Airlines transport over 52 million metric tons of goods a year, representing more than 35% of global trade by value but less than 1% of world trade by volume. That is equivalent to $6.8 trillion worth of goods annually, or $18.6 billion worth of goods every day.
A Unit Load Device (ULD) is the standardized container or pallet used to load baggage, freight and mail onto aircraft. The internal volume, dimensions, door clearance and maximum gross weight differ by ULD type, as set out in the table below.
| Unit Type | Internal Volume | Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) | Door Clearance | Max Gross Weight | Tare Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKH / LD3-45 | 3.6m³ | 146 x 149 x 113cm | — | 1135kgs | 88kgs |
| AKE / LD-3 | 4.3m³ | 140 x 147 x 152cm | 148 x 152cm | 1587kgs | 85kgs |
| DQF / LD-8 | 7.2m³ | 140 x 433 x 152cm | 235 x 152cm | 2499kgs | 132kgs |
| ALF / LD-6 | 9m³ | 140 x 310 x 152cm | 293 x 147cm | 3175kgs | 159kgs |
| AAF / LD-26 | 13m³ | 208 x 302 x 152cm | 293 x 147cm | 4626kgs | 159kgs |
| AAU / LD-29 | 14.5m³ | 208 x 302 x 152cm | 293 x 147cm | 4626kgs | 159kgs |
| PAG Pallet | 11.1m³ | 207 x 301 x 158cm | — | 4626kgs | 120kgs |
| PMC Pallet | 12.1m³ | 228 x 301 x 158cm | — | 5035kgs | 120kgs |
Deck cargo: Any shipment which has a normal dimension of L-88 or 96, B/W-125 and H-62 inches. It is a limit of a passenger aircraft and can vary as per aircraft type.
Upper deck cargo: Any shipment which exceeds any of the lower deck dimensions is an upper deck cargo. It can only go on cargo aircraft or freighter. In most of the cases height varies.
Over size or odd size cargo: Any cargo which exceeds the normal dimensions on any side, let it be length, width or height, it becomes an odd size or oversize cargo. Hence airlines provide high rates and it has to go through special handling.
Narrow body aircraft: These are small aircrafts and move to small distances. They can carry limited cargo and per package weight must not exceed 50-70kgs as the loading on the aircraft is via hand. Eg: B737, A320, ATR.
Wide body aircraft: These are bigger aircrafts and travel long distances. They carry more passengers, cargo and fuel. Eg: A330, A340, B747, B777, A310, B767.
Cargo aircraft or freighter: These are those aircrafts which only carry cargo only. They carry odd size cargo depending on aircraft restriction which may vary as per aircraft type. Eg: MD-11, B777, Antonov, IL176, B747.