Global Transport and Logistics

NL / EN

myDSV

myDSV
Login Sign up

Do you want to send packages, pallets or containers?

Request your quote in just a few clicks

Unit Load Devices

United Load Devices (ULD’s) are specially designed pallets or containers for the use of air freight. These ULD’s are designed in such a way that they make optimal use of the space available in an aircraft. Using a ULD with your cargo shortens the loading and unloading time at the airport.

Air freight pallets

These are flat plates (mostly made of aluminium) on which your cargo is secured with nets or meshes to hold the cargo securely in place during a flight. Air freight pallets can be loaded and adapted to the contours of the aircraft, so that loading space will be used optimally.

Air freight containers

The equivalent of sea containers, but with much more variety in shapes and sizes due to the many different aircrafts in use. There are also air freight containers available for more specific purposes, such as: refrigerated containers, side loaders, airtight- or ventilated containers.

The dimensions and payload of ULD’s may vary by manufacturer and each airline. Rules and regulations of the use of ULD’s are also subject to the terms and conditions of each specific airline.

ULD identification codes

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is de leading authority in the air freight industry for technical specifications for ULD’s. Every air freight pallet or container has a unique code to identify its technical specifications. Each identifier contains a unique code of letters and numbers in the following order.

Position Character Description
1 Alphabetical
Type of ULD
2 Alphabetical
Base dimensions
3 Alphabetical Contour or compatibility
 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Numeric
Serial number
 9 and 10 Alphabetical
Owner 

 

unit load devices dsv

Legend

  • The first letter in the code indicates the type of air container (1)
  • The second letter in the code (2) refers to the floor dimensions of the container
  • The third letter in the code (3) indicates:
    • If it is an air freight container: the shape, circumference and load capacity of the container
    • If it is an air freight pallet: what type of network, meshes or loading system is used
  • Followed by a five digits serial number that identifies each specific container (4)
  • The last two letters or numbers in the code indicate the owner of the container or airline (5)
  • Technical specifications and official seals (6)
  • Documentation pocket for cargo documents (7)

 

The most frequently used pallets and containers

  • PAG pallet

    P1P/PAG

    Pallet
  • PMC pallet

    P6P/PMC

    Pallet
  • PGA pallet

    PGA

    Pallet
  • LD3/AKE/AVE container

    LD3/AKE/AVE

    Container
  • LD9/AAP container

    LD9/AAP

    Container
  • AMA containers

    M1/AMA

    Container

Any questions?

Our teams in DSV Air & Sea are ready for you.

DSV Air&Sea Contact us