How Airlines Transport Your Cargo in Oversized Shipping Crates

Everything You Need to Know About Airline Cargo Crates

If you’ve ever had to ship an unusual or oversized item by air, you’ve probably wondered about those large metal containers you see being loaded into aircraft holds. Those are airline cargo crates, and in this article I’ll explain everything you need to know about them.

What Are Airline Cargo Crates?

Airline cargo crates, also called Unit Load Devices (ULDs), are specifically designed containers used to transport freight on passenger and cargo aircraft. They come in a variety of standard sizes to efficiently fit in plane holds and maximize airspace. The exterior is made of sturdy aluminum or composite materials to withstand the rigors of air travel.

Crates allow multiple packages or loose items to be consolidated and secured as a single unit. This makes loading and unloading quicker since the containers are treated like one large piece of cargo. Airlines prefer ULDs because they streamline operations and increase cargo capacities.

Common Types of Cargo Crates

The two main categories are lower deck containers (LDCs) designed for smaller aircraft below decks, and main deck containers (MDCs) built for larger wide-body planes.

1. LDCs:
   Smaller aluminum boxes typically measuring 88×108 inches for use on regional jets. Holds up to 5,000 lbs.
2. MDCs:
   Larger containers 114×125 inches that efficiently fill wide-body planes. Can carry over 10,000 lbs.

Other common types include nose-loaders for 747s, igloos/dome crates with curved tops, and specialized containers for livestock, valuables, or dangerous goods.

Booking Cargo Space

When shipping goods via air, the first step is to contact an air freight forwarder. They will help determine requirements, acquire necessary documentation, and reserve space on flights. Cargo space is booked much like passenger seats and confirmed through airline computer systems.

Rates depend on weight, dimensions, route, and specific container needed (if using ULDs). Crates may require deposits since they are often owned or leased to freight handlers who maintain fleets of thousands. Advance booking is recommended for transoceanic or seasonal routes.

Loading and Securing Cargo

At airports, specialized equipment like fork lifts and cranes are used to handle crates. Containers are wheeled or lifted directly into airplane holds where loadmasters carefully stack them according to load plans. This maximizes capacity while balancing weight distribution.

Containers have many attachment and securing points so straps, nets, or other devices can firmly lock cargo in place against turbulence and G-forces during takeoff/landing. Proper loading/bracing is critical for stability and compliance with regulations.

My Experience with Airline Cargo Crates

As an importer, I’ve sent various oversized products by air many times. Using ULDs made the process much simpler. One ceramic sculpture I shipped from Italy arrived safely thanks to double wall construction of the MDC it was packed inside of. Another time, a large industrial machine was consolidated into a nose-loader crate with custom bracing for a 747.

The airline representative guided me through container options and requirements. Booking in advance secured space and prevented delays. Overall the crates provided a reliable and efficient solution versus awkward loose or makeshift packaging alternatives.

FAQs about Airline Cargo Crates

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

1. How much do they cost?
   Container leasing starts around $100-200 each way but varies by airline. Non-standard sizes command higher rates.
2. What items require crates?
   Bulky, heavy or fragile goods typically need consolidated packaging for air transport. Most intercontinental cargo ships in ULDs.
3. How are damages handled?
   Airlines are generally liable for losses or breakage of properly packed goods. Claims processes differ but require proof the container/bracing was insufficient.
4. What paperwork is involved?
   Air waybills, commercial invoices, customs forms, valuables declarations, and specialized permits may be needed depending on the shipment contents and destination.

Alternative Options to Cargo Crates

For some goods, other packaging choices exist besides airline containers:

• Loose or palletized pieces stacked pallet-high and shrink wrapped for unitizing multiple items.
• Custom wooden or steel crates built permanently for delicate one-time cargo like machinery, large artworks, or industrial projects.
• Self-contained shipping containers driven by truck or transported as roll-on/roll-off sea freight and exchanged between transport modes.

However, consolidated ULDs remain the standard for air cargo due to their compatibility, secure design, and loading benefits agreed upon worldwide.

In Closing

With growing e-commerce and just-in-time delivery demands, air freight continues expanding rapidly each year. It brings enormous value transporting urgent shipments, high-priority goods, seasonal products, and more. Reliance on containerization through standardized airline cargo crates makes this vital industry function efficiently on a global scale. So the next time you see a large metal box disappearing into a plane hold, you’ll know the important role it plays in modern transportation.

I hope this article has helped explain what airline cargo crates are, how they’re used, and answered any questions you may have had. Feel free to contact me if you need assistance booking air freight or have additional shipping questions I can help address.

Key Considerations for Choosing an Airline Cargo Crate

Size	Material	Door Type	Venting	Locking Mechanism
Standard pallet sizes are 88″ x 108″ for international shipments.	Wooden crates are more durable but metal ones can be reused for multiple shipments.	Hinged doors provide full access but sliding doors save space for bulky items.	Vented crates help regulate temperature and humidity for perishable goods.	Padlocks are basic but hasp-and-staple designs work with shipper’s own high-security locks.
Consider oversized goods that may require a non-standard size.	Plastic is low-cost but less hardwearing than wood or metal.	Crates without doors sacrifice accessibility for thinner walls and lower weight.	Non-vented crates are suitable for dry, non-perishable items.	Built-in locks provide security without extra hardware but limits post-shipping reuse.
Reduce excess space for efficiency and lower shipping costs.	Wood needs treatment/coating to resist damage from weather and handling.	Custom designs can accommodate oddly-shaped goods for a precise fit.	Insulated variants further protect temperature-controlled freight.	Tamper-evident seals alert to unauthorized entry during transport.

FAQ

1. What items can be shipped in an airline cargo crate?

   Mostly things like electronics, machinery, general cargo, and freight can be packed inside these heavy-duty containers. Airlines allow packing most products as long as they follow safety procedures.

2. How big are these crates?

   Airline cargo crates come in various sizes. A standard one is about 48 by 40 by 38 inches. However, they also got crates that are bigger or smaller depending on what you need to haul. The important thing is choosing the right size crate for your shipment.

3. Are crates cheaper than other shipping options?

   In many cases, crates provide a cost-effective solution compared to something like an air freight pallet. The rates tend to be lower since crates take up less cargo space on the plane. Nevertheless, you got to make sure the value of your products justifies the cost of the crate itself.

4. What makes airline cargo crates safer than other containers?

   These crates are constructed from really tough plastic or metal helping protect cargo from weather and rough handling. The walls, doors, and sealing are super solid. Plus locks and tamper-proof seals provide more security versus like a cardboard box or crate with no security features. Those extra defenses make contents less likely to get damaged in transit.

   

5. How do you prepare items for packing in a crate?

   To get items airline-ready, you basically want to pad and wrap everything securely so nothing shifts or breaks open during travel. Also label the crate clearly with your address and lots of “fragile” warning stickers. Some even line the inside walls with bubble wrap or foam for added cushioning, kinda like how pros pack for moves cross-country. Proper packing is key to preventing stuff inside from getting harmed along the way.

6. What should you do if a crate arrives damaged?

   If upon receipt the crate looks busted up like the locks are broke or it’s falling apart, first refuse the delivery. Then report the issue right away to the airline to file a claim. Take pictures showing the condition as evidence. They usually handle claims better if reported within a week. Gather proof of the contents’ value too in case compensation is needed. Early action helps get things sorted out before it’s too late.