Cargo handling and carrying capacity
The fuselage cross-section of the 747-400 freighter is designed to carry the maximum amount of cargo with a minimum total container weight, and has more cargo volume than its predecessor, the 747-200. The freighter is fitted with a main deck side cargo door, nose cargo door, lower cargo compartment doors, and bulk cargo compartment door. This provides significant flexibility and enables the aircraft to be loaded and unloaded quickly from multiple ground positions.
Boeing 747 freighters are the only commercial aircraft in the world with a nose cargo door. This distinct feature provides operators with the flexibility to carry extremely tall or long cargo without having to disassemble or bend it, enables the efficient use of the aircraft’s large internal volume, and reduces loading time for all shipments.Â
Pallets or containers up to 40 feet can be loaded straight in on motor-driven rollers.
The 747-400F can carry up to 30, 96 x 125-inch pallets or 30, 88 x 125-inch pallets on the main deck and 32 standard LD-1 containers and additional bulk cargo in the lower cargo hold.
Due to a redesigned upper deck floor and relocation of the upper deck ladder, the 747-400F can carry two additional pallets on the main cargo deck compared to earlier models.
