Containers
On this page you will find the most popular air freight containers and pallets, otherwise known as Unit Load Devices (ULDs). Using standardised ULDs makes it possible to pack in large quantities of goods. It also saves time and labour costs during loading.
ULD pallets and ULD containers are made from sheet aluminium and profiles/profile frames. Their standardised construction means that, for example, aircraft cargo nets snap straight into place and heavy pieces of cargo can be secured without any problems.
The different containers and pallets each have their own IATA code which uniquely identifies them. Air freight pallets and containers are designed to be suitable for different types of aircraft and this must be taken into consideration when choosing ULDs. For this reason, the compatible types of aircraft are also given on the list.
Loadability
Customs airports
Airfreight consignments have to comply with the customs regulations of the country of origin and the country of destination. This is why air freight consignments may only be sent from (or to) airports which have the necessary customs clearance, the so-called "Customs Airports". In the case of doubt we will gladly tell you if the nearest airport to your supplier or sender is a "Customs Airport".
Weight/Volume ratio
How is airfreight calculated?
Prices (airfreight rates) are always quoted per kg/6 dm3. This can also be called the volume ratio 1 : 6 or 1 m3 = 167 kg. That means you either pay for the weight or the space necessary for the transport of your consignment.
The calcuation is always based on the following equation regardless of whether you are paying for the weight or the space:
Length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm) / 6000 (equals the volume weight in kg)
Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods in air freight
Similar to truck and sea freight transport there are also binding conditions which must be followed in airfreight. But what are dangerous goods?
It is often overlooked that finished appliances (batteries, gas cartridges etc.) can be dangerous goods or that e.g. a small package is enclosed by the advertising department (advertising lighters, matches, adhesives etc.). Also some types of cosmetics count as dangerous goods and overlooking those goods can have serious consequences. Because...
...in the event of an accident resulting from undeclared or wrongly declared dangerous goods, then only the sender is liable for the damage arising.
Therefore you always have to know exactly what is in your consignments!
To do this you need certain details about the goods depending on the type of danger, e.g.
- in the case of flammable products > the flammable sign;
- in the case of poisonous products > the LD 50 value and the skull and cross bones;
- in the case of corrosive goods: the hand beneath a test-tube
Our Röhlig airfreight specialists can give you exact information about the dangerous goods regulation.