Air Cargo Pallets: Types, Benefits & Common Mistakes

Pallets are commonly used in road transport. However, air pallets differ from regular ones in construction and dimensions. Have you ever wondered how you will deal with air cargo? What type of containers and pallets are used? Aircraft have very accurate requirements for the types of loads they can accommodate. Different pallets are used for different types of aircraft and loads. Each of these is specially designed to cater to the needs of the aircraft. It enables easy loading and unloading of cargo without any delay.

This article details everything about air cargo pallets and their characteristics. It also speaks about its benefits and considerations.

Understanding Air Cargo Pallets

An aviation pallet helps load and unload cargo from an aircraft without any hassle or delay. The base of any aviation pallet is made from either heavy-duty plastic or aluminium. Moreover, an additional net is installed to secure the load placed on it. The concept is to ensure that the pallet weighs as light as possible. It should not add any extra weight when placed in an aircraft.

Aviation pallets contain their own unit load devices and are similar to containers. The ULD devices enable identification through a number placed on them. 

Exploring Air Cargo Pallets: Dimensions and Characteristics

Air freight pallets can have different construction and sizes. Here are some of the most commonly used air cargo pallets:

• Standard air freight pallet: Such pallets can be used in an MD-11, A300, A310, A330, A340, and 747 types of aircraft. These are the most standard pallets, and they have a loadable base structure with dimensions of 304 cm x 210 cm. 
• Air freight pallet (10 feet): They have a standard base structure of 304 cm x 230 cm. These pallets can also be used in the aforementioned aircraft.
• Heavy-duty air freight pallets: These are mainly used for heavy loads and cargo. They have a base that measures 304 cm x 231 cm. These can fit into several different aircraft, including A 330 and A340.
• Air freight pallet (20 feet): These are supersized pallets. They have a base measuring 592 cm x 230cm. They can fit into both the MD 11 and 747 aircraft. 

Benefits of Utilising Air Cargo Pallets

A container or a pallet that will be loaded on an aircraft is called a unit load device. Various elements can be loaded on the ULD once securely fastened. These containers allow cargo to be loaded simultaneously instead of in separate crates. Through this process, the loading and unloading time will be minimised substantially. Moreover, the risk of damage to the good is minimised. 

The pallet container is designed to function with the handling equipment at the airport efficiently. This hastens the process rather than manually loading the container. The ULD containers are designed to fit into an aircraft, and hence, they cater to this need precisely. Due to their high degree of precision, the space is used optimally. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Air Cargo Pallets

Not preparing your air cargo pallets properly can put them at high risk during transit. Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes you should avoid when preparing your air cargo pallets. It will ensure that your shipment reaches its destination in ideal condition and on time.

• Overpacking your shipment

It’s essential to remember that your carrier will measure the weight and volume of your shipment. You will be charged based on whether the weight or volume of the cargo is higher. Overpacking your shipment means heavier cargo. The heavier the freight, the more you’ll be charged. Thus, you should pack your shipment with only as much packaging as it requires to protect it from damage. It will help you control your costs. Overpacking your shipment will not offer additional protection.

• Letting goods fall below the top deck board

You shouldn’t let your shipment hang below the top deckboard. It’s because a forklift may pick up your pallet at any point. If any goods slip between those boards, the forks could easily damage them. You should look for cargo pallets with narrow top deck boards. 

• Pallet overhang

When you pack your goods, you should place them within the boundaries of the pallet. You shouldn’t extend your goods over the edge of the pallet. It will help you avoid pallet overhand. You may even have to break up your shipment into multiple pallets, but you should avoid pallet overhang at all costs. Initially, you may find this option costly. However, it will protect your goods from damage and the costs associated with damages in the long run. 

• Employing the wrong type of cargo pallets

You’ll find several options when you’re buying cargo pallets. The strongest cargo pallets come with bottom deck boards. They offer maximum stability to your shipment. You can also consider four-way pallets when it comes to air freight. These pallets can be picked up from any side. They make it easier for your carrier to move your load. The aircraft is tightly spaced. When your pallet can be moved from any side, the chances of damage from mishandling pallets will be reduced. If you’re not sure about the cargo pallet you should choose, you can talk to your carrier. Their recommendations can help you pick the pallet your carrier can easily and freely move.

• Using broken pallets

Broken cargo pallets are disastrous for any shipment. They damage your goods and also delay your shipment. Sometimes, cargo pallets will be broken due to reasons beyond your control like the forklift driver poorly handling the cargo pallets. However, you can take some measures to prevent damage to your pallets. For instance, when loading your shipment on the pallet, make sure it’s within the specified capacity for the particular pallet. If you’re re-using your pallets, carefully inspect them for any damages before you start loading your goods. Even a tiny crack on the deck board can significantly damage your shipment.

• Not wrapping your pallets correctly

Lastly, incorrectly wrapping air cargo pallets and not securing the load to the pallet are the biggest mistakes shippers make. To avoid this, you can stretch-wrap your cargo pallets. It’s one of the most effective ways to stabilise your goods. You should always start at the bottom of the load to secure it to the pallet before you wrap the remaining load. You can also use banding or strapping. It will help you secure the load to the pallet and offer additional security. 

Considerations When Choosing Air Cargo Pallets

Consider the following factors while choosing a pallet for your air cargo:

• The kind of cargo you ship: Every type of cargo needs a different pallet or container. For instance, hazardous or high-value cargo has special needs and it must be protected from damage.
• The size and weight of your cargo: Sizes and weights are another crucial consideration. The size and weight will decide what pallet to use for safe and efficient handling.
• Cargo destination: Certain airports and airlines have restrictions based on the pallet used, and hence, the destination must also be considered. 
• Budget: The prices also vary based on the pallet chosen. Choose one that suits your needs and is budget-friendly. 

Air Cargo Pallets vs Containers

Air cargo pallets and containers allow you to consolidate a substantial amount of cargo into a single unit. It’s done so that the cargo can be transported on both specific narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. A net is attached to the edge of the air cargo pallets. It helps you secure the load on the pallet. Air cargo containers often have a very lightweight structure. Most commonly referred to as a can or a pod, the structure of a container includes a base, a fabric or solid door, and a frame with panels at the side and on the roof. Containers are available in different varieties. You can find containers that are easily foldable, those that can be chilled or ventilated, and even insulated ones.  

Here’s when you should use air cargo pallets:

• When you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution compared to containers
• You accept shipments that don’t easily fit into containers for example, oversized cargo
• When you have to deal with ‘special load’ freight that can only be loaded on open pallets
• When you need a more practical and simple storage solution since the airline can easily stack and transport empty pallets

When should you use containers instead?

• You want to ease the process of loading and unloading freight
• You need the aircraft to facilitate the loading and unloading process
• You want enhanced protection against all weather conditions
• You want more protection against all damages to the cargo 
• You don’t want the cargo to damage the plane 
• You want to prevent any unauthorised access to the cargo

CargoX: The International Air Cargo Shipping Partner You Can Trust

CargoX facilitates international air cargo shipping for eCommerce companies. They have their service in over 100 countries, so you get the opportunity to ship to almost any foreign destination and expand your business. They provide tailored shipping solutions to their customers. CargoX specialises in bulk shipping. They transport and deliver your goods to your international customers swiftly and securely.

Conclusion

Air cargo pallets are crucial to the handling of your cargo. They ensure that your cargo is safely loaded and unloaded. They also minimise the risk of damage to your cargo as they are well-secured on the pallet. These are simply containers that are made from aluminium or heavy-duty plastic. While choosing your pallet, you must consider the dimensions and destination of your cargo. The location of delivery also plays a role in the choice of pallets.