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
4. Significant Changes and Amendments to 4th Edition (2016) ..............................................................xv

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

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

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 Safety Management System..................................................................................................... 6
1.4.7 Interlining/Transfer .................................................................................................................... 6
1.4.8 Cargo Operations Engineering Function...................................................................................7
1.5 Other Parties' Responsibilities ............................................................................................................... 7
1.5.1 Civil Aviation Authorities ........................................................................................................... 7
1.5.2 Aircraft/Cargo Loading System Manufacturers .........................................................................8
1.5.3 Cargo Terminal Operators (CTO) .............................................................................................8
1.5.4 Ground Handling Agents (GHA) ............................................................................................... 8
1.5.5 Freight Forwarders/Customs Brokers ....................................................................................... 8
 ULD Regulations

1.5.6 Cargo Sales Agents .................................................................................................................. 9

1.5.7 Post Offices............................................................................................................................... 9
1.5.8 Shippers .................................................................................................................................... 9
1.5.9 Consignees ............................................................................................................................... 9
1.5.10 Ground Transportation Providers.............................................................................................. 9
1.5.11 Unit Load Devices Manufacturers.............................................................................................9
1.5.12 Unit Load Devices Repair Stations .........................................................................................10
1.5.13 Unit Load Devices Owners/Providers .....................................................................................10
1.5.14 Airports.................................................................................................................................... 11
1.5.15 Reporting................................................................................................................................. 11
1.5.16 Customs Clearance ................................................................................................................ 11
1.6 Training Requirements......................................................................................................................... 12
1.6.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 12
1.6.2 Training Programs .................................................................................................................. 12
1.6.3 Training Contents.................................................................................................................... 13
1.6.4 Approval .................................................................................................................................. 16
1.6.5 Training Record ...................................................................................................................... 16
1.6.6 Instructor Qualification ............................................................................................................ 16
1.6.7 Loadmaster Qualification ........................................................................................................ 16
1.6.8 Competency Based Training and Assessment.......................................................................17
1.7 Unit Load Devices Security.................................................................................................................. 17
1.7.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 17
1.7.2 General Security Provisions.................................................................................................... 17
1.7.3 Security Training ..................................................................................................................... 17
1.7.4 Security Plans ......................................................................................................................... 17
1.7.5 Hardened Containers.............................................................................................................. 18
1.8 Unit Load Devices Weighing................................................................................................................ 18
1.9 Health and Safety ................................................................................................................................ 18
1.10 Environmental Requirements............................................................................................................... 18

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
2.2.5 Cargo Loading System (CLS) Limitations...............................................................................21
2.3 Aircraft Contour Limitations.................................................................................................................. 21
2.3.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 22
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 ULD Airworthiness Limitations ................................................................................................81
2.8.2 Operator Limitations................................................................................................................ 81
2.8.3 Completed Unit Load Device Inspection.................................................................................81
2.8.4 Inspection Reiteration ............................................................................................................. 81
2.9 Unit Load Devices Repairs .................................................................................................................. 82
2.9.1 Performance of Repairs .......................................................................................................... 82
2.9.2 Release Certificate.................................................................................................................. 82
2.9.3 Non-Certified Units.................................................................................................................. 82
2.10 Rigid Cargo Limitation.......................................................................................................................... 82
2.10.1 Rigid Cargo ............................................................................................................................. 83
2.10.2 Frangible Cargo ...................................................................................................................... 83
2.10.3 Implementation........................................................................................................................ 83
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 ................................................................................................................. 84

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.......................................................................................................................... 87
3.2.3 Other Approval Procedures .................................................................................................... 87
3.2.4 Certification Invalidations ........................................................................................................ 87
3.2.5 Bilateral Agreements............................................................................................................... 87
3.3 TSO C90 Certified ULD ....................................................................................................................... 88
3.3.1 Types ...................................................................................................................................... 88
3.3.2 Classification Identifier ............................................................................................................ 88
3.3.3 Base Size Code ...................................................................................................................... 88
3.3.4 ULD Configuration .................................................................................................................. 88
3.3.5 Dual Certification..................................................................................................................... 89
3.3.6 Pallets and Nets Compatibility ................................................................................................ 89
3.3.7 IATA ULD ID Code.................................................................................................................. 89
3.4 Non-Certified Containers ..................................................................................................................... 91
3.5 Unit Load Devices Accessories ........................................................................................................... 91
3.5.1 Certified ULD Accessories ...................................................................................................... 91
3.5.2 Non-Certified ULD Accessories .............................................................................................. 91
 ULD Regulations

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

Standard Specification 40/1............................................................................................................................ 93
Attachment ‘A’— Table Showing the Allocated Compatibility Codes (Position 3) ...............................97
1 Aircraft Pallets
Base Size “A” ................................................................................................................................... 98
Base Size “B” ................................................................................................................................... 99
Base Size “E” ................................................................................................................................. 100
Base Size “G”................................................................................................................................. 101
Base Size “K” ................................................................................................................................. 102
Base Size “L” ................................................................................................................................. 103
Base Size “M” ................................................................................................................................ 104
Base Size “N”................................................................................................................................. 105
Base Size “R”................................................................................................................................. 106
Base Size “S” ................................................................................................................................. 107
2 Certified & Non-Certified Containers (Standard Contours)
Base Size “A” ................................................................................................................................ 108
STANDARD CONTOUR “A” ...................................................................................................... 108
STANDARD CONTOUR “D” ...................................................................................................... 109
STANDARD CONTOUR “F”....................................................................................................... 109
STANDARD CONTOUR “J” ....................................................................................................... 110
STANDARD CONTOUR “K” ...................................................................................................... 111
STANDARD CONTOUR “M”...................................................................................................... 112
STANDARD CONTOUR “P” ...................................................................................................... 112
STANDARD CONTOUR “U” ...................................................................................................... 113
STANDARD CONTOUR “Y” ...................................................................................................... 113
STANDARD CONTOUR “Z”....................................................................................................... 114
Base Size “F” ................................................................................................................................. 114
STANDARD CONTOUR “A” ...................................................................................................... 115
Base Size “G”................................................................................................................................. 115
STANDARD CONTOUR “A” ...................................................................................................... 116
STANDARD CONTOUR “B” ...................................................................................................... 116
Base Size “K” ................................................................................................................................. 117
STANDARD CONTOUR “C” ...................................................................................................... 117
STANDARD CONTOUR “E” ...................................................................................................... 118
STANDARD CONTOUR “N” ...................................................................................................... 119
STANDARD CONTOUR “G” ...................................................................................................... 120
STANDARD CONTOUR “H” ...................................................................................................... 121
STANDARD CONTOUR “P” ...................................................................................................... 122
Base Size “L” ................................................................................................................................. 123
STANDARD CONTOUR “F”....................................................................................................... 123
STANDARD CONTOUR “K” ...................................................................................................... 124
STANDARD CONTOUR “N” ...................................................................................................... 124
STANDARD CONTOUR “P” ...................................................................................................... 125
STANDARD CONTOUR “U” ...................................................................................................... 125
Base Size “M” ................................................................................................................................ 126
STANDARD CONTOUR “A” ...................................................................................................... 126
STANDARD CONTOUR “D” ...................................................................................................... 127
STANDARD CONTOUR “F”....................................................................................................... 127
STANDARD CONTOUR “J” ....................................................................................................... 128
STANDARD CONTOUR “L”....................................................................................................... 129
STANDARD CONTOUR “P” ...................................................................................................... 130
STANDARD CONTOUR “U” ...................................................................................................... 130
STANDARD CONTOUR “V” ...................................................................................................... 131
STANDARD CONTOUR “X” ...................................................................................................... 132
Base Size “P” ................................................................................................................................. 133
STANDARD CONTOUR “E” ...................................................................................................... 133
STANDARD CONTOUR “N” ...................................................................................................... 134
STANDARD CONTOUR “P” ...................................................................................................... 135
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Base Size “Q”................................................................................................................................. 136

STANDARD CONTOUR “F”....................................................................................................... 136
STANDARD CONTOUR “N” ...................................................................................................... 137
STANDARD CONTOUR “P” ...................................................................................................... 138
3 Non–Structural Contoured Shells–Igloos (Standard Contours)
Base Size “A” ................................................................................................................................. 139
STANDARD CONTOUR “K” ...................................................................................................... 139
STANDARD CONTOUR “P” ...................................................................................................... 140
STANDARD CONTOUR “Y” ...................................................................................................... 140
Base Size “B” ................................................................................................................................. 141
STANDARD CONTOUR “K” ...................................................................................................... 141
Base Size “M” ................................................................................................................................ 141
STANDARD CONTOUR “A” ...................................................................................................... 141
Attachment ‘B’— Airline and Non-Airline Designators (Owners Codes) ............................................142
Attachment ‘C’— ULD Type Code Conversion ..................................................................................147
Attachment ‘D’— Pallet/Net Compatibility Chart by Pallet Type Code...............................................149
Attachment ‘E’— Net/Pallet Compatibility Chart by Net Type Code ..................................................149
Attachment ‘F’— List of ULD Manufacturers ......................................................................................150

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

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 151
Technical Specifications—ULD .................................................................................................................... 152
Standard Specification 50/0.......................................................................................................................... 152
Standard Specification 50/1.......................................................................................................................... 184
Standard Specification 50/2.......................................................................................................................... 190
Standard Specification 50/3.......................................................................................................................... 195
Standard Specification 50/4.......................................................................................................................... 197
Standard Specification 50/5.......................................................................................................................... 208
Standard Specification 50/6 ......................................................................................................................... 214
Standard Specification 50/7.......................................................................................................................... 247
Standard Specification 50/8.......................................................................................................................... 267
Standard Specification 50/9.......................................................................................................................... 281
Technical Specifications—Accessories ........................................................................................................ 293
Standard Specification 60/1.......................................................................................................................... 293
Standard Specification 60/2.......................................................................................................................... 300
Standard Specification 60/3.......................................................................................................................... 306
Standard Specification 60/4.......................................................................................................................... 309
Standard Specification 60/5.......................................................................................................................... 315
Standard Specification 70/1.......................................................................................................................... 324
Technical Specifications—ULD Special Features ........................................................................................337
Standard Specification 80/1.......................................................................................................................... 337
Standard Specification 80/2.......................................................................................................................... 347
Standard Specification 80/3.......................................................................................................................... 354
Technical Specifications—Special Purpose ULD .........................................................................................366
Standard Specification 90/1.......................................................................................................................... 366
Standard Specification 90/2.......................................................................................................................... 371
Standard Specification 90/3.......................................................................................................................... 374
 ULD Regulations

SECTION 6—ULD OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................379

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 379
Operating Specification 6/00......................................................................................................................... 380
Operating Specification 6/01......................................................................................................................... 385
Operating Specification 6/02......................................................................................................................... 398
Operating Specification 6/03......................................................................................................................... 404
Operating Specification 6/04......................................................................................................................... 408
Operating Specification 6/05......................................................................................................................... 417
Operating Specification 6/06......................................................................................................................... 420
Operating Specification 6/07......................................................................................................................... 426
Operating Specification 6/08......................................................................................................................... 435
Operating Specification 6/09......................................................................................................................... 438
Operating Specification 6/10......................................................................................................................... 444
Operating Specification 6/11......................................................................................................................... 449
Operating Specification 6/12......................................................................................................................... 459
Operating Specification 6/13......................................................................................................................... 466
Operating Specification 6/14......................................................................................................................... 475
Operating Specification 6/15......................................................................................................................... 477
Operating Specification 6/16......................................................................................................................... 481
Operating Specification 6/17......................................................................................................................... 482

SECTION 7—ULD MARKING ......................................................................................................................... 485

Standard Specification 40/0.......................................................................................................................... 485
Standard Specification 40/2.......................................................................................................................... 494
Standard Specification 40/3.......................................................................................................................... 498
Standard Specification 40/4.......................................................................................................................... 504

SECTION 8—DOCUMENTATION AND MESSAGING SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................507

8.1 General .............................................................................................................................................. 507
8.2 Operational Documentation ............................................................................................................... 507
8.2.1 Movement and Stock Control of ULD ...................................................................................507
8.2.2 Control of Transferred ULDs................................................................................................. 509
8.3 Ownership Documentation................................................................................................................. 513
8.3.1 Documentation Supplied with New ULD and Spare Parts....................................................513
8.3.2 ULD Manufacturer Documentation ......................................................................................513
8.4 ULD Repair Station Documentation................................................................................................... 513
8.5 Operating Instructions in CMM .......................................................................................................... 514
8.6 Non-Certified Containers ................................................................................................................... 514
8.7 Others ................................................................................................................................................ 514

SECTION 9—HANDLING ................................................................................................................................ 515

9.1 General .............................................................................................................................................. 515
9.2 Continuing Airworthiness ................................................................................................................... 515
9.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 515
9.2.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 515
9.2.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 516
9.2.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 516
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9.3 Storage .............................................................................................................................................. 518

9.3.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 518
9.3.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 519
9.3.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 519
9.3.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 520
9.3.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 521
9.4 Transport and Movement in ULD Operations Area ...........................................................................522
9.4.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 522
9.4.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 522
9.4.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 522
9.4.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 522
9.4.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 523
9.5 Transport and Movement of ULD-On Airport.....................................................................................523
9.5.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 523
9.5.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 523
9.5.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 523
9.5.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 524
9.5.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 524
9.6 Transport and Movement of ULD-Off Airport.....................................................................................524
9.6.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 524
9.6.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 524
9.6.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 525
9.6.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 525
9.6.5 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 525
9.7 Transfer of ULD ................................................................................................................................. 526
9.7.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 526
9.7.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 526
9.7.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 526
9.7.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 526
9.8 Buildup and Breakdown ..................................................................................................................... 527
9.8.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 527
9.8.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 527
9.8.3 Facilities and Equipment....................................................................................................... 527
9.8.4 Procedures and Practices..................................................................................................... 527
9.8.5 Buildup of a Container .......................................................................................................... 528
9.8.6 Buildup of a Pallet/Net Assembly..........................................................................................530
9.8.7 Handling of Special Cargo ................................................................................................... 531
9.8.8 Breakdown of ULD................................................................................................................ 532
9.8.9 Exceptions............................................................................................................................. 533
9.9 Special Purpose ULD......................................................................................................................... 533
9.9.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 533
9.9.2 Temperature Controlled Container (TCC).............................................................................533
9.9.3 Aircraft Horse Transport ULD ............................................................................................... 534
9.9.4 Automobile Transport ULD ................................................................................................... 534
9.9.5 Fire Containment Covers (FCC) ..........................................................................................535
9.9.6 Fire Resistant Containers (FRC)........................................................................................... 535
9.9.7 Any other Special Purpose ULD ........................................................................................... 536
 ULD Regulations

SECTION 10—TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................................537

Non-Aircraft Modular Load Units
1. Purpose.............................................................................................................................................. 537
2. References......................................................................................................................................... 537
3. Definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 537
3.1 Modular Load Unit................................................................................................................. 537
3.2 Size (Plan-View) ................................................................................................................... 538
3.3 Size (Height) ......................................................................................................................... 538
3.4 Non-Aircraft ........................................................................................................................... 538
4. Recommended Sizes......................................................................................................................... 538
4.1 Intermodal Modules (for Size M ULDs).................................................................................538
4.2 Recommended Sizes for Size A ULDs .................................................................................539
4.3 Comparison Summary .......................................................................................................... 540
5. Other Sizes ........................................................................................................................................ 541
6. Modular Packaging Sizes .................................................................................................................. 541
7. Modular Load Units Construction ...................................................................................................... 541
7.1 Materials................................................................................................................................ 541
7.2 Arrangement ......................................................................................................................... 542
7.3 Forklift Capability .................................................................................................................. 542
7.4 Base Footprint....................................................................................................................... 542
8. Test Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 543
8.1 Compression Test................................................................................................................. 543
8.2 Puncture Test........................................................................................................................ 543
9. Markings ............................................................................................................................................ 543

GLOSSARY...................................................................................................................................................... 545
Terms and Definitions................................................................................................................................... 545

APPENDIX A—UNITS, ABBREVIATIONS, CONVERSIONS.........................................................................553

1. Conversion Factors............................................................................................................................ 553
2. System International (SI) Units .......................................................................................................... 554
3. Recommended Abbreviations and Symbols ......................................................................................555

APPENDIX B—CORRESPONDENCE TABLE BETWEEN IATA/SAE/ISO/CEN STANDARDS ...................557

APPENDIX C—GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS–IATA AHM 911 ..............................559

APPENDIX D—UNITIZATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................563

1. Application for ULD Contour Code and Registration of ULD Type Code ..........................................563
1.1 Authority ................................................................................................................................ 563
1.2 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 563
1.3 Purpose................................................................................................................................. 563
1.4 Application for New ULD Contour Code ...............................................................................563
1.5 Registration of ULD Type Code............................................................................................565
2. Identification and Descriptions of ULD............................................................................................... 565

APPENDIX E—ALPHABETICAL INDEX ........................................................................................................ 569

APPENDIX F—IATA ULD MANAGEMENT SCORECARD ............................................................................577

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