x Do you need to send goods by air, need to learn about ULD and want to know what it actually is?
x Are you interested and want to know how important a role ULD plays in the process of transporting goods by air?
x You don't know how to best identify ULD and what regulations are related to ULD?
Below, at PROSHIP.VN we will answer the question of what a ULD is and list the most common types of ULDs. Along with that, we will share how to recognize and highlight the important role of ULD in the current air cargo industry (Air Cargo).
What is ULD?
What is ULD? ULD (Unit Load Devices - Air cargo vehicles/Loading equipment) is the term for equipment used to load goods during the transport of goods by the Carrier.
This device is used for direct contact with the locking system on the aircraft floor. It meets the structural safety requirements of the aircraft without the need for other auxiliary details because it can be considered as a movable cargo hold of the aircraft.
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A detachable part of an aircraft that complies with the strict requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority from design, testing, production and operation to repair and maintenance. Includes containers, pallets and Igloo.
Some of the most popular ULD devices today
What do ULD devices include? That is:
Containers
Containers can be divided into the following types:
- Intermodal containers:
Containers are 20 or 40 feet with a width and height of 8 feet. This type can only be loaded on the main cabin or wide-body mixed cargo aircraft;
- Main compartment container:
Can only be stowed in the main cabin of cargo or combination aircraft;
- Low compartment containers:
Can be stowed in the lower compartment of wide-body aircraft. Large low-bay containers use the entire width of the ULD compartment, while small-sized containers can be stacked 2 on top of each other. The height of this low container must not exceed 163cm.
Pallets (tray)
A pallet is a standard flat platform. On it the goods are gathered, tied with nets and igloos to then be locked into the aircraft. Using this device, you can quickly load and unload on the appropriate aircraft conveyor and control system.
Most aircraft pallets are standard sizes, usually no more than 25mm thick and have grooves around the edge for netting.
Classification of common ULD Unit Load Devices with many accompanying benefits in transporting goods by air.
Igloo
A structural igloo is a bottomless, front-opening hard shell, made of fiberglass, alloy or other suitable material. The slope matches the airframe shell. It covers the maximum useful area of an aircraft pallet attached to it. This shell is used in conjunction with a set of nets and aircraft pallets.
When the igloo shell is structurally attached to the pallet into a single unit to hold the goods without having to use a net, it is called a structural igloo.
How to identify ULD in air transport
To identify and recognize different types of ULDs suitable for each type of aircraft, people rely on symbols (codes) and numbers approved by IATA. IATA has developed ULD identifiers and mandates identification on all ULDs.
The ULD identification code according to IATA's standard system includes 9 or 10 alphanumeric characters. In there:
- The first three letters identify the type of ULD, base size and fuselage size of the ULD or its suitability for different types of aircraft;
- The next four or five digits indicate the ULD number, which is a unique number assigned by the operator;
- The last two letters show the ICAO code, which indicates the owner's firm.
* Example: P1P 3065T
- P1P: ULD type only;
- P: is ULD (pallet): tray;
- 1: thread size 88 x 125 inches;
- P: indicates the ability to load onto different aircraft;
- 3065: only 2-letter code of the owner.
Full details of the symbology standards are found in the IATA ULD Technical Manual. ULDs can carry barcodes, which will typically replicate IATA standard codes.
The role of ULD in air transport
What is the role of ULD? Proship would like to point out some special roles as follows:
Keep the aircraft stable
If the goods are not protected or fixed, these items will move when transported on the plane. Not only does it make the goods easily damaged, but it is also unsafe for the aircraft. Because when the goods are not fixed, it can cause the aircraft to lose stability, thereby easily causing loss of control when flying.
Optimize loading and unloading of goods
Loading and unloading goods will become faster and more convenient when you use ULD. Instead of having to load each item into the aircraft cabin, you can put the goods on the ULD and then fix them on the aircraft floor to save time when loading and unloading goods, thereby increasing work efficiency.
Saves airplane cabin space
ULD is also an effective solution to optimize aircraft cargo space. ULD devices are often large in size and have enough capacity to accommodate goods that take up a lot of space. From there, you can utilize the space on the plane more effectively.
Ensuring goods are safe during transportation
When you use ULD stacking equipment, it will help protect goods better during transportation. ULD is a collection of many different devices such as containers and pallets that are responsible for fixing and shielding goods from impacts. outside. This is necessary for high-value goods that are fragile or damaged when impacted.
What are the regulations you need to know about ULD?
What are the ULD regulations? Proship noted and pointed out the following:
ICAO regulations
ICAO regulations on ULD:
- Staff training: Staff handling ULDs must be fully trained in safety and related procedures
- Safety and security: ULD must ensure safety against threats.
IATA regulations
IATA regulations on ULD:
- Technical standards: ULD must meet size, material and design according to IATA standards.
- Inspection and maintenance: ULD must be inspected and maintained periodically;
- Marking and identification: Each ULD needs to have a unique identification number and clear information.
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Regulations of airlines
Airlines' regulations on ULD:
- Responsibilities and obligations: Clearly define the responsibilities of relevant parties in ULD management.
- Handling and operating procedures: Detailed procedures to ensure ULD is used safely.
Regulations of state management agencies
National regulations may add specific requirements in addition to international standards.
What is ULD along with its role and related regulations, how to identify Unit Load Device, common ULD devices commonly used in air cargo transportation have been informed by Proship Logistics to individual shippers. , businesses, shipping companies. For any questions related to services, Air Cargo fees, etc., you can contact 0909 344 247 for answers and service advice.