Types of Unit Loads.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

standard general purpose pallets, skids, runners, or

pallet-type base will be in accordance with MILSTD-147

(Palletized Unit Loads).

c. Bonded unit load. Frequently, because of the

type of material or items to be transported, or because

of shocks and movement which may occur while in

transit, it will be necessary to bond the items comprising

the unit load. The items will be formed into a bonded

unit load (with or without a pallet) by means of adhesive,

strapping, edge protectors, or other storage aids

designed for this purpose (fig 3-55). The bonded load

will be designed to remain as a unit from the place of

assembly to the ultimate place of use throughout all

phases of storage, handling, and shipment.

Figure 3-54. Cartons palletized close to stock for

unit handling.

c. Practical limits to the application of unit loads

include the physical characteristics of the items, size of

pallet, storage area, elevators (size and capacity), size

of doors, capacities of available MHE, and aisle widths.

d. Generally, large rigid items such as lumber,

pipe, and bar stock need not be palletized, but can be

bound into unit loads for mechanical handling As much

tonnage as possible will be hauled in a single trip.

e. The unit load principle can also be applied to

the design of the container for individual units or items.

For example, a 50-pound unit can be handled in less

time and at less cost per pound than two 25-pound units.

However, the weight of any unit or container that must

be eventually manhandled will be limited by the strength

of the average man. For this reason, the gross weight

Figure 3-55. Bonded unit load.

of these containers or units should be limited to no more

d. Nonbonded unit load. Nonbonded unit loads will

than 70 pounds where possible.

be a type or shape that can be deposited, without

bonding, or a load base and transported as a unit during

normal handling and storage operations (fig 3-56).

3-87. Types of Unit Loads.

a. Unit load. A unit load is normally composed of

two or more pieces or containers handled as a single

unit. Generally, the unit load will be supported on a

pallet or on a base so designed that the load can be

picked up from any direction by mechanized handling

equipment. When a special base is not provided, the

material will be arranged and tied in such a manner that

handling as a unit load will be possible.

b. Palletized and containerized unit loads.

Definitions, methods, materials, and techniques

concerning palletized and containerized unit loads on

3-86