# Aircraft ULD (Unit Load Device) Management

*Last updated: 2026-06-16*

> Airlines, freight forwarders, and ground handlers are the primary actors in ULD management – the systematic administration of unit load devices, the standardized containers and pallets that secure cargo inside an aircraft's hold.

Airlines, freight forwarders, and ground handlers are the primary actors in ULD management – the systematic administration of unit load devices, the standardized containers and pallets that secure cargo inside an aircraft's hold. The discipline covers allocation, real-time tracking, scheduled maintenance, airworthiness compliance checks, and full lifecycle documentation for each device. Because damaged or uncertified ULDs must be withdrawn from service immediately, accurate tracking carries direct safety implications, not merely operational ones. Aviation-specific weight limits, structural certification requirements, and strict handling protocols set ULD management clearly apart from standard container logistics. Breakdowns in ULD administration can result in flight delays, lost cargo capacity, or regulatory action.

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

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Aircraft ULD (Unit Load Device) Management |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 106 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/uld/ |

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