Air Cargo Casters

Load capacity depends on the total weight of the loaded container or cart divided by the number of casters. ULD dollies typically require casters rated between 800 and 2,000 lbs each. Always calculate based on the maximum gross weight of the heaviest load the equipment will carry, and add a 25% safety margin to account for dynamic forces during transport.

Polyurethane wheels are the most common choice for air cargo applications because they combine high load capacity with floor protection and chemical resistance. For rough outdoor tarmac surfaces, phenolic or heavy-duty nylon wheels provide excellent durability. Rubber-on-iron wheels offer shock absorption for fragile cargo but may wear faster on abrasive surfaces.

Yes. Ground support equipment is regularly exposed to rain, snow, de-icing chemicals, jet fuel residue, and cleaning solvents. Stainless steel or zinc-plated caster frames and hardware significantly extend service life compared to uncoated steel. Sealed bearings also prevent moisture intrusion that causes premature bearing failure.

Total-lock brakes (also called face-contact brakes) are recommended for ramp and apron environments because they lock both the wheel rotation and the swivel simultaneously. This prevents the dolly from rolling or drifting on inclines. Side-lock brakes that only stop wheel rotation may not hold on sloped surfaces.

Air cargo casters are purpose-built to handle the unique challenges of aviation logistics. They must support heavy static and dynamic loads—often exceeding 1,000 lbs per caster—while providing precise swivel action for navigating tight spaces inside aircraft holds and cargo terminals. Many applications require total-lock brakes that hold loads securely on sloped ramp surfaces, and corrosion-resistant materials that withstand exposure to jet fuel, de-icing fluid, and outdoor weather conditions year-round.

Caster Central carries a full range of air cargo casters in swivel, rigid, and braking configurations. Whether you are outfitting ULD dollies, baggage tug trailers, or cargo staging racks, our team can help you match the right load rating, wheel diameter, and mounting style to your specific ground support application. Browse our air cargo caster selection or contact us for volume pricing on fleet-wide rollouts.