ULDs and air cargo pallets

What a ULD is, which types exist and which one fits your cargo. Dimensions, volume and weight for the containers and pallets most used in Chilean exports.

AKE (LD3) ULD containers on dollies, ready to be loaded into an aircraft lower hold on the ramp
ULD containers (AKE / LD3) on the ramp, before loading into the lower hold.

A ULD (Unit Load Device) is a standardized air cargo container or pallet used to consolidate freight so it can be loaded onto the aircraft quickly and safely. Picking the right ULD determines how many boxes fit per position and whether you will be limited by weight or by volume.

CodeTypeBase approx. (L×W cm)Height (cm)Usable vol. (m³)Practical load (kg)Max. operational (kg)Details
AKE (LD3) Container 145 × 153 160 4.3 800–1100 1500 View →
AKH (LD3-45) Container 156 × 153 114 3.2 600–850 1100 View →
PMC (P6P) Pallet 318 × 244 160 12 3500–4000 5102 View →
PAG (P1P) Pallet 318 × 224 160 10.5 3200–4000 4676 View →
ALP (LD11) Container 310 × 153 160 7 1800–2400 3000 View →

Reference values. Practical load is what actually ships with Chilean perishables (volume usually caps out before weight); max. operational is the per-position limit in day-to-day operations (based on cargo operations manuals; the equipment's structural capacity may be somewhat higher). Usable height and capacity vary by aircraft, configuration (main deck vs. lower hold) and airline.

Maximum height in Chile: 1.60 m (160 cm) — not a centimeter more. Even though an aircraft cargo door clears close to 3 m and the main-deck pallet contour would allow more, in Chile every piece or pallet is built up to a maximum of 1.60 m high. Anything taller does not ship. Always build to ≤160 cm.
Want to know how many boxes fit in each ULD? Use the piece capacity calculator and enter your cargo dimensions.

Estimate your capacity before you book Combine the ULD library with Skymetrics tools to quote your air freight more accurately.

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