The freight is secured in Unit Load Devices (ULDs), such as containers and pallets or restrained with nets as bulk cargo to stop shifting in flight, because shifting loads would affect the CG position, quite possibly causing an accident or damage to the airframe from inside.

Pallets and load spreading devices make freight handling easier and also act to spread the load reducing the problems arising from floor distribution load and running load limits.

Where the freight dimensions are unsuitable (large and irregularly shaped) for container ULD, pallets with load spreading bars are used. The freight is secured with a cargo net and covered with a fire containment blanket if required.

Palletised cargo avoids any movement during the flight and is a quicker method of loading the aircraft than bulk cargo.