ULD cover: sizes and how it works in air freight
A ULD cover is an air cargo thermal cover that insulates an air freight pallet or container on the outside. Whether you call it a ULD thermal cover or an insulated pallet cover, the job is the same: slow down temperature change while the load sits on the apron or lies in the aircraft. Below you will find what the cover does and which size fits.
For an air cargo thermal cover for aircraft transport we supply, among others, a cover of 120 x 80 x 150 cm for euro pallets and a ULD thermal cover for PMC of 320 x 240 x 150 cm.
What an air cargo thermal cover does in air freight
An air cargo thermal cover has a reflective outer layer that keeps out radiant heat and an insulating inner layer that keeps the cold in the load. As a result the temperature swings less during transport, and the cover also protects against rain. The cover does not actively cool: it slows down temperature change.
There are several names for the same product. An air cargo cover, an aircraft pallet cover, a pallet shroud and a thermal shroud are all names for a thermal cover over an air freight pallet. You can read more about the different names in insulated pallet covers.
The cover is reusable.
Which cover fits your pallet?
These are the versions in the thermal pallet cover collection:
| Load | Cover size |
|---|---|
| Euro pallet | 120 x 80 x 150 cm |
| Block pallet | 120 x 100 x 150 cm |
| Large block pallet | 120 x 120 x 150 cm |
| Small pallet | 80 x 60 x 150 cm |
| PMC air cargo container | 320 x 240 x 150 cm |
For block pallets and euro pallets there is also a double-layer version. We cannot give a fixed result in hours. For background, read how long an insulated pallet cover keeps the load at temperature.
What determines the result under a ULD cover
A ULD cover does not actively cool. It slows down temperature change. The result therefore depends on these points:
- the starting temperature of the load;
- the duration of transport and handling;
- the outside temperature and the sun on the apron;
- the use of gel packs or cooling elements in the load;
- how tightly the cover closes around the pallet or ULD.
While loading and unloading on the apron, cargo is often unprotected in the sun or in the cold. This is exactly where the temperature peaks occur that bring a shipment out of specification.
The underside of the pallet
People often forget that warm air rises and that the underside of a pallet therefore needs to be insulated too. See the insulated bases for euro pallets and block pallets.
Cooling elements
For pharmaceutical shipments, insulated pallet covers are often combined with cooling elements, to keep the cold chain intact on routes where no active cooling is available.
Versions for air freight according to the product data
On the product pages of the thermal pallet covers, air freight is mentioned for these versions:
| Version | Size | What the product page says |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated pallet cover, euro pallet | 120 x 80 x 150 cm | Suitable for air freight, for temperature-controlled shipping of consignments |
| Insulated pallet cover, block pallet | 120 x 100 x 150 cm | Specially developed for air freight, keeps products cool during shipping |
| Insulated pallet cover | 120 x 120 x 150 cm | For air freight shipments on block pallets, lightweight and efficiently insulating |
| Insulated pallet cover | 80 x 60 x 150 cm | For smaller air freight shipments |
| ULD thermal cover PMC | 320 x 240 x 150 cm | Suitable for ULD air freight, lightweight and insulating |
| Thermal Cargo Blankets for pallets | 120 x 100 x 150 cm | For air freight pallets with temperature-sensitive goods |
| Insulated Cargo Blankets for pallets | 120 x 100 x 150 cm | Specially for air freight, keeps products cool for a limited time |
| Thermal insulation covers | 120 x 100 x 160 cm | For protecting temperature-sensitive products during air freight |
The cover is light in weight and slides over a pallet load or ULD in a few minutes.
ULD formats and cargo
We supply insulated pallet covers for the ULD formats PMC, PAG, AKE and LD3, for euro pallets (120 x 80 cm), US pallets (120 x 100 cm) and for roll containers. The cover for PMC is in the collection at 320 x 240 x 150 cm. Covers for PAG, AKE and LD3 are available on request with a quote.
About 95% of our insulated pallet covers go by air, on ULD and pallet shipments. As cargo, the collection text names perishables: fruit and vegetables, cut flowers and plants, fish and shellfish, meat and pharmaceutical shipments.
For deviating build-ups, taller loads or roll containers we make covers to size. Because we produce ourselves, custom work is not an exception but routine.
Frequently asked questions about the ULD cover
How long does the pallet hold the temperature?
That depends on the outside temperature, the starting temperature of the load, the build-up and the amount of cooling. We cannot give a fixed result.
Is a ULD cover reusable?
Yes, the cover is reusable and made of strong materials.
Does an air cargo cover also fit over a PMC container?
For air freight containers of the PMC format there is a separate ULD thermal cover of 320 x 240 x 150 cm. If you are unsure, get in touch with us.
For which ULD formats is there a cover?
The collection names the ULD formats PMC, PAG, AKE and LD3. For PMC there is a cover of 320 x 240 x 150 cm. Covers for PAG, AKE and LD3 are available on request with a quote.
Is a ULD cover a plastic pallet cover against rain?
No. A ULD cover is not a plastic pallet cover against rain or dust, but an insulating cover against temperature. It also protects against rain, humidity and condensation.
Which cargo goes under a ULD cover?
The collection text names perishables: fruit and vegetables, cut flowers and plants, fish and shellfish, meat and pharmaceutical shipments.
Order a ULD cover to fit your pallet
View the ULD cover range and the collection for air freight. If you have a different size, get in touch with us.
You will find all names in our glossary.
