GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Air Cargo Pallet

An air cargo pallet is a flat, rigid unit load device (ULD) made of aluminum or composite material that consolidates freight for direct loading into an aircraft's cargo hold.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/uld/

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

135

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

An air cargo pallet is a flat, rigid unit load device (ULD) made of aluminum or composite material that consolidates freight for direct loading into an aircraft's cargo hold. Its contoured edge profile conforms precisely to the fuselage interior, maximizing usable volume on both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft. Unlike a ULD container, a pallet has no walls or roof – cargo is stacked and secured with a net or tarpaulin, making it well suited for oversized or irregularly shaped goods while offering less protection against moisture or temperature. Common types include the PMC (P6P) for main-deck freighter positions and the PAG or PLA formats for lower-deck use. Each pallet carries a standardized ULD tag and is tracked throughout its life cycle under IATA ULD regulations, with responsibility for serviceability shared between airlines and ground handlers.