We keep itcustomised

Multimodal or intermodal transportation is the transfer of cargo, from sender to receiver, using two or more modes (or methods) of transportation. It requires specially designed containers that can be used securely on trucks, freight trains and ships without the need to load and unload the cargo every time that one mode of transport is exchanged for another.

The idea of using the same container to transport cargo throughout an entire journey, even around the world, was hit upon by Malcom P. McLean in 1955. It revolutionised cargo transportation and international trade. Nowadays, we think nothing of containers moving seamlessly between ships, trucks and trains.

The shipping containers themselves are large rectangular boxes made of steel (usually 20 ft or 40 ft). They’re extremely durable so they can withstand all kinds of weather and temperatures.

Flight spare kit containers (also known as Fly-Away Kits or FSKs) are for storing and transporting the tools, spare parts and equipment that are used to maintain an aircraft. These ULDs are extremely versatile, easy to handle and compatible with a broad range of aircraft, which makes them popular with airlines and maintenance crews.

FSKs are half-width, lower-deck containers. They’re forkliftable and simple to set up on location. They can even be used as a mobile toolbox or workbench. This makes them ideal for rapid maintenance and repair, which helps to reduce the downtime of an aircraft.

Both the interior and exterior of an FSK can be customised. Inside, you can add adjustable compartments, shelves, dividers and drawers. Outside, you can add doors, hatches, wheels and even a ramp. In fact, it’s one of the most versatile ULDs out there.

An engine stand pallet is a (often STC certified) pallet that is strong enough to hold an aircraft engine and enable it to be transported in the cargo loading system of an e.g. B747 or B777 freighter aircraft. 

Aircraft engines are huge and can easily weigh several tonnes. An ordinary pallet would buckle under all that weight. But, when maintenance issues ground aircraft, the ability to transport a replacement engine by air can reduce downtime by days.

A PZE pallet is used to create a sturdy base that can withstand loads up to 13 tonnes. It has a sandwich construction to make the pallet as rigid as possible, plus a recessed part to allow the engines to fit through the aircraft’s loading doors.

The engine stand pallet is an optimised solution because it takes into account the total weight of the engine and its stand, plus the overall height, width and even shape of the engine.