ULD storage

Companies ship bulk items or loose ones in ULDs. Many international companies use ULDs to ship goods such as perishable goods, including seafood, flowers, fruit and vegetables; or temperature-sensitive goods, such as vaccines or other pharmaceuticals. Remember, too, that postal service operators make heavy use of air shipping to transfer letters or parcels.

Some ULDs in air shipping are specially designed for certain purposes. The certified horse stall is one, so that racehorses can be shipped safely. Hundreds are transported each day in ULDs.

ULD Classification

ULDs, as per the ULD Regulations Manual, fall into the classifications below:

• Civil Aviation Authority air worthiness approved ULDs (certified)
• Non-certified containers (but not applicable to pallet and net, which need Authority approval)
• ULD accessories (these may be approved by the authority or not).

The Compartments Classifications determine which deck the ULD will be installed aboard aircraft.

ULD Identification

The IATA’s Identification Code for ULD gives each ULD a specific identification code that makes it easy to exchange information in the markings.

An ID consists of nine or ten characters. The first three describe the type; the second three or four, serial number; and the final two, the ULD owner code.

The handling guidelines discuss air worthiness, transfer, transport, movement, storage, build-up and breakdown of ULDs. They also cover special-purpose ULDs. They’re intended for any organisations or personnel that play a part in the ground handling of ULDs.

ULD Specifications

Any operator or handling service who uses ULD storage can enjoy some superb benefits.

Safety

Safety is paramount when working with ULDs. The use of storage systems dedicated specifically for ULDs allows operators to work with cargo more safely and store it more safely. The systems are strong and weather-resistant, so the operators don’t have to worry about stacks collapsing, for instance.

Space Optimisation

Manufacturers understand that space saving is at a premium in airports and design their storage equipment to accommodate ULDs and save as much space as possible. Storage devices are often versatile and it’s possible to stack ULDs vertically so they occupy less space. This can be achieved through the use of a ULD storage racking system. Their versatility also allows operators to build pallets up or break them down in suitable areas of the warehouse.

Often, space is limited around airports, but ULDs must also be stored in an orderly manner. Airport ULD storage systems can vary greatly, from single-level manual systems through to multilevel automated ones. The right air cargo equipment solution can make ULD storage a simple process.

Stacking Racks

When it comes to storing empty ULDs, it’s possible to get Stacking Racks that can collect and hold as many as 20 ten-feet empty pallets for stacking. Once the handling team has stacked the pallets, it’s possible to transfer them to a ULD storing rack.

Container Storage Racks are heavy-duty structures for storing empty containers. The containers are placed onto them and removed from them with forklifts. They may consist of modular sections so that the operator can expand them to their requirements. They may also be adjustable in width, length and height so that the operator can customise the space easier.

Some operators may opt for storage outside, which isn’t ideal. In these instances, the racks will feature some sort of external protection so that they stay in place and are not damaged by the elements.

A Pallet Mover plays a vital role in storing ULDs by ensuring their efficient and safe transport within a cargo facility. It minimises manual handling, speeds up operations, and reduces the risk of damage. It also allows for precise ULD placement in storage racks or staging areas, making the best use of available space.

• Always store empty ULDs in suitable racking and never outdoors.
• Never store an empty ULD on the ground, unless it has been specially designed for forklift handling.
• Never handle a ULD with a forklift unless it has been designed for use with a forklift.
• Only stack empty containers where there are proper controls and training.

Loaded ULD Storage

When storing loaded ULDs, always store them on a suitable transfer vehicle. This could be:

• A Dolly (always move the dolly within the speed limits when transporting the ULD)
• Slave Pallet
• Container Racking
• In a cargo terminal ULD handling system
• On a road vehicle or railway wagon purpose built for the task.

• Inspect every ULD use for any damage that will render the ULD unserviceable. If you find damage, check it’s within the allowable limits before loading.
• Load cargo evenly, paying attention to keep the centre of the gravity of the load with the 10% of centre the base.
• Securely close the container door after completing the load.
• Don’t use an ULD unless the manufacturer’s plate or marking is clearly visible. This is a legal requirement.
• Always secure container doors, whether in an open position or closed one.
• If you’re covering cargo with sheets to protect it from the rain, tape these inside of the container. Note that the sheets must conform to certain requirements.
• Stack cargo in an interlocking fashion as far as possible. If this isn’t possible, secure the load with straps or ropes beneath the pallet nets to hold the goods in place. Be extra careful with odd-shaped items that don’t conform to normal packing and secure them so that the load doesn’t shift during transportation.

• Check the pallet and/or net is serviceable before loading. Pay special attention to the cargo net you’re using to secure the pallet. These receive a lot of wear and tear and often end up unserviceable.
• If you’re using plastic sheeting, place it under the pallet net.
• Interlock cargo as much as possible and make sure it’s within the contour. Build overhanging loads (i.e. lower deck loads) so that the overhanging sections don’t collapse during flight.
• Never hammer a net fitting into the seat track or force the fitting into it in any way. When the cargo reaches its destination, the fitting will be impossible to move.
• To use the net:
  • Place the net over the load, attaching the net fittings to the seat track and using even spaces along the sides;
  • Use the reefing hooks along each side to address any excess net body (which is often the case on less than full contour loads);
  • Close the net and lightly tension it, using the corner ropes (lashing lines) or other corner closing devices.

Unfortunately, there’s a tendency in aviation logistics to use unserviceable nets or to conduct unauthorised ad hoc repairs. Neither is acceptable. Any repair of a damaged ULD conducted using a procedure or material not specified by the owner airline’s manuals is unacceptable and should not be attempted. This includes:

• Using ‘speed tape’, duct tape or any other tape to cover punctures on panels or doors;
• Holding a container door closed with ‘speed tape’, duct tape or other tapes if the ULD is not being used;
• Repairing damaged parts of a cargo net with rope;
• Replacing the original OEM’s lashing line (corner rope);
• Attaching random 2-stud fittings to the edge of a cargo net, when the original fitting is damaged.

Although RDIF can be difficult to implement and expensive because of the infrastructure required, some operators are using it. They’ll track ULDs, along with their contents, by using an RFID tag. The operator can see online where the pallet or ULD was located last and will receive an automated message advising them of this location. Readers at the warehouse doors then update the location, when ULDs come through them.

Bluetooth

Some airlines are using Bluetooth to locate missing items, monitor shipping movements and manage inventory. Bluetooth can be set up at different points in airports where cargo is being moved.

ULDs can be tagged, and the tags can contain simple information such as the pallet number or ID number. They may also contain more complex information e.g. whether the cargo is temperature sensitive. The ULD number will be on a remote database that contains shipment information.

• ULDs would most likely be damaged if not handled by trained staff’;
• Damaged ULDs would then likely be unserviceable;
• Staff wouldn’t be able to check or identify damaged or unserviceable ULDs;
• The prospects of loading unserviceable ULDs would be higher;
• If staff were to spot damage to an ULD and have to remove it at the last minute, this would cause delays in the flight schedule;
• An unserviceable ULD that makes it onto the flight could put the safety of everyone on board the aircraft at risk.

The trend towards freight forwarding and shippers, and towards outsourcing towards ground service providers, is another powerful reason why ULD training is necessary. As a result of the trend, more and more non-airline parties have become involved in ULD operations, but they might not have the safety awareness required.

Air cargo Racking and Storage equipment is a specialised solution designed to organise, store and handle goods efficiently within air cargo terminals, logistics hubs and warehouses. These systems, which include Container Storage Racks, Pallet Storage Stillages, and Pallet Storage Racks, help you optimise space while maintaining easy access to essential cargo.

Whether you're managing unit load devices (ULDs), pallets or containers, air cargo racks and stillages boost productivity, streamline operations and ensure safety in fast-paced environments where space is at a premium.

Slave Pallets (also known as Mobile Work Stations) are cargo handling platforms that assist with the movement and storage of unit load devices (ULDs) in air cargo operations. These heavy-duty pallets enable efficient handling of air cargo containers in warehouse and airport environments using forklifts, reducing the need for complex machinery while improving workflow efficiency.

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