A PMC / P6P is a 96-inch air-cargo pallet, not a closed shipping container. Its outside base, usable build-up area, permitted height and gross weight are separate planning inputs. There is no single cargo height or payload that applies to every aircraft position.
PMC pallet dimensions: outside base versus usable area
The Lufthansa Cargo Pallets, Containers and Fleet brochure, September 2023, lists a 318 x 244 cm outside base, 304 x 231 cm usable area, 101 kg standard tare excluding the net and 6,804 kg maximum gross mass. Those values are a specific published reference, not approval to use that mass or height on every flight.
Keep freight, packaging and any wooden pallet within the handler’s permitted build-up area. The metal edge needed for the restraint system is not automatically available for cargo. A cargo item that fits the outside pallet rectangle may still be unsuitable.
How CBM3’s PMC profile differs
| Software assumption | CBM3 11.63.56 value |
|---|---|
| Rectangular planning area | 304 x 230 cm |
| Planning height | 160 cm |
| Gross / tare / restraint allowance | 5,035 / 120 / 15 kg |
| Calculated cargo allowance | 4,900 kg |
These are product-profile assumptions, not an alternative published PMC specification. The calculation 5,035 – 120 – 15 = 4,900 kg explains the software allowance only. Its rectangular build-up does not model every aircraft contour, net installation, localized floor load or restraint requirement. A lower configured mass is not proof of operational suitability.
Plan the goods, not just the pallet footprint
- Obtain the permitted build-up contour, total height and mass limit for the booked position.
- Measure each finished handling unit, including packaging and any base already attached.
- Keep loaded pallets upright. Do not apply Full 3D Rotation to turn a pallet over or on its side.
- Include actual tare and restraint materials once, rather than adding the same equipment weight twice.
- Review quantities and floor placement, then have the handler confirm the complete build-up and restraint arrangement.
The 3D planner can help compare an entered set of items within its configured model. For cargo already built on wooden pallets, the loaded-pallet workflow explains the different task of entering complete handling units. It does not convert a sea-container plan into aircraft acceptance.
A simple area calculation
Using CBM3’s 304 x 230 cm planning rectangle gives 6.992 m2 before placement gaps. Two non-stacked handling units measuring 120 x 80 cm each occupy 1.92 m2 in total. Comparing those two areas alone cannot establish their loading path, restraint clearance or suitability at a given height. This is arithmetic, not a packing result.
Common PMC questions
Is a PMC the same size as an LD7 pallet?
No. The 96-inch and 88-inch tasks must be kept separate. Compare the LD7 / 88-inch guide before choosing a profile.
Can the 6,804 kg reference be entered as cargo weight?
Not without subtracting the applicable equipment and restraint masses and checking the operational limit. Gross mass and cargo mass are different quantities.
Reference and review scope
Named reference: Lufthansa Cargo, Pallets, Containers and Fleet, September 2023, PMC table on printed page 5. Reference and frozen software values checked on 9 October 2026. This page does not certify a pallet, aircraft position or loading arrangement.
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.