GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 24, 2026

IATA ULD (Unit Load Device) Regulations

To allow cargo containers and pallets to be loaded safely and efficiently into aircraft holds, the IATA ULD Regulations set binding technical and operational standards for unit load devices.

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Last updated: 24 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

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

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Definition & Explanation

To allow cargo containers and pallets to be loaded safely and efficiently into aircraft holds, the IATA ULD Regulations set binding technical and operational standards for unit load devices. The rules define dimensions, maximum permissible weights, material requirements, and safety features such as locking mechanisms, ensuring universal compatibility across operators and aircraft types. For freight forwarders, this means ULDs must be inspected at prescribed intervals and certified by approved bodies; damaged units must be withdrawn from service immediately. Airlines will refuse non-compliant ULDs, which can cause departure delays and force complete shipment rescheduling. Unlike the IATA ULD Safety Regulations – which focus on technical inspection obligations and ongoing operational safety – the ULD Regulations cover the full lifecycle of a device, from design through decommissioning.