The DO’s of ULD Handling

Modern psychology tells us time and again that it’s far far better to provide positive rather than negative reinforcements for any required practices and it seems sensible enough that this would also apply to any aspect of ULD operations. It is of course somewhat easier to come up with a list of DONT’s: Don’t use a forklift, Do not drop the container, Don’t stack the container, etc. and the list goes on and on… Ironically, the industry has been marking containers with DO NOT FORKLIFT signs for years with little enough in the way of results to show from it.

As an initiative to support the use of positive messages on the subject of ULD operations to the industry at large, ULD CARE has created a list which contains two Top Level Requirements, 11 Secondary Requirements and about 50 Detailed Implementation Requirements, which are included at the end of this article in a table format, please feel free to incorporate any of this content into any of your guidance material, operating manuals and training materials.

You might be asking yourself if such an approach can make any difference. ULD CARE believes the answer is yes, not only because this kind of approach has not really been put into practice previously but also because there are examples of airlines where a highly disciplined approach to ULD operations can and does lead to greatly reduce damage and greatly increase safety.

It is also worthwhile to suggest that this list might be well used alongside the recently announced IATA ULD Safety Campaign, with its video and posters. The downloadable poster artwork can work well together with this list of DO’s, providing a level of best practice guidance that the industry has not seen before.

Top Level Requirement	Secondary Requirement	Detailed Implementation Requirement
DO respect that ULD are aircraft parts, to be used according to written procedures and only in serviceable condition
	DO inspect all ULD for damage before commencing build up
		DO inspect all parts of the ULD before use for any damage
		DO refer to ODLN or other manufacturers data for information on maximum allowed damage
		DO carry out any temporary repair only if allowed by airline procedures
		DO identify any unserviceable ULD as damaged and store separately from serviceable ULD
		DO inspect ULD for damaged hand ( pull) straps
	DO follow required procedure during ULD build up
		DO apply ULD limits of contour limits and Centre of Gravity limits
		DO apply aircraft limits for Max Gross Weight, area load and running load
		DO apply cargo straps for any item which by weight or configuration requires individual restraint
		DO close and lock container doors securely
		Do position and tighten pallet net correctly
	DO carry out final ship side visual serviceability check before loading ULD to aircraft
DO carry out ULD ground handling without damage to the ULD
	DO carry out any ULD storage operations such that ULD are protected from damage
		DO store built up ULD on dollies or racking equipped with rollers/ball mats and of appropriate size/configuration
		DO store empty ULD on dollies or racking or on a temporary basis only in a designated storage area on spacers on the ground or stacked maximum 2 high

		DO store cargo nets individually in bags and protected from dirt, moisture and UV
		DO position cargo nets permanently attached to pallets towards the centre of the pallet with all loose net inside the pallet periphery
		DO roll up, store and protect cargo straps from dirt, moisture and UV
	DO carry out temporary storage of ULD outside of racking according to procedures to protect the ULD from damage
		DO temporarily store ULD in a designated storage area, safe from damage by vehicles, GSE, wind and jet blast etc.
		DO place spacers underneath any container being placed at ground level or stacked on another container
		DO only stack containers 2 high
		DO provide proper supervision of temporary ULD storage
	DO carry out ULD movement and transport operations such that ULD are protected from damage
		DO move built up ULD on dollies or racking equipped with rollers/ball mats
		DO secure ULD against horizontal and vertical movement by engaging all locks/stoppers
		DO transport ULD on dollies within speed limits
		DO set up dolly trains so ULD with overhangs do not contact other ULD or fixed objects
	DO pay special attention to securing ULD when transporting on road vehicles
		DO secure ULD by the base
		DO fit any additional restraint without damage to the ULD
	DO build up and break down ULD using sufficient care and attention
		DO take care of the ULD
		DO secure container door(s) in open position
		DO place the empty ULD on a level roller deck/ball mat
		DO place plastic sheeting on ULD base before loading cargo
		Do place heavy items in the centre and low down
		DO build up cargo in a stable and interlocking manner
		DO build overhanging loads in a stable manner
		DO place cargo so that it does not block the edge rails of a pallet or the closed door of a container
		DO place plastic sheeting over the load before installing the pallet net
	DO close doors/apply net correctly
		DO completely close container door(s) and engage all locking devices fully
		DO ensure closed door is within ULD contour
		DO attach pallet net to pallet using all fittings spaced equally along the pallet sides
		DO place the net evenly over the load
		DO gather excess netting using reefing hooks
		DO close corners using only original OEM lashing devices
		DO apply only sufficient tension to hold the net securely in place around the load
		DO secure all loose ends of netting/straps
	DO attach ULD Tag
	DO break down ULD using sufficient care and attention
		DO take care of the ULD
		DO secure doors in open position
		DO remove straps and loose pallet nets and place in secure storage
		DO place permanently attached nets towards centre of pallet
		DO remove any loose items, spreader boards, plastic sheet
		DO inspect ULD for damage before placing in storage

Top Level Requirement

Secondary Requirement

Detailed Implementation Requirement

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