ULDs come in two forms: pallets and containers. ULD pallets are rugged sheets of aluminum with rims designed to lock onto cargo net lugs. ULD containers, also known as cans and pods, are closed containers made of aluminum or a combination of aluminum (frame) and Lexan (walls), which, depending on the nature of the goods to be transported, may have built-in refrigeration units. Examples of common ULDs and their specifics are listed below.
| Type | Internal Volume | Height | Length | Base Width | Overall Width | Width | Contours | Suitability | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| m³ | ft³ | cm | inch | cm | inch | cm | inch | cm | inch | ||||
| LD1 | 5.0 | 175 | 162.6 | 64 | 153.4 | 60.4 | 156.2 | 61.5 | 233.7 | 92 | Half | Single | Boeing WB, MD-11 |
| LD2 | 3.5 | 124 | 162.6 | 64 | 153.4 | 60.4 | 119.4 | 47 | 156.2 | 61.5 | Half | Single | Boeing WB |
| LD3 | 4.5 | 159 | 162.6 | 64 | 153.4 | 60.4 | 156.2 | 61.5 | 200.7 | 79 | Half | Single | Airbus WB, Boeing WB, DC-10/MD-11, L-1011 |
| LD3-45 | 3.7 | 131 | 114.3 | 45 | 153.4 | 60.4 | 156.2 | 61.5 | 243.8 | 96 | Full | Double | Airbus A320/Airbus A321 |
| LD4 | 5.5 | 195 | 162.6 | 64 | 153.4 | 60.4 | 243.8 | 96 | 243.8 | 96 | Full | None | Boeing 767/777/787 |
| LD6 (2 x LD3) | 8.9 | 316 | 162.6 | 64 | 153.4 | 60.4 | 317.5 | 125 | 406.4 | 160 | Full | Double | Boeing 747/777/787, DC-10/MD-11 |
| LD-7 Winged Pallet | 14.0 | 495 | 162.6 | 64 | 223.5 | 88 | 317.5 | 125 | 406.4 | 160 | Full | None | Boeing 747, 777, 787, DC-10/MD-11 |
| LD7 P1P Pallet | 10.7 | 397 | 162.6 | 64 | 223.5 | 88 | 317.5 | 125 | 317.5 | 125 | Full | None | All Wide bodies Aircraft's |
| LD8 (2x LD2) | 6.9 | 245 | 162.6 | 64 | 153.4 | 60.4 | 243.8 | 96 | 317.5 | 125 | Full | Double | Boeing 767/787 |
| LD9 (P1P Base) | 10.8 | 381 | 162.6 | 64 | 223.5 | 88 | 317.5 | 125 | 317.5 | 125 | Full | Double | Boeing WB, DC-10/MD-11 |
| LD11 | 7.2 | 256 | 162.6 | 64 | 153.4 | 60 | 317.5 | 125 | 317.5 | 125 | Full | None | Boeing 747, 777, 787, DC-10/MD-11 |
| LD26 (P1P Base) | 13.3 | 470 | 162.6 | 64 | 223.5 | 88 | 317.5 | 125 | 406.4 | 160 | Full | Double | Airbus A330, A340, A350 & Boeing 747/777/787, DC-10/MD-11 |
| LD29 (P1P Base) | 14.4 | 510 | 162.6 | 64 | 223.5 | 88 | 317.5 | 125 | 472.4 | 186 | Full | Double | Boeing 747 |
| LD39 (P6P Base) | 15.9 | 560 | 162.6 | 64 | 243.8 | 96 | 317.5 | 125 | 472.4 | 186 | Full | Double | Boeing 747 |
| P1P Pallet | 10.1 | 162.2 | 64 | 235.2 | 88 | 317.5 | 125 | 317.5 | 125 | Full | None | Airbus A330,A340 & Boeing 747.776,777 | |
| P6P Pallet | 11.5 | 407 | 162.6 | 64 | 243.8 | 96 | 317.5 | 125 | 317.5 | 125 | Full | None | Boeing 747, 767, 777, 787, DC-10, MD-11 |