintenance and repair of ULDs |
| ULD Owners/Providers | Ownership and provision of ULDs |
| Airports | Infrastructure support and coordination |
How are ULDs used for Aircrafts
Aircraft ULDs, or unit load devices, play a crucial role in the transportation of various items. While they are commonly used to transport racehorses, they are also utilized for shipping bulk and loose items.
The rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba-Cainiao has contributed to the increased demand for global air cargo shipping. Amazon, for instance, uses ULDs to efficiently pack bulk items and unitize small online order packages. Even though Amazon ULDs are transported on Prime Air aircraft, their approach is still relevant as it enables them to maintain their speedy delivery service.
Many other global companies also rely on shipping by air and ULDs to transport perishable goods, healthcare products, and even air mail services. It’s worth noting that the majority of ULD operations are handled by third parties, such as Freight Forwarders and Ground Service Providers, which means that ULDs often operate outside the direct supervision of airlines.
Despite this, ULDs have a significant impact on flight safety as they pass through multiple non-airline parties before returning to the airline’s control.
Certified Aircraft ULDs
Certified Aircraft ULDs refer to unit load devices that have obtained airworthiness certification from the governing Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) through the manufacturer. This certification ensures that the ULD container meets the necessary performance standards required for installation on an aircraft.
The certification process can be carried out under different procedures, depending on the specific requirements outlined by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. FAA, European EASA, or Chinese CCAR-21.
The most commonly used procedure for certification is the Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval, which involves the issuance of a TSO Authorization to the ULD container manufacturer.
It’s important to note that the certification process is conducted between the manufacturer and the regulatory authorities, such as the FAA and EASA. The recognition of certification standards and procedures is contingent upon bilateral agreements between these regulatory authorities.
The significance of certified aircraft ULDs cannot be overstated. These ULDs are not just ordinary packaging materials or handling equipment; they are essential aircraft parts that play a crucial role in ensuring flight safety.
However, with the industry trend of involving non-airline parties in ULD handling, there is a growing concern about the lack of ULD safety awareness.
Many individuals and organisations involved in operations upstream to shippers and freight forwarders or outsourcing to ground service providers may not fully understand the importance of ULDs. This is why the IATA ULD Safety Campaign aims to spread the message across the industry that ULDs are critical to flight safety.
While the initial airworthiness certification covers the requirements for ULD container manufacturers, it is important to note that all parties involved should take responsibility for maintaining the continued airworthiness of the aircraft ULDs during daily operations.
ULD Safety: Handle with Care
Ensuring safety is of utmost importance when it comes to handling unit load devices (ULDs) in the aviation industry. With the significant loads being transported and the frequent exchange of ULDs, it is crucial to adhere to strict protocols.
These protocols not only prioritise the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft but also safeguard the well-being of the personnel involved in handling the loads and maintain the integrity of the consignments. To stay updated and informed, stakeholders can rely on the comprehensive guidelines provided in IATA’s ULD Regulations Manual.
Proper handling of ULDs is essential to avoid unnecessary costs and damages. Annually, the industry incurs a staggering $330 million in ULD repairs, with 80% of these damages being preventable through proper handling practices.
Taking the time and effort to handle aircraft ULDs with care should always be a top priority. Mishandling not only risks damaging the goods being transported by air but also poses a significant threat to aircraft during ground operations. By prioritizing careful handling, we can minimize risks and ensure the safe transportation of goods and the smooth operation of aircraft.
What are ULD Regulations?
ULD regulations serve as the foundation for ensuring standardized global operations and handling procedures for unit load devices. Regardless of the airline, airport, or freight forwarder involved, it is crucial to adhere to the strictest safety regulations when handling aircraft ULDs.
The ULDR encompasses technical and operational specifications, regulatory requirements, and airline-specific guidelines for ULD operations. It acts as a comprehensive compliance tool, providing a consolidated reference manual that aligns with all legally binding and industry-approved regulations.
Who is responsible for the IATA ULD standards?
The IATA ULD standards are overseen by the IATA ULD Board (ULDB), which operates under the authority of the IATA Cargo Services Conference (CSC). The ULDB is tasked with creating and implementing guidelines, recommendations, and protocols related to the specifications, handling, restraint, and maintenance of ULDs.
Their objective is to ensure global recognition, acceptance, and compliance with these standards and procedures. The primary reference for IATA ULD standards is the annually updated IATA ULD Regulations (ULDR), which are developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders.
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