A unit load is a group of goods assembled so that it can be handled as one unit. In pallet shipping, it commonly includes the products, their packaging, the pallet and the materials securing the shipment. The term describes the whole assembly, rather than just the wooden base or the weight of the goods.
Thinking in terms of a unit load helps clarify a specification: the pallet dimensions, carton arrangement, support points and securing method need to work together. Changing one part of the assembly can change how the complete shipment behaves. For example, using a different carton pattern may change where weight reaches the deck. Our guide to protecting products during shipping discusses the broader packaging context.