GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Air cargo container
Efficient turnaround and secure cargo fixation start with the right loading unit: air cargo containers are standardized unit load devices (ULDs) that consolidate and secure freight before it is loaded into an aircraft.
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Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/uld/
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Definition & Explanation
Efficient turnaround and secure cargo fixation start with the right loading unit: air cargo containers are standardized unit load devices (ULDs) that consolidate and secure freight before it is loaded into an aircraft. They come in two principal forms—flat pallets with net enclosures and fully enclosed containers, including igloos shaped to fit the curved fuselage cross-section of wide-body and freighter aircraft. ULDs significantly reduce ground handling times, protect cargo from damage, and maximize payload density in the hold. Specialized variants exist for hazardous materials, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, live animals, and mail. IATA standardization ensures ULDs remain interchangeable between carriers and compatible with aircraft fleets worldwide.
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