How much does an ALF container weigh and carry?

Tare weight is typically 157 to 230 kg depending on the manufacturer. The maximum gross weight is 3,175 kg (7,000 lb), leaving roughly 2,950 to 3,020 kg of payload.

What do ALF and LD6 mean?

ALF is the IATA three-letter ULD code: A for a certified container, L for the base size and F for the contour. LD6 is the older ATA name for the same container.

Which aircraft can carry an ALF?

The ALF fits the lower deck of the Airbus A300, A310, A330 and A340, and the Boeing 747 and 777, as well as the DC-10, MD-11 and L-1011. It is too wide for narrow-body aircraft.

What is the difference between an ALF and an AKE?

The AKE (LD3) is half the width, with a 1,562 × 1,534 mm base and about 4.5 m³ of volume. The ALF (LD6) is a full-width container with a 3,175 × 1,534 mm base and about 8.9 m³, and it fills the space of two AKEs.

What is the ALF internal volume?

The ALF holds about 8.9 m³ (314 ft³). Some carriers quote up to 9 m³ depending on construction.

How does an ALF compare with an AMF?

The AMF is a main-deck container with the same angled contour as the ALF but a larger base of about 3,175 × 2,438 mm. The ALF is lower-deck only, while the AMF is for the main deck of freighters.

ALF (LD6) ULD Dimensions

The full-width lower-deck container, equal to two AKEs side by side

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Base footprint

3.17m × 1.53m

Overall width

4.06m

Overall height

1.63m

Internal volume

8.9 m³

Max gross weight

3,175 kg

Tare weight

157 kg

Max payload

3,018 kg

Floor load limit

976 kg/m²

Door opening

3.05m × 1.52m

Deck

Lower deck

IATA code

ALF (LD6)

Values follow IATA ULD technical specifications. Tare weight varies by manufacturer, roughly 157 to 230 kg.

ALF in practice: aircraft, contour and loading

Compatible aircraft

The ALF (LD6) fits the lower deck of most wide-body aircraft, where it takes the space of two AKE containers.

A300A310A330A340747777DC-10MD-11L-1011

Typical use

The ALF carries large consolidated shipments and bulky loose cargo in the lower deck. One ALF replaces two AKEs, which means fewer containers to handle and one door to load through.

Contour

Both lower corners are angled to follow the fuselage curve. The base is 3,175 × 1,534 mm and widens to about 4,064 mm at the top, so the usable floor is narrower than the overall width.

Loading limits

Maximum gross weight is 3,175 kg including the container. With a tare of roughly 157 to 230 kg, payload is about 2,950 to 3,020 kg. Spread heavy items across the full floor length.

Compare ULD sizes Air Freight ULD Guide

ALF (LD6) — Frequently Asked Questions

The ALF has a base of about 3,175 × 1,534 mm (125 × 60.4 in), an overall width of about 4,064 mm (160 in) at the top and an overall height of 1,626 mm (64 in). The door opening is roughly 3,048 × 1,524 mm.

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