Air Freight Container: Optimizing Cargo Transport

Types of Air Cargo Containers

1. Enclosed Containers
2. Pallets with Net Combinations

Most air freight containers are made from materials like sheet aluminum or polycarbonate with profile frames. They are designed to fit the contours of the aircraft’s cargo hold and adhere to International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. Each container is assigned a unique IATA code, such as AKE, AKN, PAG, and PMC, for identification.

Basic Air Freight Pallet Specifications

Air freight pallets, also known as Unit Load Devices (ULDs), are essential for efficiently loading and transporting cargo on aircraft. Below are the specifications for some of the most common air freight pallets used in the industry.

1. PLA Half Pallet

• IATA Code: PLA
• Type: Half pallet with net
• Dimensions:
• Length: 125 inches (3.17m)
• Width: 60.4 inches (1.53m)
• Height: 64 inches (1.62m)
• Maximum Gross Weight: 6,999 lbs (3,175 kg)
• Volume Capacity: 250 cubic feet (7.1 CBM)
• Compatibility: Boeing 747, 777, 787, 707F, 727F, 737F
• Features: Ideal for smaller shipments that fit within its compact size.

2. PMC/P6P/96” Pallet

• IATA Code: P6P
• Type: 10-ft flat pallet with net
• Dimensions:
• Length: 125 inches (3.17m)
• Width: 96 inches (2.43m)
• Height: 64 inches (1.62m)
• Maximum Gross Weight: 15,000 lbs (6,804 kg)
• Volume Capacity: 747 cubic feet (21.2 CBM)
• Compatibility: Boeing 747, 767, 777, 787, DC-10, MD-11
• Features: Standard flat pallet used in lower cargo holds and main decks of wide-body aircraft.

3. LD7/88” Pallet

• IATA Code: P1P
• Type: Flat pallet with net (PAG pallet)
• Dimensions:
• Length: 125 inches (3.17m)
• Width: 88 inches (2.24m)
• Height: 64 inches (1.62m)
• Maximum Gross Weight: 15,000 lbs (6,804 kg)
• Volume Capacity: 747 cubic feet (21.2 CBM)
• Compatibility: Boeing 707F, 727F, DC8F main decks, and more
• Features: Standard pallet commonly used in main decks and lower cargo holds, suitable for bulky and heavy shipments.

These pallets ensure that cargo is securely loaded into aircraft, reducing damage and optimizing space. Understanding the specifications of each type of pallet helps in selecting the right ULD for your air freight needs.

Specialized Air Cargo Container Specifications

When transporting temperature-sensitive goods or bulky cargo, specialized air cargo containers are essential for maintaining product integrity and optimizing space. Below are the specifications for some specialized air cargo containers that are commonly used in the industry.

1. LD-3 Temperature-Controlled Container

• IATA Code: RKN
• Type: Contoured cool container
• Dimensions:
• Length: 79 inches (2m)
• Width: 60.4 inches (1.53m)
• Height: 64 inches (1.62m)
• Maximum Gross Weight: 3,500 lbs (1,558 kg)
• Volume Capacity: 115 cubic feet (3.26 CBM)
• Compatibility: Airbus A330, Boeing 777, Lockheed L1011
• Temperature Control Range: –20°C to +20°C
• Features: Ideal for transporting temperature-sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals and perishables.

2. Insulated LD-9 Container

• IATA Code: RAP
• Type: Cool container on P1P base
• Dimensions:
• Length: 125 inches (3.16m)
• Width: 88 inches (2.24m)
• Height: 64 inches (1.62m)
• Maximum Gross Weight: 10,198 lbs (4,626 kg)
• Volume Capacity: 339 cubic feet (9.6 CBM)
• Compatibility: Boeing 747, 767, McDonnell Douglas MD-11
• Features: Insulated container with a solid door, designed for larger temperature-sensitive shipments.

Advantages and Limitations of Air Cargo Containers

Advantages:

• Enhanced Safety: ULDs are securely fastened by the aircraft’s Cargo Loading System, preventing movement during the flight.
• Cargo Protection: Containers safeguard against theft, decay, and damage.
• Efficient Handling: ULDs enable faster loading and unloading, reducing downtime.
• Space Optimization: Containers allow for efficient stacking and space utilization, minimizing wasted space.

Limitations:

• Space Constraints:
• Smaller containers like AKC and DPE are not suitable for bulkier or oversized cargo, making them better suited for narrow-body aircraft.
• Larger containers like ALF and ALP are ideal for bulky or irregularly shaped cargo but take up more space, limiting the overall quantity of cargo that can be loaded.

Selecting the Right Air Cargo Container with Super International Shipping for Your Air Freight  

Choosing the right air cargo container is essential for optimizing space and reducing costs. Different Unit Load Devices (ULDs) serve specific purposes, and using the wrong one can result in inefficiencies and unnecessary expenses. 

At Super International Shipping, our team of air freight experts is dedicated to helping you select the most cost-effective and space-efficient container tailored to your shipment’s needs.

We offer tailored solutions for your air shipping requirements, ensuring the correct ULD is selected based on the size, weight, and type of cargo. Additionally, we can work with you to design and construct a customized ULD to meet specialized cargo needs, ensuring safe, smooth, and optimized shipping for your goods.

Let Super International Shipping streamline your air freight processes, maximizing both efficiency and cost savings.