IATA ULD REGULATIONS

Unit Load Devices (ULD) play vital part in ensuring that as air cargo and passenger volumes increase, the cargo and luggage is moved safely.
The term ULD includes the following equipment. 

Certified container	A
Non Certified container	D
Certified pallet	P
Non-certified pallet	F

Difference between Certified and Non-Certified ULD

A Certified ULD is one which has been designed and tested in accordance with the requirements of the TSO C90 (TSO C172 for cargo straps) by the OEM, and where these results have been scrutinized and accepted by the appropriate aviation authority who then issues an approval letter to the manufacturer of the ULD, authorizing the approved ULD to be fitted with a TSO plate.

A Non-Certified ULD is one, which has not been through this procedure, and has not received any kind of assessment of its performance standards by an appropriate aviation authority.

SECTION 1 – APPLICABILITY

1.1 Definition of Aircraft Unit load Device:

Aircraft Unit Load Device (ULD) is a device for grouping, transferring, and controlling cargo for transit. It may consist of a pallet and approved container both of which can be Cargo Loading Systems.

The purpose of ULD is to enable individual pieces of cargo, baggage, or mail to be assembled into a standard sized unit to facilitate rapid loading. 

onto and offloading from aircraft having compatible loading and control systems which directly interface with the unit.

ULD may also be designed and used for additional functions, e.g. Temperature control for carriage of perishable cargo. 

1.2 Application of these Regulations

STATE VARIATIONS

OPERATOR VARIATIONS

1.2.1 Applicability

The IATA ULD Regulations are applicable to:

• All carriers (Operators) which are members or Associates Members of IATA
• All carriers (Operator) which are party to the IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement-passenger or Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement-Cargo; and
• All parties whether independent or contracted, of the supply chain which design, produce, maintain, prepare, build-up, handle, or transport ULDs for air transportation.
• Any other parties holding a responsibility in relation with ULD design, repair, ownership, handling or related equipment and facilities.

Specific Responsibilities:

As specifically regards ULDs, carrier's responsibilities include ensuring that:

a) All ULDs to be loaded onboard aircraft are Authority approved or confirm to alternate specific rules stated in the aircraft Weight and Balance Manual.

b) Where a pallet and net are used, they are compatible with each other

c) Each ULD is inspected prior to and non-airworthy or non-aircraft safe condition is not loaded on aircraft.

d) All applicable limitations and restrictions are met, including nature of contents, weight and load distribution, maximum allowable damage, and any aircraft specific rules.

e) All items’ loads are adequately restrained inside/on the ULD.

f) The ULD must be weighed with the required accuracy prior to being loaded on aircraft.

g) The ULD tag is signed after final inspection closure and weighing by qualified responsible agent.

h) The ULD is handled and stored during ground handling and transportation on appropriate equipment and with appropriate methods so that no damage occurs.