How much can a PMC carry?

The main-deck gross weight is 6,804 kg including the pallet, so payload is about 6,684 kg at a tare of 120 kg. A lower-deck build is limited to 5,035 kg gross.

What do PMC and P6P mean?

PMC is the IATA ULD code for a certified pallet. P6P is the older ATA name for the same base size.

What are the Q6, Q7 and LD contours?

They are the profiles a built-up pallet must stay inside so it fits the aircraft cross-section. LD is for lower holds, Q6 is a plain main-deck box, and Q7D and Q7 add a side chamfer above 2,438 mm for the upper curve of the fuselage.

Can a PMC fly in the lower deck?

Only built to the LD contour (1,626 mm total height) and at the lower-deck weight limit of 5,035 kg gross. Taller builds fly on the main deck only.

What volume does a PMC hold?

It depends on the contour. Use the contour selector above for the geometric volume at each height. Practical volume is lower because of netting, the contour curve and unused corners.

What is the difference between a PMC and a PAG?

Both are 3,175 mm long. The PMC (P6P) is 2,438 mm wide and the PAG (P1P) is 2,235 mm wide, so the PMC holds more volume and a higher gross weight limit on the main deck.

PMC (P6P) Pallet ULD Dimensions

The open air cargo pallet, built up and netted to an aircraft contour

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Build-up contour

Base footprint

3.17m × 2.44m

Overall width

2.44m

Overall height

2.44m

Internal volume

18.7 m³

Max gross weight

6,804 kg

Tare weight

120 kg

Max payload

6,684 kg

Floor load limit

1,465 kg/m²

Deck

Main deck

IATA code

PMC / P6P (Q6)

A pallet has no fixed height: pick a contour to see the build-up limits. Volumes are geometric (footprint × cargo height, minus the Q7/Q7D side chamfer) and slightly above what netting and contour curvature allow in practice.

PMC in practice: aircraft, contours and loading

Compatible aircraft

The PMC is an open pallet used on freighters and wide-body aircraft. Which contours are allowed depends on the aircraft and deck, so confirm with the operating airline.

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Typical use

The PMC carries cargo that does not fit a container: tall, long or irregular pieces. Cargo is stacked on the aluminium deck, covered and held with a net, within the contour the airline specifies.

Contours

LD is the lower-deck profile at 1,626 mm total height. Q6 is a main-deck box at 2,438 mm. Q7D (2,870 mm) and Q7 (2,997 mm) are Q6 up to 2,438 mm, then narrow by a side-wall chamfer on one long edge.

Loading limits

Main-deck gross weight is 6,804 kg including the pallet. A lower-deck (LD) build is capped lower at 5,035 kg. With a tare of about 120 kg, payload is the gross weight minus the tare.

Compare ULD sizes Air Freight ULD Guide

PMC (P6P) — Frequently Asked Questions

The PMC base is 3,175 × 2,438 mm (125 × 96 in). Total height depends on the contour: 1,626 mm for LD, 2,438 mm for Q6, 2,870 mm for Q7D and 2,997 mm for Q7.

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