By Jennifer Chang.    Photo：Pixabay

What is Unit Load Device ( ULD ) ?  According to IATA, a ULD is a device for grouping and restrict cargo, mail and luggage for air transport. This could be either a fixed container or a pallet with mesh or netting to restrain the contents. 

Air cargo is a massive industry worth over $120 billion in 2021, and growing. Cargo is carried by dedicated freighter aircraft and airlines, But also as belly freight in  most scheduled passenger flights. These standard-sized containers simplify the sorting, storage and transfer of goods and are used worldwide. Aircraft ULDs have been in use since 1950. Initially, different sizes and structures were developed for different aircraft. Standardization quickly began between airlines and manufacturers, but IATA didn't formally finalize the use of ULDs until 2013. The metal containers we see at airports used to load cargo, cargo or luggage onto aircraft are the most common form of ULD. 

All cargo loaded on the aircraft needs to be secured, otherwise it may cause damage to the cargo itself or the inner wall of the aircraft due to movement during the flight. The ULD is used to fix the goods. You can load the goods on the ULD first, and then fix the ULD in the aircraft. There are two types of ULDs - pallets and containers. Pallets are basically aluminum sheets designed to fit the cargo compartment and lock in place. Goods are loaded onto pallets and secured in place with nets. Containers are metal structures (usually aluminum) designed to fit the shape of the aircraft and maximize cargo space utilization. ULD also allows for easy transfer of cargo between aircraft and even to other means of transport if the cargo is properly packaged. In flight, ULDs are designed to protect cargo in the hold. This prevents cargo from moving around and potentially damaging the aircraft. It is also very important to keep the cargo in the correct position throughout the flight for weight and balance purposes.

As in many areas of aviation, the current use of ULDs is governed by International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. Every year IATA publishes updated guidance called the ULD Regulation. These describe the construction, dimensions and compatibility criteria of ULDs. They also provide important guidelines for handling ULDs and safe operation. Repairs to ULDs amount to $330 million a year, 80% of which are due to mishandling. Even more worrisome, incorrect handling of ULD operations was identified as a major cause of aircraft damage when ground crews were battling - a costly issue for airlines in terms of maintenance costs and aircraft utilization. Therefore, regular visual inspections, as well as maintainability inspections, should be carried out to ensure the airworthiness of the ULD. Particular focus is paid to proper management of ULD storage when not in use to avoid damage.

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