Representative ULD families
A ULD is an aircraft container or an aircraft pallet-and-net combination. Its contour, restraint system, certification, serviceability, and approved aircraft positions matter as much as its nominal size.
| ULD type | Form | Approximate envelope / base | Typical volume | Typical use | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD-3 / AKE | Contoured container | ≈1.53 × 1.56 × 1.63 m | ≈4.5 m³ | Lower deck wide-body aircraft | Most widely recognized lower-deck ULD |
| LD-2 / DPE | Contoured container | ≈1.19 × 1.53 × 1.63 m | ≈3.5 m³ | Lower deck; selected wide-body fleets | Narrower footprint than LD-3 |
| LD-1 / AKC | Contoured container | ≈2.34 × 1.53 × 1.63 m | ≈4.9 m³ | Lower deck; aircraft dependent | Single angled side contour |
| LD-6 / ALF | Double-width container | ≈3.18 × 1.53 × 1.63 m | ≈8.9 m³ | Lower deck wide-body aircraft | Approximately two LD-3 positions |
| LD-7 / P1P or PAG | Pallet and net | Base ≈3.18 × 2.24 m | Contour dependent | Main deck or lower deck | Flexible build-up for compatible aircraft |
| PMC / P6P | Pallet and net | Base ≈3.18 × 2.44 m | Contour dependent | Main-deck freighter and compatible holds | Common 96 × 125 inch pallet family |
| LD-9 / AAP | Contoured container | ≈3.18 × 2.24 × 1.63 m | ≈10.8 m³ | Lower deck wide-body aircraft | Large contoured container |
| LD-11 / ALP | Full-width container | ≈3.18 × 2.24 × 1.63 m | ≈11 m³ | Main deck / aircraft dependent | Rectangular container; compatibility varies |
| Temperature-controlled ULD | Active or passive container | Model specific | Model specific | Pharma and controlled-temperature cargo | Requires airline and lane approval |
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Do not treat a ULD as ordinary packaging. Airline acceptance, aircraft loading manuals, contour limits, restraint, condition, and weight-and-balance rules govern the final build.
ULD booking checklist
- Provide piece dimensions and weight before requesting a ULD type.
- Confirm passenger-belly or freighter aircraft and the planned position.
- Check contour, base size, maximum gross weight, and floor-loading limits.
- Identify dangerous goods, live animals, valuables, perishables, or temperature-control needs.
- Do not drill, modify, or attach unauthorized fittings to a certified ULD.
- Agree responsibility for build-up, netting, labels, handover, and return control.
Frequently asked questions
Are the listed dimensions guaranteed for every carrier?
No. Published dimensions and capacities are planning values. Manufacturing tolerances, equipment series, tare weight, legal limits, and carrier policy can change the usable space or payload.
What information should I provide for equipment confirmation?
Provide the packed length, width, height, gross weight, piece count, stackability, center of gravity where relevant, loading method, temperature needs, and any dangerous-goods status.
Standards and authoritative sources
Use these primary sources when a booking, customs entry, safety rule, or equipment certificate requires authoritative confirmation.
Need the right equipment for a live shipment?
Share the cargo dimensions, weight, origin, destination, and handling needs. Our team will verify availability and operating limits.
Reference reviewed 31 August 2026. General planning guidance only; booking specifications, regulations, and tariff classifications take precedence.