The Interline ULD Control User Group is a self-funded business unit, that was formed to facilitate the interline movements of ULDs, under standard procedures, and to track ULDs when they are outside the control of the ULD owner.
Background
With the increasing number of wide-bodied aircraft now in operation, ULDs have become a key element of high efficiency in air transport. However, controlling these assets is one of the industry's major headaches, especially when outside of the individual airline's own system.
To make the task easier and universally manageable, IATA, in conjunction with the Interline Unit Load Device User Group (IULDUG), has introduced a standardized procedure for interline handling and control of ULDs. This is achieved through a multilateral ULD Control Agreement between participants in the programme, which is centralised and managed by the IATA ULD Control Centre.
ULD Control Centre
The main purpose of the Control Centre is to make sure that a unit is speedily returned to its owner, but at the same time compensating the owner for the temporary absence of the unit. It offers a centralised inventory of all participants' ULDs, which facilitates the tracking and tracing of these units throughout the system. To date, the IATA Interline ULD Control Centre manages more than 10,000 interline ULD movements and transactions a month on behalf of some 60 airlines.
The IULDUG owns the ULD Control system, which is operated on behalf of the participants by IATA. The ULD Control system provides weekly status reports on all interline movements on a weekly basis. The reports are the basis for inter-carrier billings for demurrage.
Members
There are currently 60 participating airlines and three ULD leasing companies in the IULDUG. Membership is open to all airlines that operate containerised aircraft and ULD leasing companies.
Meeting Schedule
IULDUG meets once per year, normally in September.
Terms of Reference
All participants are signatories to the Multilateral Agreement for the Interline Handling and Control of Carrier Owned Aircraft Unit Load Devices
Contact