Unit load device

Unit Load Devices, or ULDs, are a pallets and containers used to load luggage, freight, and mail on wide-body aircrafts. They allow cargo to be loaded/unloaded in bundles rather than loose, saving ground crew time and effort.

Common container types include: LD2, LD3, LD8 (DQF-prefix), and LD11 Common pallet types include: LD8 (FQA-prefix) and LD7 (PMC, PAG, P1P prefixes)

All ULDs are identified by their ULD number. A three-letter prefix identifies its type, followed by numbers (4 or 5 digits) to uniquely identify it from others of the same type, and ending with a two-letter suffix identifying the ULD's owner. For example, AKN 12345 DL means the ULD is a forkliftable LD3 with unique numbers 12345 and its owner is Delta Airlines.

LD2s and LD8s are specific to 767s (can be forced on to 777s and 747s but space is wasted). LD3s and LD11s will fit 7E7s, 777s, 747s, and all Airbus wide-bodies. LD7s will fit 7E7s, 777s, 747s, and only late models of the 767.

Common prefixes: AKN - LD3 container with forklift holes AKE - LD3 container with no holes DPN - LD2 container with forklift holes DPE - LD2 container with no holes DQF - LD8 container with forklift holes FQA - LD8, pallet-type (same floor dimensions as DQF) PMC - LD7, large pallet (96" x 125") PAG, P1P - LD7, large pallet (88" x 125")

Common suffixes (same as IATA designator codes): AA: American Airlines CO: Continental Airlines DL: Delta Airlines UA: United Airlines