Equipment used to transport cargo

ULD:
UNIT LOAD
DEVICE

AND USED TO TRANSPORT CAR

GO
BY AIRPLANE.
ULDs become part of the aircraft. They can convey any type of cargo,
from passenger suitcases and perishable goods to horses and Formula-1
cars.
ULDs enable individual
pieces of cargo, luggage
or mail to be assembled
into a single unit, which
can then be loaded on and
off an aircraft with speed.

They allow cargo to be

stowed efficiently and
safely while maximizing
the use of the
available space.
The benefits of ULDs
The most important purpose of a ULD is to secure
cargo during flight. The safety of the plane and its
passengers comes first every time. But ULDs also:

• eliminate the need for manual loading

and unloading

• protect cargo contents so that goods

arrived undamaged

• maximize the use of the aircraft’s cargo space

• allow the fast, easy transfer of cargo between

planes

The global introduction of standardized containers

has improved cargo handling enormously, lowering
operational costs. That, in turn, helps lower freight
charges and boosts trade flows.
ULD = Aircraft
Part
ULDs are aircraft parts subject to CAA’s airworthiness requirements.

Aircraft flight safety regulations apply and are defined in:

• ICAO Annex 6, Operation of Aircraft;
• ICAO Annex 8, Airworthiness of Aircraft; and
• The derived national
 ULD CATEGORY
ULDs are divided into two main categories:

AIRCRAFT
 C O N TA I N
ER
Containers, also known as cans and pods, are typically
lightweight structures comprising a base, a frame with side  A I R C R A F T PA L L
ET
and roof panels, and a fabric or solid door. There are many /NET COMBIN
ATION
different types of containers. Some are collapsible, some are Cargo on pallets are secured by a net,
insulated, others are ventilated or refrigerated and so on. which is attached to the pallet’s rim.
 Many ULDs are shaped to reflect the
shape of the aircraft hold and are
therefore often specific for use in
certain aircraft.

Air freighters may have a main deck

and a lower deck in the fuselage.

MAIN DESK: The main deck is often loaded with flat metal pallets
of specific dimensions that carry the cargo secured
AIRCRAFT PALLET by netting
 LOWER DESK:
AIRCRAFT CONTAINER
Lower deck ULDs may be shaped to reflect the fuselage shape and be made of
light metal with a door or netting on one side to allow for cargo stacking.
 WHYUSE WHYUSE
A
C O N TA I N E A PA L L E
R? T?

• Makes loading and unloading cargo easier • Cheaper to use than containers

• Makes loading onto and unloading off an aircraft easier • Accepts cargo that is difficult to fit into containers

• Gives better protection against all kinds of weather (e.g. oversized cargo)

• Gives better protection against damage to the cargo • Accepts some ‘Special Load’ cargo that can only

• Gives better protection against damage to the aircraft be loaded on open pallets

by the cargo • They are stackable and therefore efficient and easy

• Prevents unauthorized access to the cargo to store empty and return by plane
The three-letter prefix
The first three letters of a ULD code are perhaps the most
important. They are used to identify the type, size and shape
of the ULD. This information is vital in determining not only
the type of cargo it can contain but also the aircraft it is
compatible with.

The three-letter prefix works as follows:

• 1st
letter represents the type of ULD
• 2nd letter represents the base size of the ULD
• 3rd
letter represents the container’s contour
or the
pallet’s restraint system
Safe ULD operations on the
ground are essential to
flight safety in the air!

ZHI YONGLIA
O
 FIXED
CONVEYING
SYSTEM
ULDs are moved around using
fixed conveying systems that
consist of tracks fitted with rollers
that are often powered.

These conveying systems are also

capable of turning the pallet to
travel in a different direction.

For example when a ULD is being

rolled into a cargo hold on the
plane it may need to be turned
through 90˚ to correctly position it
for safe stowing inside the aircraft.
Aircraft holds are accessed through side, front or rear
doors which themselves have restrictions in terms
of dimensions
HI-LOADER

The ULDs are lifted by

a powered lifting device
(often referred to as a
hi-loader) that presents
the ULDs to the door
of the aircraft.
 Equipment for air cargo

Container N Pallet Transporter Container N Pallet Dolly

Loader (CPL)

Conveyor Belt Loaders Tractor (Ramp Towing) Carts

15
 1-Container pallet Loader
It is a mobile lifting device for transferring containers and/or pallets
from their dollies to the aircraft compartment and vice versa.

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2-Transporter

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 3- Container and pallet dolly
A Container/pallet a low cart for carrying containers/pallets from
their load loading bay to the aircraft side.
Each dolly has a tow-bar and can be joined together to form
a “ train” which is towed by a contractor.

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4- Conveyer belt loaders
When using conveyor belt loaders at the aircraft, maintain
proper spacing between articles.

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5- Tractor(Ramp towing)
Drive tractors at slow, regular speed and avoid sudden stops
Limit the number of carts or dollies in the train to the
maximum specified by airline or airport regulations.

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 6- Carts
•
When using carts; spread the load as evenly as possible with heavy
items at the bottom
Do not overload and ensure that the securing equipment is used-
webbing on, etc.

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