GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Aug 28, 2026

ULD Breakdown

A shipment from Chennai lands in Delhi and is due to continue to Frankfurt – during ULD breakdown, the air cargo loading unit is opened at the transfer point and unloaded piece by piece.

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Last updated: 28 August 2026

Source: Frachtportal-News «Indien beschleunigt Luftfracht nach Europa» (27.08.2026); IATA ULD Regulations

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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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Definition & Explanation

A shipment from Chennai lands in Delhi and is due to continue to Frankfurt – during ULD breakdown, the air cargo loading unit is opened at the transfer point and unloaded piece by piece. In air cargo handling, the term describes the controlled dismantling of a Unit Load Device (ULD), meaning an air freight container or aircraft pallet, into its individual packages so that they can be re-sorted, inspected, re-declared or split across several connecting flights. Breakdown is the reverse of ULD build-up, the assembly of the loading unit. It consumes time and handling capacity and is a main driver of long connection times at hubs: if a secured ULD may stay intact in transit, breakdown is avoided and transhipment time drops sharply. Not to be confused with screening, which refers to the security inspection of the goods themselves.

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⚡ Current 2026

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Passar replaces E-dec and NCTS. Passar 1.0 (export) is live, Passar 2.0 (import) starts from Q2 2026. Roadmap, ePortal registration, deadlines and FAQ — all on one page.

Passar 1.0Passar 2.0 → Q2 2026Passar 3.0 → Q2 2027

Passar Hub →Declar Info

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ULD Breakdown

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Related Terms

Breakdown Maintenance Freight Trucks

Cost Breakdown in Transport Logistics

Breakdown Assistance Programs for Freight Trucks

Breakdown Recovery Logistics

Breakdown Recovery Time for Freight Trucks

Breakdown Services for Freight Trucks

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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