The document provides information about unit load devices (ULDs) used to load cargo and baggage on wide-bodied aircraft. It discusses ULD types like pallets and containers, and describes their identification codes which include a three-letter prefix indicating type, a unique serial number, and two letters indicating the owner. The document also outlines ULD certification standards, tools used to handle ULDs like slave pallets and scissor loaders, and benefits of using ULDs such as faster loading/unloading and better cargo protection.

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Universiti Kuala Lumpur -
Malaysian Institute of Industrial
Technology
(UniKL MITEC)
Bachelor of Industrial Logistics (BIL) - BIL 17/1
AIRFREIGHT (JLB 42012)
Group Assignment - Revision
Unit Load Device
Name:1. Khairunnisaq binti Mat Hanafi
(57212117163)
2.
()
3.
()
Lecturer : Sir Mohd Fadzali Bin Daud
Due Date
November 8, 2018

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, we are very grateful to the Almighty, the Benevolent for
the guidance and blessings and giving us the strength and patience to complete
this technical report. At last with the blessing and grace from Him we are able to
complete our project.
We also would like to convey our sincere gratitude to our lecturer, Sir Mohd
Fadzali Bin Daud, lecturer of Airfreight(JLB 42012) of UNIKL MITEC for the
guidance and endless help, whereby, he had helped by explaining step by step on
how to complete this assignment and guided us throughout this project. Which
was a very big support to us for the progress and completion of this project
together.
Not forgetting our family members who have been by our side throughout the
completion of this project, by giving us the full support and encouragement. Not
only that, we also would like to take this opportunity to also thank our friends
who have been there to guide and support us also shared the ideas and helped us
in completing this project.

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ABSTRACT
Unit load device (ULD) are used to load air cargo and passengers’ checked
baggage for wide-bodied aircraft operations. Since ULD are reusable at the
destination, the airfreight forwarder can invest in an appropriate fleet size for their
requirements. The airfreight forwarder also must prepare enough devices for the
outbound consignments of each flight. The variance of the number of used devices for
each arrival and departure shipment will influence the service demand or the airfreight
forwarder. As customers we put our trust in the airlines and expect they will deliver
our freight and mail to the required destination without delay and, most importantly,
in good condition. In order to achieve this there is a process that needs to occur and
securing the safe transit of all cargo is hinged around a rigorous build-up process that
needs to be adhered to. This document provides important information regarding the
Unit Load Device (ULD), their characteristics and the steps of handling and dangers
caused by incorrect procedures, and most importantly, their function based on a
cynically observation that has been done.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT............................................................................................. 2
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................... 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................. 4
LIST OF TABLES.........................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION................................................................................ 6
1.1 UNIT LOAD DEVICE....................................................................................................6
1.2 ULD DESCRIPTION..................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2 : ULD IDENTIFICATION.................................................................... 8
2.1 FIRST POSITION LETTER....................................................................................... 10
2.2 SECOND LETTER.......................................................................................................11
2.3 COMMON PREFIXES................................................................................................ 11
CHAPTER 3 : CERTIFICATION OF ULD..............................................................12
CHAPTER 4 : TOOLS USED TO HANDLE ULD................................................... 13
CHAPTER 5 : REVISION QUESTION.................................................................... 16
REFERENCE..............................................................................................................18

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 shows the format of an ULD code...................................................................8
Table 2 shows the IATA Identification Code for ULD Prior to October 1, 1993....... 8
Table 3 shows the IATA Identification Code for ULD starting effective October 1,
1993................................................................................................................................9
Table 4 Shows the Code List for Position 1................................................................10
Table 5 Shows the older codes that still available on certain ULDs......................... 10
Table 6 Shows the letter codes being used for position 2 on ULDs...........................11

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CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION
Everyday hundreds of aircraft are in transit carrying thousands of passengers and
tons of freight all over the world. As customers we put our trust in the airfreight
company and expect they will deliver our freight and mail to the required destination
without delay. Most importantly, in good condition. In order to achieve this there is a
process that needs to occur and securing the safe transit of all cargo is hinged around a
rigorous build-up process that needs to be adhered to.
This study provides important information on the build up of the Unit Load
Device (ULD), their characteristics and the steps of handling and dangers caused by
incorrect procedures, and most importantly, their function.
1.1 UNIT LOAD DEVICE
Unit Load Devices (ULD) are used as containers for baggage and cargo carried in
the holds of suitably dimensioned and equipped aircraft and are secured so that they
cannot move within the hold in flight. They are divided into two types;- Pallets and
Containers.
A. Pallets are secured by a net, attached to the rim of the pallet. The final shape
(contour) chosen in the build-up of a ULD needs to fit the allocated aircraft type.
B. Containers provide the shape (contour) so the contents are secured either by the
container doors being closed and bolted, or the door net being secured to the rims of
the container walls and floor.

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Image 1 shows the ULD in pallet and container form.
1.2 ULD DESCRIPTION
ULD also allows a large quantity of cargo to be bundled into a single unit. Since
this leads to fewer units to load, it saves ground crews time and effort and helps
prevent delayed flights.
For example, on passenger aircraft, a record of which checked bags are stowed in
which ULD is normally kept so that if it is necessary to retrieve a particular item prior
to flight, it should be known which ULD it has been loaded in. On cargo aircraft,
ULDs are often used in combination with netted pallets. In all cases, the aircraft hold
must be equipped with a roller floor and the straps and fittings (accessories) necessary
to secure the containers and/or pallets in position whilst transporting.
Image 2 shows the process of unloading UDL from an aircraft.

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CHAPTER 2 : ULD IDENTIFICATION
Containers and pallets should be identified by a unique combination of letters and
numbers. The IATA standard system comprises 3 leading letters, 4 or 5 numerals and
2 trailing letters. All ULD are identified by their ULD number. Following are the
format of an ULD code:
XXX 01234 XYZ
XXX 01234 XYZ
ULD Type Code Serial number Owner/Registrant
Table 1 shows the format of an ULD code.
Prior to October 1, 1993 the IATA Identification Code consisted of nine (9) alpha
numeric elements in the following sequence:
Position Character Type Description
1 alphabetic ULD Category
2 alphabetic Base Dimensions
3 alphabetic Contour or Compatibility
4, 5, 6, 7 numeric Serial Number
8, 9 alpha-numeric Owner/Registrant
Table 2 shows the IATA Identification Code for ULD Prior to October 1, 1993
Whilst, Effective October 1, 1993 he IATA Identification Code consists of nine (9)
or ten (10) alpha-numeric elements in the following sequence:
Position Character Type Description
1 alphabetic ULD Category
2 alphabetic Base Dimensions
3 alphabetic Contour or Compatibility
4, 5, 6, 7, 8 *(see note below) Serial Number

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9, 10 alpha-numeric Owner/Registrant
Table 3 shows the IATA Identification Code for ULD starting effective October 1, 1993
*Note: The serial number consists of four or five numerics.
IATA uses three letter codes (in upper case letters) to describe key characteristics
of ULDs. Examples are AKE, DPN and RKE. Each of the three letter code positions
describes particular characteristics of the ULD.For example, AKN 12345 DL means
that the ULD is a forklift-able LD3 with the unique number 12345 and its owner
is Delta Air Lines. IATA uses three letter codes (in upper case letters) to describe key
characteristics of ULD. The 3 leading letters (e.g.;- AKE, PMC) define the type of
ULD, the 4 or 5 numerals are a unique number allocated by the operator and the 2
trailing letters show a 2 letter International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code
which indicated the owner which may be an airline (e.g.;- BA) or a ULD leasing
company (e.g.;- JG).
Image 3 Shows the meaning behind the first three letter in the ULD code.

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2.1 FIRST POSITION LETTER
The Position 1 letter describes the container as:
1. Certified as to airworthiness or non-certified.
2. Structural unit or non-structural.
3. Fitted with equipment for refrigeration, insulation or thermal control (Thermal)
or not fitted with refrigeration, insulation or thermal control.
4. Containers, pallets, nets, pallet/net/non-structural igloo assembly.
The Code List for Position 1 is as follows:
A Certified Aircraft Container
D Non-Certified Aircraft Container
F Non-Certified Aircraft Pallet
G Non-Certified Aircraft Pallet Net
J Thermal Non-Structural Igloo
H Horse Stalls
K Cattle Stalls
M Thermal Non-Certified Aircraft Container
N Certified Aircraft Pallet Net
P Certified Aircraft Pallet
R Thermal Certified Aircraft Container
U Non-Structural Container
V Automobile Transport Equipment
Table 4 Shows the Code List for Position 1.
Meanwhile, the following are obsolete codes that are still found on some older ULDs.
B Certified Main Deck Aircraft Container
C Non-Aircraft Container
E Non-Certified Main Deck Aircraft Container
S Structural Igloo- Solid Doors
T Structural Igloo-Other Closures (other than solid doors)
Table 5 Shows the older codes that still available on certain ULDs.

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2.2 SECOND LETTER
The Position 2 letter describes the base dimensions of the container. For
containers manufactured after October 1, 1990 the following code letters are used:
A 2,235 x 3,175 mm (88 x 125 in)
B 2,235 x 2,743 mm (88 x 108 in)
E 1,346 x 2,235 mm (53 x 88 in)
F 2,438 x 2,991 mm (96 x 117 3/4 in)
G 2,438 x 6,058 mm (96 x 238 1/2 in)
H 2,438 x 9,125 mm (96 x 359 1/4 in)
J 2,438 x 12,192 mm (96 x 480 in)
K 1,534 x 1,562 mm (60.4 x 61.5 in)
L 1,534 x 3,175 mm (60.4 x 125 in)
M 2,438 x 3,175 mm (96 x 125 in)
N 1,562 x 2,438 mm (61.5 x 96 in)
P 1,198 x 1,534 mm (47 x 60.4 in)
Q 1,534 x 2,438 mm (60.4 x 96 in)
R 2,438 x 4,938 mm (96 x 196 in)
X
Miscellaneous sizes largest dimension between 2,438 mm and 3,175 mm
(between 96 in and 125 in)
Y Miscellaneous sizes largest dimension 2,438 mm (96 in)
Z Miscellaneous sizes largest dimension >3,175 (>125 in)
Table 6 Shows the letter codes being used for position 2 on ULDs.
2.3 COMMON PREFIXES
The Position 3 letter describes the container's contour, fork lift capability, and in
the case of pallets and nets, the restraint system into which the unit is classified. The
Position 3 codes are extremely complex and are not within the scope of this
publication. Refer to the IATA "ULD Technical Manual" for complete information.

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CHAPTER 3 : CERTIFICATION OF ULD
Containers, pallets, and nets are in most cases required to be approved for use
(“certified”) by the airworthiness authority for the country where the manufacturer is
located. Currently the 2 most commonly used certification standards are:
(Federal Aviation Administration) FAA - Technical Standards Order (TSO) C90c
and
(European Aviation Safety Agency) EASA - ETSO C90c,
Though, other countries such as China, Australia e.t.c have complementary
standards for certification of ULD.
In order to obtain approval or certification from the authorities, the designer must
submit calculations and test results to show that the ULD is able to withstand the
loads required while being restrained in the manner laid out in the TSO standards.
These loads are extremely high, in order to prove that the design is capable of
restraining the contents of the loaded ULD under extreme flight conditions, for
example:
1. The upload test on an LD3 container requires that the LD3 structure can survive a
load of 9826 lbs in the upwards direction while restrained by just 4 locations at
the base for a period of 3 seconds.
2. A cargo net for a PMC pallet needs to withstand an upload of over 57000 lbs for 3
seconds.

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CHAPTER 4 : TOOLS USED TO
HANDLE ULD
There are variety of essential tools being used for handling, storing and
transporting ULD. Most of the equipment are mobile electrical support. Some of the
ULD cannot being transport by using only labour power alone. It is impossible.
Therefore, the mobile equipment are being used to enable the staff to handle ULD
with care and safely and efficiently while maintaining the terminals flexibility and
scalability. Following are some of the tools being used to transport ULD :
1. Slave Pallets
Image 4 Shows example picture of Slave Pallets.
 For non-mechanized terminals, slave pallets are an essential tool for handling and
transporting ULD.
 Slave pallets can be transported using powered conveyor systems, as well as
using the slave pallet mover.

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2. Slave Pallet Mover
Image 5 Shows the example of Slave Pallet Mover.
 The slave pallet mover is an electrically operated floor conveyor for transporting
slave pallets.
 It is powered by a battery and has a lifting unit for elevating pallets. Three forks
ensure the ULDs are transferred safely. This means slave pallets can be moved
throughout the building quickly and easily.
3. Scissor High Loader
Image 6 Shows the example of Scissor Loader.
 The loader merges the functionality of a truck dock and a pallet transporter.
 Operable via remote control and powered by a battery, the Loader also has a

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freely steerable drive system which affords flexible movement in all directions.
 The vehicle's integrated lifting function makes it possible to pick up and set
down ULD and pallets from different heights.

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CHAPTER 5 : REVISION QUESTION
Question 4
(a) Apply THREE (3) points of the global standard system of identification for ULD.
ANSWER :
Each Aircraft Unit Load Device (ULD) is identified by its ULD code. This code
is a unique combination of letters and numbers, starting with a three-letter prefix that
indentifies the type of ULD. This prefix is followed by a unique 4 or 5-digit serial
number to distinguish it from others of the same type. The last two or three characters
designate the owner of the ULD (e.g. the airline).
Format of a ULD code:
XXX 01234 XYZ
XXX 01234 XYZ
ULD Type Code Serial number Owner/Registrant
*Can refer to previous Chapter 2 in this study research for more details.

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(b) FOUR (4) benefits of ULD cargo handling operations.
ANSWER :
There are many benefits of using ULD. The benefits are being list down as below
1. Faster loading and unloading of the aircraft and container.
a) Thus, there is no need to consume a lot of time for cargo loading and
unloading of aircraft.
2. Better protection against weather conditions.
a) ULD had been proved to have a better protection against the harsh weather
without affecting and harming the goods or cargo.
3. Better protection against damage to the cargo or to the aircraft.
a) Yes, ULD do provide a better protection of the goods better than the package
of the goods itself.
4. Some cargo is difficult to fit into containers.
a) Therefore, the presence of ULD is crucial for transportation of cargo via air.
5. Some ‘Special Load’ cargo can only be loaded on open pallets.
a) Yes, that is true because a certain cargo can only be transport by using pallet
and netting. For example, irregular shape goods such as car.

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REFERENCE
Aircargopedia. (2009). The Basic Principles of Safe Unit Load Device (ULD)
Build-Up. Retrieved October 10, 2018, from
http://aircargopedia.com/pdf/BuildUpWhitePaperDec09.pdf
SKYbrary. (208, February 2). SKYbrary Wiki. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from
https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Unit_Load_Devices_(ULD)
Wikipedia. (2018, September 01). Unit load device. Retrieved October 17, 2018, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unit_load_device#Identification
World Trade Press. (2000). Guide to Air Freight Containers (ULDs). Retrieved
October 17, 2018, from
https://web.archive.org/web/20160325233301/http://www.fredoniainc.com/glossa
ry/air.html
Flexport Inc. (2018). ULD (Unit Load Device) - Flexport Glossary. Retrieved October
19, 2018, from
https://www.flexport.com/glossary/unit-load-device
LÖDIGE Industries GmbH. (2018). ULD Handling. Retrieved October 21, 2018,
from
https://www.lodige.com/en-global/products/airport-logistics/air-freight-logistics/
mobile-terminal-equipment/uld-handling/
VRR-aviation. (n.d.). Identifying a Unit Load Device (ULD). Retrieved October 21,
2018, from
https://vrr-aviation.com/uld-info/uld-id-code/