What's a ULD

ULDs are crucial in transporting air cargo safely, quickly and cost-effectively. They enable individual pieces of cargo, luggage or mail to be assembled into a single unit, which can then be loaded on and off an aircraft with speed. 

To prevent the ULDs moving around during flight and potentially damaging the aircraft, the plane has loading and restraint systems. These interface directly with a ULD, effectively locking the ULD into place so it becomes part of the aircraft.

The most important purpose of a ULD is to secure cargo during flight. The safety of the plane and its passengers comes first every time. But ULDs also:

• eliminate the need for manual loading and unloading 
• protect cargo contents so that goods arrived undamaged
• maximise the use of the aircraft’s cargo space
• allow the fast, easy transfer of cargo between planes

The global introduction of standardised containers has improved cargo handling enormously, lowering operational costs. That, in turn, helps lower freight charges and boosts trade flows.

Just like any other aircraft component, ULDs are regulated to ensure flight safety under all likely and extreme circumstances. These rules are defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and put into national legislation by each Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA assesses and certifies ULDs for their continued airworthiness.