International Air Freight Services
When Speed Matters Most
Strong relationships and block space agreement with top Asia-based, global air carriers ensure the capacity you need for ongoing and emergency freight, including high-demand lanes like air freight from China to the USA and intra-Asia shipping.
Consultum Logistics is strategically focused on sectors - like electronics, aerospace, automotive and fashion - that depend on fast, reliable air freight services for time-critical supply chains.
Consultum Logistics is strategically focused on sectors - like electronics, aerospace, automotive and fashion - that depend on fast, reliable air freight services for time-critical supply chains.
- Committed CapacityTop 25 global air freight forwarder by volume.
- Reliability98+% on-time performance across technology industry customers.
- 24/7 VisibilityEasy 24/7 tracking using reference number across all international shipments.
Air Freight Container Dimensions and How to Cut Costs
In the world of air freight, understanding air freight container dimensions is everything. One small miscalculation can result in higher costs, space inefficiencies, or delays. That’s why understanding how air freight container dimensions impact your shipment is critical.
This guide isn’t a spec sheet. We explain how to apply air freight container dimensions to improve your freight planning and reduce shipping costs.
This guide isn’t a spec sheet. We explain how to apply air freight container dimensions to improve your freight planning and reduce shipping costs.
Why Air Freight Container Dimensions Matter
Air freight pricing often relies on dimensional weight, not just the physical weight of your cargo. If your freight exceeds a certain volume relative to its weight, you’ll be charged based on the space it occupies rather than the actual kilograms.
A crate that is just a few inches too tall may not fit in a standard Unit Load Devices (ULD), forcing your shipment into a more expensive container or even multiple units. That kind of planning mistake doesn’t just cause logistical headaches. It can directly drive up your costs.
Common Air Freight Containers (ULDs) and their Specs
ULDs are the standardized containers and pallets used to load freight on aircraft. Each ULD has specific internal dimensions and volume limits, which fall under the broader category of air freight container dimensions. Some common types include:
Planning Freight to Fit with Practical Tips for Shippers
Here’s how to ensure your cargo is optimized for the containers it will be loaded into:
Design with Clearance in Mind
Never design your crates to match the maximum dimensions exactly. We recommend a clearance of 2-3 cm to accommodate straps, nets, and handling tolerances.
Crate Smartly for the Container Type
Take the AKE container as an example, plan for a max height of around 160 cm. Don’t build a 165 cm crate assuming it’ll “squeeze in.” It won’t.
Consolidate When You Can
If your shipment consists of multiple boxes, stacking them in a compact, organized way may save space and reduce your volumetric charges.
Check Container Compatibility Early
Work with your freight forwarder to understand which container will likely be used. Use this information to reverse-engineer your packaging plan.
What Happens When You Don’t Plan for Dimensions
Failure to plan around container dimensions can lead to:
Wasted space inside the container (means you’re paying more per kilo).
Missed bookings if cargo doesn’t fit the scheduled ULD type.
Unexpected delays due to routing changes or rebooking.
Potential cargo damage if freight is reworked or improperly secured to fit the container.
How Container-Smart Packing Improves Efficiency and Reduces Cost
Shippers who understand container dimensions are better equipped to avoid excess charges and reduce the risk of disruption. Every centimeter counts. In many cases, it’s the difference between staying on budget or paying for unused space.
By designing cargo that fits efficiently within a ULD, you can:
Get Expert Support Before You Ship
If you’re not sure which ULD will be used, or how to best build your shipment to avoid wasted space or costly surprises, it’s worth speaking to a freight specialist early.
Dimerco can support you during the shipment planning process. For help planning your next air freight move, get in touch with a Dimerco specialist.
Air freight pricing often relies on dimensional weight, not just the physical weight of your cargo. If your freight exceeds a certain volume relative to its weight, you’ll be charged based on the space it occupies rather than the actual kilograms.
A crate that is just a few inches too tall may not fit in a standard Unit Load Devices (ULD), forcing your shipment into a more expensive container or even multiple units. That kind of planning mistake doesn’t just cause logistical headaches. It can directly drive up your costs.
Common Air Freight Containers (ULDs) and their Specs
ULDs are the standardized containers and pallets used to load freight on aircraft. Each ULD has specific internal dimensions and volume limits, which fall under the broader category of air freight container dimensions. Some common types include:
- AKE (LD3): 153 cm (L) x 156 cm (W) x 163 cm (H)
- (60.2″ × 61.4″ × 64.2″)
- AMA (LD6): 317 cm (L) x 213 cm (W) x 163 cm (H)
- (124.8″ × 83.9″ × 64.2″)
- PAG (pallet): 318 cm x 244 cm flat surface
- (125.2″ × 96.1″)
Planning Freight to Fit with Practical Tips for Shippers
Here’s how to ensure your cargo is optimized for the containers it will be loaded into:
Design with Clearance in Mind
Never design your crates to match the maximum dimensions exactly. We recommend a clearance of 2-3 cm to accommodate straps, nets, and handling tolerances.
Crate Smartly for the Container Type
Take the AKE container as an example, plan for a max height of around 160 cm. Don’t build a 165 cm crate assuming it’ll “squeeze in.” It won’t.
Consolidate When You Can
If your shipment consists of multiple boxes, stacking them in a compact, organized way may save space and reduce your volumetric charges.
Check Container Compatibility Early
Work with your freight forwarder to understand which container will likely be used. Use this information to reverse-engineer your packaging plan.
What Happens When You Don’t Plan for Dimensions
Failure to plan around container dimensions can lead to:
Wasted space inside the container (means you’re paying more per kilo).
Missed bookings if cargo doesn’t fit the scheduled ULD type.
Unexpected delays due to routing changes or rebooking.
Potential cargo damage if freight is reworked or improperly secured to fit the container.
How Container-Smart Packing Improves Efficiency and Reduces Cost
Shippers who understand container dimensions are better equipped to avoid excess charges and reduce the risk of disruption. Every centimeter counts. In many cases, it’s the difference between staying on budget or paying for unused space.
By designing cargo that fits efficiently within a ULD, you can:
- Lower your cost per unit
- Make your cargo easier to consolidate with other shipments
- Maintain more predictable transit schedules
Get Expert Support Before You Ship
If you’re not sure which ULD will be used, or how to best build your shipment to avoid wasted space or costly surprises, it’s worth speaking to a freight specialist early.
Dimerco can support you during the shipment planning process. For help planning your next air freight move, get in touch with a Dimerco specialist.
Contact Us
Contacts:
+86 020 83752512
Block 1, Office 1703, No.888 Yuncheng West Road, Baiyun District,
Guangzhou, China
Room 1909, Wee Building, No. 288 Shangcheng Avenue,
Yiwu City, China
13F Charward Commercial Building
105011 Thomson road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Guangzhou, China
Room 1909, Wee Building, No. 288 Shangcheng Avenue,
Yiwu City, China
13F Charward Commercial Building
105011 Thomson road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong