Trifter

Introduction: What is a ULD?

The humble ULD (unit load device) is at the heart of today’s global air freight transportation system. There are two general types of ULDs – containers and pallets. Known in the shipping industry as “cans” and “pods,” ULD containers are fully enclosed containers made entirely of aluminum or – for “see-through- versions, a combination of aluminum and Lexan. Containers are used for handling cargo – able to be easily loaded on both on the main and lower deck of freighters. They are also used for preloading passenger baggage on commercial flights, grouping luggage destined for the same destination/flight together for loading onto the aircraft. There are even specialty forms of ULDs, able to handle special goods – even horses. For cold chain transport, ULD containers can be equipped with on-board refrigeration units. The second general category of ULD is the called a pallet. These are not routine industrial pallets. Rather, they are specially-built pallets, made out of rugged sheets of aluminum and equipped with rims designed to lock onto cargo nets. In all, there are over one million ULDs somewhere in the world today, worth an estimated one billion dollars. Each ULD is identified with a unique code, using a systematic scheme from the International Air Transport Association the (IATA). This alphanumeric identifier, which contains the type, serial number, and air carrier owner of the ULD is stamped or embossed on the side of each can or pod.

Yet, the management of ULD fleets is a problematic activity for the world’s airlines. It is an area where inefficiency is rampant and real-time intelligence is noticeably lacking. One of the reasons for the current inefficiencies of the ULD market is the sheer variety of ULDs needed for use in both passenger service (for transporting baggage and light cargo) and in cargo-only service.  Indeed, the mix of ULDs and pallet-types necessary for operating an air carrier’s fleet can be a quite complex management puzzle.

For anyone that routinely travels, the evidence of the scope of the ULD management problem can be easily found by simply gazing out the window of your jetliner.  As you await the captain to push pack the plane from your departure gate, you will see dozens of ULDs scattered on the tarmac from your window seat, waiting for use. As you taxi to the runway for take-off, you will likely roll past the airport’s freight area, where large freighters operated by FedEx, UPS, DHL and a host of other cargo carriers are parked. You will often see hundreds of ULDs on the tarmac, some located near the airplanes, waiting to be on-loaded to the aircraft or their cargo to be offloaded onto trucks for delivery. Others are just seemingly parked on the tarmac – waiting for use.