# Air Cargo Container

*Last updated: 2026-06-16*

> An air cargo container — known in the industry as a Unit Load Device (ULD) — is a standardized, reusable container or pallet precisely shaped to fit the cargo holds of widebody passenger aircraft and freighters.

An air cargo container — known in the industry as a Unit Load Device (ULD) — is a standardized, reusable container or pallet precisely shaped to fit the cargo holds of widebody passenger aircraft and freighters. Types are classified by IATA codes: LD3 containers fit the lower-deck holds of widebody jets such as the Airbus A330 or Boeing 777, while main-deck pallets are designed for dedicated freighter operations. Airlines and freight forwarders rely on ULDs to speed up loading and unloading, protect cargo, and maximize space utilization. Air cargo containers must not be confused with ISO shipping containers used in sea freight, which differ fundamentally in dimensions and structural design. Because lost or damaged units generate significant replacement costs, airlines maintain strict ULD inventory control.

**Source:** [https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/uld/](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/uld/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Air Cargo Container |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 125 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/uld/ |

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