Table of Contents

PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................................ xi
Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................................... xi

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ xiii

1. General ................................................................................................................................................ xiii
2. Purpose and Scope ............................................................................................................................. xiii
Purpose of the Regulations .................................................................................................... xiii
General Philosophy ................................................................................................................ xiv
Warnings................................................................................................................................. xiv
3. General Description of Contents ......................................................................................................... xiv

HOW TO USE THE REGULATIONS................................................................................................................ xvii

Symbols .............................................................................................................................................. xvii
Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................... xvii
Measurements .................................................................................................................................... xvii
Accuracy ............................................................................................................................................. xvii
Tolerances .......................................................................................................................................... xvii
Base Plate Tolerances........................................................................................................................ xvii
Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... xvii

SECTION 1—APPLICABILITY ............................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Definition of Aircraft Unit Load Device ................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Basis of these Regulations .................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Application of these Regulations ........................................................................................................... 3
1.3.1 Applicability ............................................................................................................................... 3
1.3.2 Relationship to ICAO and National Legislations .......................................................................3
1.3.3 Exceptions................................................................................................................................. 3
1.3.4 Scope ........................................................................................................................................ 4
1.3.5 Deviations ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Operator's Responsibilities .................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.1 Compliance ............................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.2 Specific Responsibilities ........................................................................................................... 4
1.4.3 Delegation of Responsibilities................................................................................................... 5
1.4.4 Operator's Instructions .............................................................................................................. 5
1.4.5 Reporting................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4.6 Quality Control and Safety Management System.....................................................................6
1.4.7 Interlining/Transfer .................................................................................................................... 6
1.4.8 Cargo Operations Engineering Function...................................................................................6
1.5 Other Parties' Responsibilities ............................................................................................................... 7
1.5.1 Civil Aviation Authorities ........................................................................................................... 7
1.5.2 Aircraft/Cargo Loading System Manufacturers .........................................................................7
1.5.3 Cargo Terminal Operators ........................................................................................................ 8
1.5.4 Ground Service Providers......................................................................................................... 8
1.5.5 Freight Forwarders/Customs Brokers ....................................................................................... 8
1.5.6 Cargo Sales Agents .................................................................................................................. 8

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1.5.7 Post Offices............................................................................................................................... 8

1.5.8 Shippers .................................................................................................................................... 9
1.5.9 Consignees ............................................................................................................................... 9
1.5.10 Ground Transportation Service Providers.................................................................................9
1.5.11 Unit Load Devices Manufacturers.............................................................................................9
1.5.12 Unit Load Devices Repair Stations ........................................................................................... 9
1.5.13 Unit Load Devices Owners/Providers .....................................................................................10
1.5.14 Airports.................................................................................................................................... 10
1.5.15 Customs Clearance ................................................................................................................ 11
1.6 Training Requirements......................................................................................................................... 11
1.6.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 11
1.6.2 Training Programs .................................................................................................................. 13
1.6.3 Training Curricula.................................................................................................................... 13
1.6.4 Approval .................................................................................................................................. 13
1.6.5 Training Record ...................................................................................................................... 14
1.6.6 Instructor Qualification ............................................................................................................ 14
1.6.7 Loadmaster Qualification ........................................................................................................ 15
1.6.8 Competency Based Training and Assessment.......................................................................15
1.7 Unit Load Devices Security.................................................................................................................. 15
1.7.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 15
1.7.2 General Security Provisions.................................................................................................... 15
1.7.3 Security Training ..................................................................................................................... 15
1.7.4 Security Plans ......................................................................................................................... 16
1.7.5 Hardened Containers.............................................................................................................. 16
1.8 Unit Load Devices Weighing................................................................................................................ 16
1.9 Health and Safety ................................................................................................................................ 16
1.10 Environmental Requirements............................................................................................................... 17

SECTION 2—LIMITATIONS .............................................................................................................................. 19

2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................ 19
2.2 Aircraft Structural Limitations ............................................................................................................... 19
2.2.1 Maximum Gross Weight Limitation .........................................................................................19
2.2.2 Area Load Limitation ............................................................................................................... 20
2.2.3 Linear Load Limitation............................................................................................................. 20
2.2.4 Centre of Gravity (C.G.) Limitations........................................................................................21
2.3 Aircraft Contour Limitations.................................................................................................................. 21
2.3.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 21
2.3.2 Aircraft Contours (Cross-Section) ...........................................................................................22
2.4 Compatibility Limitations ...................................................................................................................... 79
2.5 Restricted Use Limitations ................................................................................................................... 79
2.6 Continuing Airworthiness Limitations ................................................................................................... 79
2.6.1 Performance Degradation ....................................................................................................... 79
2.6.2 Allowable Damage .................................................................................................................. 79
2.6.3 Repaired Units ........................................................................................................................ 79
2.6.4 Verification .............................................................................................................................. 80

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2.7 Non-Certified Unit Load Devices Limitations ....................................................................................... 80

2.7.1 Aircraft Limitations .................................................................................................................. 80
2.7.2 Continuing Safety.................................................................................................................... 80
2.7.3 Repaired Units ........................................................................................................................ 80
2.7.4 Verification .............................................................................................................................. 80
2.7.5 Accessories............................................................................................................................. 80
2.8 Unit Load Devices Inspection .............................................................................................................. 81
2.8.1 Airworthiness Limitations ........................................................................................................ 81
2.8.2 Operator Limitations................................................................................................................ 81
2.9 Unit Load Devices Repairs .................................................................................................................. 81
2.9.1 Performance of Repairs .......................................................................................................... 81
2.9.2 Release Certificate.................................................................................................................. 81
2.9.3 Non-Certified Units.................................................................................................................. 82
2.10 Rigid Cargo Limitation.......................................................................................................................... 82
2.10.1 Rigid Cargo ............................................................................................................................. 82
2.10.2 Frangible Cargo ...................................................................................................................... 82
2.10.3 Implementation........................................................................................................................ 82
2.11 Active Containers Limitations............................................................................................................... 83
2.12 State or Operator Variations ................................................................................................................ 83
2.12.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 83
2.12.2 State Variations....................................................................................................................... 83
2.12.3 Operator Variations ................................................................................................................. 83

SECTION 3—CLASSIFICATION ....................................................................................................................... 85

3.1 Principles ............................................................................................................................................. 85
3.1.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 85
3.1.2 Compartments Classification .................................................................................................. 85
3.2 Certified Unit Load Devices Approval .................................................................................................. 86
3.2.1 TSO Approval ......................................................................................................................... 86
3.2.2 STC Approval.......................................................................................................................... 86
3.2.3 Other Approval Procedures .................................................................................................... 87
3.2.4 Certification Invalidations ........................................................................................................ 87
3.3 TSO C90 Certified ULD ....................................................................................................................... 87
3.3.1 Types ...................................................................................................................................... 87
3.3.2 Classification Identifier ............................................................................................................ 87
3.3.3 Base Size Code ...................................................................................................................... 88
3.3.4 ULD Configuration .................................................................................................................. 88
3.3.5 Dual Certification..................................................................................................................... 88
3.3.6 Pallets and Nets Compatibility ................................................................................................ 88
3.3.7 IATA ULD ID Code.................................................................................................................. 89
3.4 Non-Certified Containers ..................................................................................................................... 90
3.5 Unit Load Devices Accessories ........................................................................................................... 90
3.5.1 Certified ULD Accessories ...................................................................................................... 90
3.5.2 Non-Certified ULD Accessories .............................................................................................. 90

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SECTION 4—ULD IDENTIFICATION................................................................................................................ 93

Standard Specification 40/1—IATA Identification Code for Unit Load Devices .............................................93
Attachment ‘A’—Table Showing the Allocated Compatibility Codes (Position 3) ............................96
1 Aircraft Pallets
Base Size “A” ................................................................................................................................... 97
Base Size “B” ................................................................................................................................... 98
Base Size “E” ................................................................................................................................... 99
Base Size “G”................................................................................................................................. 100
Base Size “K” ................................................................................................................................. 101
Base Size “L” ................................................................................................................................. 102
Base Size “M” ................................................................................................................................ 103
Base Size “N”................................................................................................................................. 104
Base Size “R”................................................................................................................................. 105
Base Size “S” ................................................................................................................................. 106
2 Certified & Non-Certified Containers (Standard Contours)
Base Size “A” ................................................................................................................................ 107
Standard Contour “A” ................................................................................................................. 107
Standard Contour “D”................................................................................................................. 108
Standard Contour “F” ................................................................................................................. 108
Standard Contour “J”.................................................................................................................. 109
Standard Contour “K” ................................................................................................................. 110
Standard Contour “M” ................................................................................................................ 111
Standard Contour “P” ................................................................................................................. 111
Standard Contour “U”................................................................................................................. 112
Standard Contour “Y” ................................................................................................................. 112
Standard Contour “Z” ................................................................................................................. 113
Base Size “F” ................................................................................................................................. 113
Standard Contour “A” ................................................................................................................. 114
Base Size “G”................................................................................................................................. 114
Standard Contour “A” ................................................................................................................. 115
Standard Contour “B” ................................................................................................................. 115
Base Size “K” ................................................................................................................................. 116
Standard Contour “C”................................................................................................................. 116
Standard Contour “E” ................................................................................................................. 117
Standard Contour “N”................................................................................................................. 118
Standard Contour “G”................................................................................................................. 119
Standard Contour “H”................................................................................................................. 120
Standard Contour “P” ................................................................................................................. 121
Base Size “L” ................................................................................................................................. 122
Standard Contour “F” ................................................................................................................. 122
Standard Contour “K” ................................................................................................................. 123
Standard Contour “N”................................................................................................................. 123
Standard Contour “P” ................................................................................................................. 124
Standard Contour “U”................................................................................................................. 124
Base Size “M” ................................................................................................................................ 125
Standard Contour “A” ................................................................................................................. 125
Standard Contour “D”................................................................................................................. 126
Standard Contour “F” ................................................................................................................. 126
Standard Contour “J”.................................................................................................................. 127
Standard Contour “L” ................................................................................................................. 128
Standard Contour “P” ................................................................................................................. 129
Standard Contour “U”................................................................................................................. 129
Standard Contour “V” ................................................................................................................. 130
Standard Contour “X” ................................................................................................................. 131
Base Size “P” ................................................................................................................................. 132
Standard Contour “E” ................................................................................................................. 132
Standard Contour “N”................................................................................................................. 133
Standard Contour “P” ................................................................................................................. 134

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Base Size “Q”................................................................................................................................. 135

Standard Contour “F” ................................................................................................................. 135
Standard Contour “N”................................................................................................................. 136
Standard Contour “P” ................................................................................................................. 137
3 Non–Structural Contoured Shells–Igloos (Standard Contours)
Base Size “A” ................................................................................................................................. 138
Standard Contour “K” ................................................................................................................. 138
Standard Contour “P” ................................................................................................................. 139
Standard Contour “Y” ................................................................................................................. 139
Base Size “B” ................................................................................................................................. 140
Standard Contour “K” ................................................................................................................. 140
Base Size “M” ................................................................................................................................ 140
Standard Contour “A” ................................................................................................................. 140
Attachment ‘B’— Airline and Non-Airline Designators (Owners Codes) ............................................141
Attachment ‘C’— ULD Type Code Conversion ..................................................................................146
Attachment ‘D’— Pallet/Net Compatibility Chart by Pallet Type Code...............................................148
Attachment ‘E’— Net/Pallet Compatibility Chart by Net Type Code ..................................................148
Attachment ‘F’— List of ULD Manufacturers ......................................................................................149

SECTION 5—TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................... 151

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 151
Technical Specifications—ULD .................................................................................................................... 153
Standard Specification 50/0—ULD General Technical Requirements .........................................................153
Standard Specification 50/1—Aircraft Pallet................................................................................................. 185
Standard Specification 50/2—Aircraft Pallet Net ..........................................................................................191
Standard Specification 50/3—Non-Structural Igloo ......................................................................................197
Standard Specification 50/4—Certified Aircraft Container............................................................................199
Standard Specification 50/5—Pallets and Nets Compatibility ......................................................................211
Standard Specification 50/6—Air/Surface (Intermodal) Container ...............................................................217
Standard Specification 50/7—Non-Certified Aircraft Container....................................................................249
Standard Specification 50/8.......................................................................................................................... 269
Standard Specification 50/9—16 ft or 20 ft Pallet......................................................................................... 271
Technical Specifications—Accessories ........................................................................................................ 283
Standard Specification 60/1—Pallet Extensions ..........................................................................................283
Standard Specification 60/2—Air Cargo Restraint Strap..............................................................................291
Standard Specification 60/3—Cargo Stopper Device...................................................................................297
Standard Specification 60/4—Tie-Down Fittings ..........................................................................................301
Standard Specification 70/1—Pallet Fire Containment Cover......................................................................307
Technical Specifications—ULD Special Features ........................................................................................321
Standard Specification 80/1—Thermal Container ........................................................................................321
Standard Specification 80/2—Container Pressure Equalization Requirements ...........................................333
Technical Specifications—Special Purpose ULD .........................................................................................341
Standard Specification 90/1—Aircraft Engine Transport ULD......................................................................341
Standard Specification 90/2—Aircraft Horse Transport ULD .......................................................................347
Standard Specification 90/3—Aircraft Automobile Transport ULD ...............................................................351

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SECTION 6—ULD OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................355

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 355
Operating Specification 6/00—ULD Acceptance Standards ........................................................................357
Operating Specification 6/01—Aircraft Pallets Operation.............................................................................363
Operating Specification 6/02—Aircraft Pallet Nets Operation ......................................................................377
Operating Specification 6/03—Pallet Accessories Operation.......................................................................383
Operating Specification 6/04—Aircraft Containers Operation ......................................................................387
Operating Specification 6/05—ULD Weighing.............................................................................................. 397
Operating Specification 6/06—ULD Centre of Gravity Control.....................................................................401
Operating Specification 6/07—Restraint Straps Utilization and Tie-Down Calculations ..............................407
Operating Specification 6/08—ULD Protection Wrapping ............................................................................413
Operating Specification 6/09—Concentrated Loads Shoring .......................................................................417
Operating Specification 6/10—Fire Containment Covers Operation ............................................................423
Operating Specification 6/11—Vehicles Carriage ........................................................................................ 429
Operating Specification 6/12—Aircraft Engines Carriage.............................................................................439
Operating Specification 6/13—Overhanging Cargo .....................................................................................447
Operating Specification 6/14—Rigid Cargo.................................................................................................. 457

SECTION 7—ULD MARKING ......................................................................................................................... 459

Standard Specification 40/0—Marking of Unit Load Devices (ULDs) ..........................................................459
Standard Specification 40/2—Marking of Air/Surface (Intermodal) Container .............................................469
Standard Specification 40/3—Operational Damage Limits Notice for Certified ULDs .................................473
Standard Specification 40/4—Operational Damage Limits Notice for Non-Certified Containers .................479

SECTION 8—DOCUMENTATION AND MESSAGING SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................481

8.1 General .............................................................................................................................................. 481
8.2 Operational Documentation ............................................................................................................... 481
8.2.1 Movement and Stock Control of ULD ...................................................................................481
8.2.2 Control of Transferred ULDs................................................................................................. 483
8.3 Ownership Documentation................................................................................................................. 487
8.3.1 Documentation Supplied with New ULD and Spare Parts....................................................487
8.3.2 ULD Manufacturer Documentation ......................................................................................487
8.4 ULD Repair Station Documentation................................................................................................... 487
8.5 Operating Instructions in CMM .......................................................................................................... 488
8.6 Non-Certified Containers ................................................................................................................... 488
8.7 Others ................................................................................................................................................ 488

SECTION 9—HANDLING ................................................................................................................................ 489

9.1 General .............................................................................................................................................. 489
9.2 Continuing Airworthiness ................................................................................................................... 489
9.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 489
9.2.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 489
9.2.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 490
9.2.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 490
9.3 Storage .............................................................................................................................................. 492
9.3.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 492
9.3.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 493
9.3.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 493

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9.3.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 494

9.3.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 495
9.4 Transport and Movement in ULD Operations Area ...........................................................................496
9.4.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 496
9.4.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 496
9.4.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 496
9.4.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 496
9.4.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 497
9.5 Transport and Movement of ULD-On Airport.....................................................................................497
9.5.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 497
9.5.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 497
9.5.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 497
9.5.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 497
9.5.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 498
9.6 Transport and Movement of ULD-Off Airport.....................................................................................498
9.6.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 498
9.6.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 498
9.6.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 498
9.6.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 499
9.6.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 499
9.7 Transfer of ULD ................................................................................................................................. 499
9.7.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 499
9.7.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 500
9.7.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 500
9.7.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 500
9.8 Buildup and Breakdown ..................................................................................................................... 500
9.8.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 500
9.8.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 501
9.8.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 501
9.8.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 501
9.8.5 Buildup of a Container .......................................................................................................... 502
9.8.6 Buildup of a Pallet/Net Assembly..........................................................................................503
9.8.7 Handling of Special Cargo ................................................................................................... 504
9.8.8 Breakdown of ULD................................................................................................................ 506
9.8.9 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 506
9.9 Special Purpose ULD......................................................................................................................... 507
9.9.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 507
9.9.2 Temperature Controlled Aircraft Container (TCAC)..............................................................507
9.9.3 Aircraft Horse Transport ULD ............................................................................................... 507
9.9.4 Automobile Transport ULD ................................................................................................... 508
9.9.5 Fire Containment Covers (FCC) ..........................................................................................508
9.9.6 Any other Special Purpose ULD ........................................................................................... 509

SECTION 10—TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................................511

Non-Aircraft Modular Load Units
1. Purpose.............................................................................................................................................. 511
2. References......................................................................................................................................... 511

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3. Definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 511

3.1 Modular Load Unit................................................................................................................. 511
3.2 Size (Plan-View) ................................................................................................................... 512
3.3 Size (Height) ......................................................................................................................... 512
3.4 Non-Aircraft ........................................................................................................................... 512
4. Recommended Sizes......................................................................................................................... 512
4.1 Intermodal Modules (for Size M ULDs).................................................................................512
4.2 Recommended Sizes for Size A ULDs .................................................................................513
4.3 Comparison Summary .......................................................................................................... 514
5. Other Sizes ........................................................................................................................................ 515
6. Modular Packaging Sizes .................................................................................................................. 515
7. Modular Load Units Construction ...................................................................................................... 515
7.1 Materials................................................................................................................................ 515
7.2 Arrangement ......................................................................................................................... 516
7.3 Forklift Capability .................................................................................................................. 516
7.4 Base Footprint....................................................................................................................... 516
8. Test Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 517
8.1 Compression Test................................................................................................................. 517
8.2 Puncture Test........................................................................................................................ 517
9. Markings ............................................................................................................................................ 517

GLOSSARY...................................................................................................................................................... 519
Terms and Definitions................................................................................................................................... 519

APPENDIX A—UNITS, ABBREVIATIONS, CONVERSIONS.........................................................................527

1. Conversion Factors............................................................................................................................ 527
2. System International (SI) Units .......................................................................................................... 528
3. Recommended Abbreviations and Symbols ......................................................................................529

APPENDIX B—CORRESPONDENCE TABLE BETWEEN IATA/SAE/ISO/CEN STANDARDS ...................531

APPENDIX C—GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS–IATA AHM 911 ..............................533

APPENDIX D—UNITIZATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................537

1. Application for ULD Contour Code and Registration of ULD Type Code ..........................................537
1.1 Authority ................................................................................................................................ 537
1.2 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 537
1.3 Purpose................................................................................................................................. 537
1.4 Application for New ULD Contour Code ...............................................................................537
1.5 Registration of ULD Type Code............................................................................................539
2. Identification and Descriptions of ULD............................................................................................... 539

APPENDIX E—ALPHABETICAL INDEX ........................................................................................................ 543

IATA STRATEGIC PARTNERS..................................................................................................................... SP-1

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