Forwarders will decide whether cost-effective new ULD comes to SA

A UNIT Load Device (ULD) introduced by KLM Cargo which allows smaller airfreight shipments to enjoy the security and economy benefits previously reserved for larger loads, could make its debut in South Africa if demand from the forwarding community warrants it.
That's the word from KLM Cargo regional director for Africa and Israel, Alex Lens, who says that feedback from the forwarding community will determine whether the airline introduces the AirModule on the Southern African route.
The AirModule is a light, compact, robust, reusable ULD which has taken off in Europe and Asia.
Available in heavy duty cardboard or aluminium, both on an aluminium base, the units weigh 29 and 39 kilograms respectively. Both have a weight capacity up to 500 kilograms and an external volume of 1,66 cubic metres.
The AirModule has been designed so that six fit onto a maindeck aircraft pallet. Three pallets can in turn be stacked on top of each other inside the aircraft.
It's ideal for high-value items such as computers, cell phones, printers and other commodities that require protection but cannot bear additional cost, says Lens. Such items can be loaded in their retail packaging so that they are shelf-ready on arrival at destination.