Aircraft Containers Size and Compatibility
Freight can come in many shapes and sizes, and because of this airlines need to have multiple containers they can load in the aircraft. Depending on the aircraft, each one can carry a number of different airline containers each varying significantly in size. There are many different options available to airlines, so I will highlight below a small, medium and large container an airline would use.
ULD (Unit Load Device) Type
EH – This is a very small container that can be used on any aircraft and is completely enclosed, but is mostly efficient for the narrowbody aircraft with load size and weight restrictions. The maximum external dimensions are 36″ long, 22″ wide, and 22″ tall; max gross weight 300 lbs / 136 kilos. This is ideal for your small pieces; usually boxes, cartons.
LD8 – This is a larger container and is also completely enclosed; this can not be used on the narrowbody aircraft as it would not fit in the doors. The maximum external dimensions are 125″ long, 60″ wide, and 64″ tall; max gross weight 5400 lbs / 2449 kilos. This is ideal for all different pieces of freight, as long as it falls under the maximum external dimensions of the container.
LD9 – This is the largest container a carrier would use and is not enclosed, instead it is a very large pallet and the freight is built up, covered, banded, strapped and netted. The maximum external dimensions are 125″ long, 96″ wide, and 64″ tall; max gross weight 11,100 lbs / 5034 kilos. This is ideal for all different pieces of freight, as long as it falls under the maximum external dimensions of the container. For carriers operating passenger aircraft you will have very little to no room to go over the max dimensions. If it is a freighter aircraft, you will be able to have oversize pieces.
To see a chart of airline containers: Aircraft types & containers
Depending on the destination you are going to and the amount of goods you are sending, you might want to avoid a pallet if you have boxes so you can keep your options open for any aircraft size. At times carriers will only run narrowbody aircraft to many destinations, so you will find yourself will less options and possibly a longer transit. We hope this information can help you organize your shipment as efficiently as possible.
Questions? Comments? Please contact Tim Acord tacord@supfrt.com with Superior Freight Services.
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