CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series brings a different area of the air cargo industry to the fore each week. Usually, we focus on people, however every now and again – as in the real world of logistics – delivery hiccups occur. This week, therefore, we are letting a ULD have its say. Having seen the distressing video of the storm at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED), on 06JAN25, where containers were flying through the air, hitting airside vehicles and being shredded, it is obviously necessary to highlight the crucial importance of proper container storage and training in handling and protecting ULDs. Without them, air cargo would not be happening.

CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
ULD: I am a Unit Load Device (ULD) container, currently working for a major international airline. My responsibilities include grouping and restraining cargo, mail, and baggage for air transport. I’m designed to be directly restrained by the aircraft Cargo Loading System (CLS) and become part of the aircraft’s structure during flight.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
ULD: A normal day for me is quite dynamic. I start at the cargo warehouse where I’m loaded with various shipments. Then, I’m transported to the aircraft, where ground handling staff use specialized equipment to load me into the cargo compartment. Once inside, I’m secured to prevent movement during flight. After landing, I’m unloaded, and my contents are distributed or transferred to another aircraft.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
ULD: I’ve been in the air cargo industry since the 1960s when containerization revolutionized air freight. The need for efficient and safe cargo transport brought me into existence, and I’ve been an integral part of the industry ever since.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
ULD: What I enjoy most about my job is the critical role I play in global trade. I facilitate fast and easy transfer of cargo from one aircraft to another and even between different modes of transport. I also take pride in protecting the contents loaded from loss and damage.
CFG: What do you see as the greatest challenges in our industry?
ULD: The greatest challenges in our industry include capacity constraints, sustainability requirements, and adapting to changing trade patterns. The air cargo market is facing potential capacity crunches, with belly capacity growth slowing and aircraft production delays. Additionally, new regulations like the EU’s ReFuelEU Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate are increasing costs and complexity.
CFG: What advice would you give to people to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
ULD: For those looking to get into the air cargo industry, I’d advise gaining a thorough understanding of ULD regulations and operations. The IATA ULD Regulations (ULDR) is an excellent resource, covering technical and operational standards, regulatory requirements, and guidelines for all aspects of ULD operations. Training in areas such as ULD serviceability checks, build-up/break-down procedures, and transport and storage guidelines would be beneficial.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
ULD: If the air cargo industry were a film, its title would be “Sky High Logistics: Connecting the World, One ULD at a Time.”
Thank you, ULD, for highlighting your story.
ULD’s answers were provided by Perplexity. CargoForwarder also asked Perplexity what could have been done to prevent the scenes at JED on 06JAN25. Here is what it said:
On 06JAN25, severe weather, including strong winds and heavy rain, struck Jeddah International Airport (JED), resulting in cargo containers being tossed across the airfield. This incident was widely shared on social media, with videos showing containers being blown around like tumbleweed, causing disruptions to airport operations and reported flight delays as crews worked to ensure safety amid the storm.
To prevent such incidents in the future, several measures could be implemented:
1. Enhanced Weather Monitoring: Airports should invest in advanced weather monitoring systems to provide real-time updates on severe weather conditions, allowing for timely responses.
2. Cargo Securing Protocols: Implementing stricter protocols for securing cargo containers during adverse weather conditions can help prevent them from becoming projectiles. This includes using weight bags or anchoring systems.
3. Operational Adjustments: During forecasts of severe weather, airports could temporarily halt ground operations involving loose cargo or reposition containers to more sheltered areas.
4. Training and Awareness: Regular training for ground handling staff on safety protocols during severe weather can enhance preparedness and response strategies.
5. Infrastructure Improvements: Developing more robust storage facilities for cargo that can withstand high winds may also reduce the risk of damage during storms.By adopting these strategies, airports can better protect cargo operations and ensure safety during adverse weather events.
Good points, wrong order
In my view, it all starts with proper training (point 4), which, in addition to IATA mentioned in ULD’s answer above, can also be found on www.uldcare.com pages – in particular the https://www.uldcare.com/uld-care-code-conduct/store-uld-damage-free-manner-environment/ which explains how containers should be correctly stored (point 2). For that to happen, the airport must have invested in the right infrastructure for ULD storage (Point 5). Points 1 and 3 ought to be standard operating procedures in any case.
What are your thoughts on Perplexity’s answers – both as a ULD and as a damage prevention suggestion?
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.