For the SWISS WorldCargo LD11 pallet reference, PLA/PLB identifies a usable loading area of 304 x 139 cm and a maximum height of 160 cm. Those cargo dimensions are not the outside dimensions of every LD11 unit. Start with the exact pallet, aircraft position and operator instructions, then use a software arrangement as a preliminary planning aid.
Open the SWISS LD11 planning profile. Enter the cargo carried on the ULD, not another nominal LD11 rectangle as a cargo item. Do not enable another palletization layer simply because the load space is already an aircraft pallet.
LD11 dimensions, gross weight and cargo allowance
| Item | SWISS reference | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| ULD designation | LD11, PLA / PLB | Confirm the exact unit and operator |
| Usable loading area | 304 x 139 cm | Cargo area, not the full outer base |
| Maximum reference height | 160 cm | Check the permitted build-up for the flight |
| Tare range | 90-116 kg | Use actual equipment mass for release |
| Maximum reference gross mass | 3,175 kg | Includes the unit, not cargo alone |
CBM3 11.63.56 uses a 304 x 139 x 160 cm planning envelope and a 3,059 kg cargo limit. The latter is 3,175 minus 116 kg, using the upper end of the reference tare range. It is a software allowance, not a guarantee that 3,059 kg can be accepted on a particular flight. Reconcile the actual pallet, nets, straps, dunnage and other included masses without omitting or double-counting them.
The software catalogue’s nominal volume is 6.5 m3. Multiplying the rectangular envelope gives 6.76096 m3; neither number guarantees that your carton mix will fit. The envelope, published nominal volume and actual accepted build-up are different concepts.
How many cartons fit on an LD11 pallet?
Enter the number you intend to ship, not a volume-derived estimate. The examples below were recorded using the frozen CBM3 11.63.56 standard engine on 9 October 2026, Europe/Istanbul. They are synthetic planning-envelope tests, not measured air-cargo build-ups.
Example 1: twenty-four small cartons
For 24 cartons of 50 x 40 x 40 cm at 10 kg each, with Horizontal Only and stacking permitted, the run placed 24 units in one LD11 envelope with none unplaced. Cargo volume was 1.92 m3 and cargo mass 240 kg. The actual shipment gross mass also includes the ULD and applicable restraint materials.
Example 2: four upright, non-stackable units
For 4 units of 120 x 80 x 100 cm at 200 kg each, with Horizontal Only and stacking disabled, the run distributed 2 units to each of two envelopes. All 4 were accounted for, with 400 kg cargo in each space. This records one found arrangement; it does not establish the minimum number of ULDs or aircraft positions.
Before turning a 3D layout into a build-up instruction
- Confirm that the selected LD11 type is accepted on the route and assigned position.
- Check the actual unit’s condition, identification and permitted build-up with the handler.
- Use packaged dimensions and realistic carton stacking strength. Keep This Side Up where required.
- Review cargo distribution, support, local loads, nets and restraints separately from geometric fit.
- Reconcile actual gross mass and the aircraft-position limit with the operator. A higher catalogue maximum does not override a lower operational limit.
The calculation does not certify aircraft weight and balance, ULD airworthiness, restraint strength or a movement path through the aircraft door. Do not infer those approvals from a fully placed result or from the estimated centre-of-gravity display.
LD11 compared with LD7
The protected CBM3 LD7 profile is wider: 304 x 210 x 160 cm versus the LD11 profile’s 304 x 139 x 160 cm. That makes them different planning inputs, not interchangeable bookings. Compare them only when the operator permits both options for your route. The LD7 guide explains its separate weight allowance.
Common questions
Should I enter the outside pallet dimensions as the cargo area?
No. Use the operator’s permitted cargo envelope. Base fittings, restraint attachment space and loading-position restrictions may limit the area available to cargo.
Is Full 3D safe for an already loaded ULD?
Do not rotate the complete aircraft pallet onto another face. For loose cargo rows, permit additional orientations only when the goods and packaging allow them. Keep existing handling rules intact.
Named references and review
Reference: SWISS WorldCargo Service Guide, Summer 2026, LD11 details on printed page 69 and the position-limit note on page 68; CBM3 11.63.56 catalogue and synthetic example record. Reviewed 9 October 2026. This is operator-scoped reference material, not an aircraft-position approval. Return to the loading-space guides for other equipment.
How to inspect and hand over a loading plan
Use the selected plan and the complete shipment data. Recheck the result after changing cargo, equipment or handling rules.
See every cargo unit in context
Search the cargo inventory, focus on an item and switch between realistic, operational, top and side views. Inspect pallet layers and height sections.
The inventory separates requested units, units in the selected container, units in other containers and unplaced units. Select a row to find its cargo in the scene; playback and height sections show only part of the complete plan.
Use pallet details to inspect full, partial and mixed pallets. A height section filters the view; it does not remove cargo from the plan. Vehicle bodies and wheels provide visual context.
Prepare clearer warehouse instructions
Use product colors and short codes, named groups and delivery stops. Choose a summary or warehouse PDF for the selected plan.
Assign product colors and short codes to connect the cargo table, 3D view and reports. Group and stop names improve instructions; apply the appropriate loading rules when a sequence must be enforced.
Compare verified alternatives and review any manual moves. A manual reallocation affects the current preview and PDF; saved or shared inputs recalculate the automatic arrangement when reopened. Export again after changes.
Read the estimated center of gravity
Review longitudinal, lateral and height coordinates from known cargo and pallet masses. Check the displayed origin and units before comparing plans.
The estimate assumes each item's mass is centered and excludes vehicle tare. Missing or stale additional-material records can leave the complete-load assessment unavailable; explicitly declare none when no extra materials are present.
Coordinates use the load-space frame, not road height. For Step Deck, X starts at the raised front end and Y at the lower-deck datum; axle-form distances run from the rear toward the cab.
Distinguish the loading unit from its carrying vehicle
This loading unit alone does not define an axle configuration.
Inspect cargo and pallet weight distribution in this loading space. A container, swap body or air-cargo unit does not identify the road chassis, rail wagon or aircraft carrying it.
Axle estimates are available after selecting a supported complete road or rail vehicle. Enter its actual mounting positions, full empty reactions and applicable limits; do not reuse a trailer reference as container or aircraft approval.