Freight Glossary
ULD (Unit Load Device) – Meaning & Examples
Standardized containers and pallets designed to fit aircraft cargo holds.
- Abbreviation
- ULD
- Full term
- Unit Load Device
- Related terms
- ULD, air container, aircraft container, air pallet
A Unit Load Device (ULD) is a container or pallet used to load luggage, freight, and mail onto wide-body aircraft. ULDs allow cargo to be bundled into larger units that can be quickly loaded/unloaded, reducing ground handling time. Common types include LD3 (half-width lower deck), LD7 (full-width lower deck), and PMC (pallet with net). ULDs are owned by airlines and must be returned after use.
Unit Load Device examples
- An LD3 container can hold approximately 4.5 CBM of cargo and fits in most wide-body aircraft.
How ULD is used in freight operations
ULD appears in quotations, bookings, shipping documents, and tracking updates. Confirm how it applies to your shipment with your carrier, forwarder, or customs representative, because practice can differ by country and contract.
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Frequently asked questions
What is ULD?
Standardized containers and pallets designed to fit aircraft cargo holds.
What does ULD stand for?
ULD stands for Unit Load Device.
What is an example of ULD?
An LD3 container can hold approximately 4.5 CBM of cargo and fits in most wide-body aircraft.