IATA Updates Major Safety Standards in 2026 ULD Regulations

Facing the reality that ULD-related ground damage costs the aviation industry $400 million annually, IATA has released the 2026 edition of its Unit Load Device Regulations (ULDR).

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Unit Load Devices (ULDs) - comprising containers or pallet-net combinations - have been the backbone of air cargo, mail, and baggage transport since the 1950s. However, an alarming reality persists year after year: ULDs are frequently the leading cause of aircraft damage on the ground.

Incompatibility between pallets and nets, outdated training protocols, and poor handling standards continue to undermine air cargo safety. These inadequacies saddle the industry with repair costs and operational losses totaling $400 million annually.

To address this issue, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has officially released the 2026 edition of the Unit Load Device Regulations (ULDR), featuring critical technical updates across multiple sections of the manual.

Supporting New Fleets and Standardizing Processes

Zhi Yong Liao, Senior Manager for Cargo Safety and ULD at IATA, emphasized in the announcement of the new edition:

“Several updates have been made across the ULD regulations,” said Zhi Yong Liao, Senior Manager Cargo Safety and ULDs at IATA, in a video announcing the new edition. The updates are designed to support standard ULD operations for the new Airbus A350 freighter main deck, and to ensure safer, more consistent practices across the industry.”

Key Updates in ULDR 2026

According to Mr. Liao, the new edition includes the following specific technical changes:

1. New Aircraft Contour and ULD Type Codes To cater to the development of modern fleets, particularly new generation freighters, IATA has added necessary technical codes. Liao explained: “Updated aircraft contour information has been added to Section 2. A new aircraft container contour code W, forming the new ULD type code AMW, has been introduced to Section 4.”

2. Updated Engine Carriage Standards Regulations regarding the transport of special cargo, such as aircraft engines, have been reviewed to ensure international alignment. Liao confirmed: “Section 6 will feature an update to Operating Specification 6/12 - Aircraft Engine Carriage - aligning it with the ICAO TI Appendix L.”

3. Training and Assessment Overhaul To enhance the competence of personnel within the supply chain, IATA continues to push the Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) model. Liao stated: “Following the successful adoption of this competency-based training and assessment approach two years ago,” Liao said, “the 2026 edition introduces a new matrix template focused on the ULD build-up function.”

4. New Sustainability Guidelines For the first time, environmental and product lifecycle factors have been integrated into ULD technical standards. Liao shared: “In support of IATA cargo sustainability initiatives, a new Appendix J will be introduced, offering guidance on conducting Life Cycle Assessments for ULDs.”

Conclusion

These changes are designed to bring clarity and structure to ULD operations in a complex and high-risk environment. With increasing fleet diversity, evolving cargo types, and growing regulatory pressure, the ULDR 2026 provides a clearer framework for compliance.

Mr. Liao concluded: “Ensure your compliance and safety - order your 2026 IATA ULDR today.”

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