Definition
A container or pallet specifically designed for loading cargo into aircraft. Unit load devices (ULDs) are standardized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and are contoured to fit the fuselage shape of cargo and passenger aircraft. ULDs include both containers (enclosed) and pallets (flat with netting). Aviation pallets are typically made from lightweight aluminum and have specific locking systems for aircraft floor attachment.
Related Terms
Unit Load
A quantity of goods assembled and secured on a pallet to form a single handling unit for storage and transportation. The unit load concept is fundamental to modern logistics — by consolidating individual items into pallet-sized units, material handling efficiency is dramatically improved. A well-built unit load is stable, within weight limits for the pallet and handling equipment, and configured to maximize trailer or container space utilization.
Pallet
A flat transport structure, typically made of wood, that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, or other jacking device. Pallets are the foundation of modern material handling and logistics, enabling efficient storage, stacking, and transportation of goods. The most common pallet size in North America is the 48x40 inch GMA pallet.
Shipping Container
A large standardized metal box used for intermodal freight transport by ship, rail, and truck. Standard shipping containers (20-foot and 40-foot) are the backbone of global trade, and pallet dimensions must be optimized for efficient container loading. The internal width of a standard container (about 7 feet 8 inches) is a key constraint for pallet selection. Proper pallet sizing and loading patterns can mean the difference between fitting two or three pallets across the container width.
Tare Weight
The weight of an empty pallet without any cargo. Tare weight is subtracted from gross weight to determine the net weight (payload) of the goods on the pallet. Typical wood GMA pallets weigh between 30 and 70 pounds depending on construction and lumber species. Pallet tare weight directly impacts shipping costs, especially in air freight and weight-sensitive trucking lanes. Lightweight pallets made from plastic, molded wood fiber, or corrugated can significantly reduce tare weight.
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Our glossary contains 165+ terms covering everything from pallet construction to compliance regulations and industry organizations.