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Air cargo

Air Cargo ULD Calculator (LD3, PMC, PAG)

Count how many cartons fit in an air cargo ULD such as AKE/LD3, AKH, PMC or PAG, with payload and volumetric weight.

IATA LD3 · base 153.4 cm × 156.2 cm · height 162.6 cm · tare 82 kg · max. gross 1,588 kg · lower deck

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Carton size

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Orientation

Result · AKE

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27 cartons

3 layers · 9 cartons in the bottom layer

ULD payload1,506 kg
Actual weight270 kg
Carton volume3.375 m³
Volumetric weight (1:6000)562.5 kg
Chargeable weight562.5 kgon volume
Weight utilisation17.9%
Volume utilisation86.6%
Open in 3D Planner

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Top view · Layer 1

Usable space 153.4 cm × 156.2 cm × 162.6 cm
123456789
The figure uses the rectangular base × usable height. The contoured (sloped) part of an AKE/AKH is ignored, so the count is conservative; a few more cartons may fit in the contour.

Layer build-up

3 layers × 9 cartons (layer height 50 cm)
27

About this calculator

A ULD (unit load device) is a standard container or pallet that airlines use to load cargo onto aircraft. The ones you meet most often are the AKE (LD3) and AKH (LD3-45) containers for the lower deck, and the PMC (96 × 125 in) and PAG (88 × 125 in) pallets used on the lower deck as well as the main deck of freighters. Forwarders and exporters in Indonesia, such as shippers of seafood, garments or spare parts out of Soekarno-Hatta, often need to know whether a shipment fills a whole ULD or is better sold per kilogram.

This calculator takes the ULD's rectangular base times its usable height and stacks cartons with the same engine as the cartons-per-container tool. The contoured overhang of the AKE and the rounded profile of a built-up pallet are ignored, so the figure leans conservative. Payload is the maximum gross weight minus the ULD tare. Next to the carton count you get the volumetric weight at 1:6000 (cm³ ÷ 6,000), compared with the actual weight to give the chargeable weight.

Usable height depends heavily on the aircraft type and the contour booked: a PMC on the lower deck is far lower than on a freighter's main deck. Catalogue defaults are typical only; confirm height, contour and weight limits per position with the airline or ground handling agent before booking.

Worked example

A shipment of 50 × 50 × 50 cm cube cartons, 10 kg each, goes into an AKE (LD3) with a 1,534 × 1,562 mm base and 1,626 mm height.

  • Layout: 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 cartons (contour ignored)
  • ULD payload: 1,588 − 82 = 1,506 kg; actual weight 27 × 10 = 270 kg
  • Volume: 27 × 0.125 = 3.375 m³ → 3,375,000 cm³ ÷ 6,000 = 562.5 kg volumetric
  • Chargeable weight: 562.5 kg (volumetric exceeds actual)

The shipment is light for its volume, so it is charged on volumetric weight, not on the scale weight.

How to use it

  1. Choose the ULD

    Pick AKE (LD3), AKH (LD3-45), PMC or PAG. Change the usable height if the airline gives a different figure for the aircraft or contour booked.

  2. Enter the carton size

    Enter length, width, height and weight per carton, and choose whether cartons may turn in any direction or must stay upright.

  3. Read the result

    See the carton count, total weight against payload, volumetric weight at 1:6000 and the chargeable weight.

  4. Share or plan

    Copy the result link to send to your cargo agent, or open it in the 3D Planner to see the carton layout inside the ULD.

Frequently asked questions

What are the size and capacity of an LD3 (AKE)?
An AKE base is about 153.4 × 156.2 cm with a height of about 162.6 cm. Typical max gross is 1,588 kg and tare about 82 kg, giving a payload of about 1,506 kg; exact figures depend on the manufacturer and airline.
What is the difference between AKE and AKH?
Both are lower-deck containers. The AKH (LD3-45) is lower, about 114 cm, to fit the lower deck of narrow-body aircraft such as the A320/A321, with a typical max gross of 1,134 kg.
What is the difference between PMC and PAG pallets?
Both are 125 in (317.5 cm) long; the PMC is 96 in (243.8 cm) wide and the PAG 88 in (223.5 cm). Typical max gross in the catalogue is 6,804 kg for PMC and 4,626 kg for PAG, but the limit per aircraft position can be lower.
How is air cargo volumetric weight calculated?
Volume in cm³ divided by 6,000 (the common IATA factor). Example: 3.375 m³ = 3,375,000 cm³ ÷ 6,000 = 562.5 kg. Freight is charged on the higher of actual and volumetric weight.
Why is the result lower than the official ULD volume?
The calculator only uses the rectangular section above the base and ignores the contoured part, so it is conservative. The contour space can take small cartons, but confirm with the airline first.

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