05/12/05 APPENDIX G. 463L PALLET.

The 463L cargo system includes the pallets, nets, MHE, and aircraft rail/roller systems. The pallet is made of aluminum skin with a wood or fiberglass core and is framed on all sides by aluminum rails. The rails have 22 tie-down rings attached with 6 rings on each long side and 5 ring on each short side. Each ring has a 7,500 pound capacity. The overall dimensions of the 463L pallet are 88 X 108 inches, with usable dimensions of 84 X 104 inches. This allows two inches around the load to attach straps, nets, or other restraint devices. An empty 463L pallet weighs 290 pounds and 355 pounds with nets.

There are three nets to a set: one top net (yellow/tan) and two side nets (green/black). The side nets attach to the rings of the 463L pallet and the top net attaches by hooks to the rings on the side nets. Nets may be tightened using the adjustment points. The 463L pallet system and nets will restrain up to 10,000 pounds of general cargo 96 inches high.

Begin building the pallet by placing three points of dunnage (4 X 4 X 88 inches) underneath the pallet. Start with the heaviest cargo, and distribute the weight out from the center. This will keep the pallet from becoming too heavy on one end and help maintain the pallet CE. Position cargo right side up with special handling labels facing out. Load in a square or pyramid shape whenever possible to make the load stable. Cover the pallet with a plastic 463L pallet cover, NSN 3990-00-930-1480.

Before using the nets, lay them out and inspect for severability. Do not use nets that are torn, rotten, have loose stitching, or have bad or missing hooks. Only one bad strap or hook is enough to make the entire net unserviceable.

Identify the long side (6 hooks) and short side (5 hooks) of the net and position so the hooks point inward while attached to the pallet rings. Place the two side nets around the cargo and fasten the hooks to the rings on the pallet. Make sure the straps of the net cross at the corners. Pull the net as high over the cargo as possible, but do not tighten the straps until the top net is hooked in place.

Center the top net over the cargo, with the long and short sides lined up to the side nets. Hook the top net into the side nets using the O-rings located at the top and middle portion of the nets. Never use the bottom O-rings to secure the top net. Top net hooks should face inward, unless cargo can be damaged by the hooks. When the top net is in place, two people should pull evenly on all the straps opposite of each other to tighten the top net. Tuck the loose ends of the straps into the netting to prevent snagging during loading operations.

Mark pallets on adjacent sides with a military shipment label (DD Form 1387), and any required documents such as hazardous cargo declaration, or other identification markings. Ensure items are placed in a weather-proof shipping envelope or on a pallet identification board.

Pallets are available to units planning or executing an air movement through their TO from AMC. The user is responsible for building 463L pallets and may be responsible for loading them onto aircraft. FM 55-9 provides detailed guidance on pallet building and documentation.