Airport Dollies for
Air Cargo &
ULD Transport
Viking’s airport dollies help ground handlers transport air cargo containers and pallets between cargo terminals and aircraft. Towed in trains by a tug, these trailers form an essential part of an airport’s ground support equipment (GSE).
Our range includes container dollies and pallet dollies with different load capacities, deck configurations and ULD compatibility. Viking designs and manufactures airport dollies in Bacup, near Manchester, drawing on more than 60 years of experience in ground support equipment.
Types of Airport Dollies
- Container (ULD) dollies: Viking’s container dollies are designed to handle different ULD sizes, depending on the model, including LD3 and AKH containers. The range combines robust construction with dedicated container retention systems for secure transport around the airport apron.
- Airport pallet dollies (ULD pallet dollies): Viking offers roller deck and castor deck models for handling aircraft pallets and ULD containers. The range includes the PD-44R and PD-84, each with a load capacity of 7,000 kg, and the PD-20, which handles two 10 ft units, one 16 ft unit or one 20 ft unit, with a load capacity of 20,000 kg.
- Baggage trailers: Viking’s baggage trailers combine a strong, lightweight galvanised steel construction with aluminium chequer plate decking to help retain baggage and allow rainwater drainage. The AB-502 features high ends and a single roof bar for improved access during loading and unloading.
Key Features
- Tow bar with parking brake: The parking brake engages when the tow bar is raised, helping to keep the dolly stationary when parked.
- Roller or castor deck: Viking’s pallet dollies feature roller or castor decks, depending on the model. The PD-44R allows side loading, while the PD-84 supports loading from the side and rear.
- ULD retention systems: Container stops and pallet restraints secure the load during transport. Features vary by model, with the CD-428 offering automatic wedge stops and a pedal operated locking and quick release system.
- Turntable steering: Standard across Viking’s container dolly range, turntable steering helps operators manoeuvre dollies around the apron. It is also available as an option on the PD-44R and PD-84 pallet dollies.
- Robust steel chassis: Viking’s container and pallet dollies feature a welded steel chassis designed to withstand daily airport operations. Galvanised finishes on models such as the CD-48, PD-44R and PD-84 provide corrosion protection.
Advanced Safety Features for safe Cargo Transport
Safety is paramount in airport cargo operations. Viking cargo dollies incorporate multiple safety features to protect both cargo and ground personnel:
- Pallet retention stops: The PD-44R and PD-84 feature wind catcher finger stops as standard to restrain pallets and ULDs against upward and lateral movement during transport.
- Container retention systems: The CD-428 and CD-728 combine automatic wedge stops during loading with ULD locking handles and a pedal operated locking and quick release system.
- Visibility markings: The CD-48, CD-54 and CD-72 feature fluorescent corner markings and hazard stripes. The CD-428 and CD-728 incorporate visual danger zone signage and Viking’s Red Zone concept.
- Operator protection: The CD-428 and CD-728 feature a raised safety plate with handle, an anti-step-through barrier and unloading from one side to help reduce the need to step between trailers.
- Tow bar operated parking brakes: Raising the tow bar activates the parking brake on the container dollies and the PD-44R and PD-84 pallet dollies, helping to keep them stationary when parked.
Baggage trailer specifications
| Model | Load capacity | Maximum length | Maximum width | Trailer weight | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB-501 | 1,440 kg | 3,950 mm | 1,530 mm | 360 kg | Open deck with low ends |
| AB-502 | 1,410 kg | 3,950 mm | 1,530 mm | 360 kg | High ends with a single roof bar |
Both models feature a galvanised steel chassis, aluminium chequer plate decking and a parking brake operated through the tow bar.
Container dolly specifications
| Model | Load capacity | Maximum length | Maximum width | Compatible containers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD-428 | 2,500 kg | 2,490 mm | 1,778 mm | LD3, AKH |
| CD-728 | 3,000 kg | 4,024 mm | 1,778 mm | LD1, LD3, AKH, LD6, LD8, LD11, or two LD3 containers facing the same direction |
| CD-48 | 1,900 kg | 1,730 mm | 2,640 mm | LD1, LD2, LD3, LD4 |
| CD-54 | 2,400 kg | 1,730 mm | 3,000 mm | LD1, LD3, LD4, LD8, or two LD2 containers |
| CD-72 | 3,200 kg | 1,730 mm | 4,015 mm | LD1, LD4, LD6, LD8, LD11, two LD2 or two LD3 containers |
Specifications and container compatibility vary by model.
Pallet dolly specifications
| Model | Load capacity | Maximum length | Maximum width | Deck and loading configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PD-44R | 7,000 kg | 2,700 mm | 3,350 mm | Roller deck with side loading |
| PD-84 | 7,000 kg | 2,670 mm | 3,380 mm | Castor deck with side and rear loading |
| PD-20 | 20,000 kg | 6,580 mm | 2,673 mm | Four roller lanes, handling two 10 ft units, one 16 ft unit or one 20 ft unit |
The PD-44R and PD-84 accommodate pallet sizes of 125 × 96 inches, 125 × 88 inches and 108 × 88 inches, or two LD1 or two LD3 containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
An airport dolly is an unpowered flatbed trailer used airside to transport ULDs, cargo pallets and baggage between the terminal and the aircraft. Airport dollies are towed in trains by a tug.
container dolly is sized for lower-deck containers such as LD3s. A pallet dolly has a larger deck for aircraft pallets up to 20 ft and a higher load capacity.
Depending on the type, from approx. 3,500 kg for container dollies up to approx. 20,000 kg for heavy pallet dollies.
Price depends on type, deck size, load capacity and options such as a turntable deck or tracking. Contact us for a quote based on your fleet requirements.
Dollies in the Air Cargo Handling Chain
Viking’s container and pallet dollies connect terminal handling systems with aircraft loading equipment. Within the terminal, powered roller decks support ULD movement and transfer. Dollies then transport containers and pallets across the apron, with dedicated retention systems securing each load during towing. Viking offers different deck configurations and load capacities to suit the ULD types used in each operation.
Buying Airport Cargo Dollies?
We’ll help you choose the right dolly for your ground operation:
- Container, pallet or baggage dollies?
- Which ULD types and load capacities?
- Options such as turntable decks, roller beds or tracking
- Compatibility with your loaders, tugs and terminal equipment