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Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 24/2026
A ULD (Unit Load Device) is an air-cargo loading device - an aircraft container or a combination of aircraft pallet and net - used to group and restrain cargo, mail and baggage. A ULD fits the aircraft’s cargo loading system (CLS) and hold contour precisely; in flight it becomes part of the aircraft structure, so it must meet strict safety standards like any aircraft component.
The role of a ULD
A ULD turns many loose packages into one standardised unit load, speeding aircraft loading/unloading, using hold space and restraining cargo in flight. This is the unit-load concept applied to aviation. A ULD with the wrong contour or damage can compromise flight safety and damage the aircraft - the industry spends about USD 400 million a year on ULD repair and loss.
ULD identification code (IATA)
Each ULD has a 9-10 character IATA code: the first 3 letters are the Type Code, the next 4-5 are the serial number, and the last 2 are the owner (airline) code. For example AKE: A = certified container, K = base dimensions 1,534×1,562 mm, E = contour. The first character gives the category (A = certified container, P = certified pallet); the third is critical because the contour must match the aircraft hold.
Types of ULD
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Aircraft container (e.g. AKE/LD3) | Enclosed container, hold-contour shaped, most common |
| Aircraft pallet + net | Aluminium pallet + restraint net, for bulky cargo |
| Special-purpose ULD | Temperature-controlled, fire-resistant, horse stalls (HMA/HMJ)… |
Note: codes LD3, LD7 (old ATA system) and AKE (IATA system) often describe the same device - the IATA system is now more widely used.
ULD vs a normal pallet
| Criterion | Aircraft ULD | Normal pallet (road/sea) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | IATA, airworthiness certified | ISO/regional, no flight certification |
| Shape | Matches aircraft hold contour | Flat, standard rectangle |
| Material | Aluminium, light composite | Wood, plastic |
The ULD is an aviation-specific concept; in road and sea transport the standard load unit is the pallet and bin/crate - ICD supplies wooden pallets, plastic pallets and plastic crates for ground unit loads.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a ULD?
An air-cargo loading device (Unit Load Device) - an aircraft container or aircraft pallet with net - used to group and restrain cargo, mail and baggage.
What does the code AKE mean?
An IATA ULD Type Code: A = certified container, K = base dimensions 1,534×1,562 mm, E = the contour matching the aircraft hold.
Are LD3 and AKE different?
They usually describe the same device: LD3 in the old ATA code system, AKE in the current IATA system - IATA is now more widely used.
How does a ULD differ from a normal pallet?
A ULD is IATA-certified, shaped to the aircraft hold contour, in aluminium/composite; a normal pallet is flat, ISO-based, for road and sea.
Why must a ULD meet flight-safety standards?
Because in flight the ULD becomes part of the aircraft structure; a wrong contour or damage can compromise flight safety and damage the aircraft.
What types of ULD are there?
Aircraft containers (e.g. AKE), aircraft pallets with restraint nets, and special-purpose ULDs (temperature-controlled, fire-resistant, livestock…).
Contact ICD Vietnam
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd - pallets, plastic crates, stretch film, forklifts and packaging solutions.
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat on Zalo
