FREE 3D CONTAINER LOAD PLANNER

3D - Container Loading Calculator for Smarter Shipment Planning

Enter your carton dimensions, weight, and quantity to estimate how your cargo may fit inside a 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft high cube container. Review the required container count, total CBM, cargo weight, space utilization, and visual loading plan before booking.

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Container Loading Calculator

Estimate how many containers your cargo needs and analyse space utilization — free, instant, no sign-up.

Select Container

? Choose the container or trailer type. The internal (usable) dimensions and maximum payload are shown below the selector.

Add Your Cargo

Dimensions in centimetres (cm) · weight in kilograms (kg)

Item Name?A short label for this cargo, e.g. “Carton A” or “Machine crate”. Optional — used in the results table.	Length(cm)?The longest horizontal side of ONE unit, in centimetres. Include packaging.	Width(cm)?The shorter horizontal side of ONE unit, in centimetres. Include packaging.	Height(cm)?The vertical side of ONE unit, in centimetres, as it will stand inside the container.	Weight(kg)?Gross weight of ONE unit in kilograms (not the total). Leave 0 if unknown — weight checks will be skipped.	Qty(pcs)?How many identical units of this item you are shipping.	Rotate?Allow the item to be turned on any side to save space. UNTICK for fragile or “this side up” cargo.	Actions

Create a 3D Container Loading Plan in 3 Simple Steps

Enter Cargo Details

Add the dimensions, weight, and quantity for each cargo item.

Choose a Container

Select a 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft high cube container.

Get Instant Results

See the loading layout, total CBM, cargo weight, and space utilization.

Who Can Use This Container Loading Calculator?

Freight Forwarders

Create faster loading plans and provide clients with clearer space and CBM estimates.

Importers

Check container space, plan order volumes, and avoid extra shipping and storage costs.

Exporters

Check container space, plan order volumes, and avoid extra shipping and storage costs.

Warehouse Teams

Prepare loading layouts, stacking plans, and cargo handling before container loading begins.

20ft, 40ft & 40HC Container Specifications

20ft Standard Dry Container

Inside: 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
Door: 2.34 × 2.29 m
Tare: ~2,350 kg
Payload: ~28,130 kg
Volume: ~33.2 m³

40ft Standard Dry Container

Inside: 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
Door: 2.34 × 2.29 m
Tare: ~3,750 kg
Payload: ~28,750 kg
Volume: ~67.7 m³

40ft High Cube Dry Container

Inside: 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m
Door: 2.34 × 2.60 m
Tare: ~3,900 kg
Payload: ~28,600 kg
Volume: ~76.3 m³

20ft vs 40ft Container: Which Size Fits Your Cargo?

20ft Standard

33.2 m³

Internal Volume

~28,130 kg

Max Payload

✅ Better for smaller loads
✅ Lower shipping cost
✅ Easier to handle & transport

40ft Standard

67.7 m³

Internal Volume

~26,730 kg

Max Payload

✅ Better for high-volume cargo
✅ Higher volume, lower cost per unit
✅ Better space optimization

Pro Tip

Choosing the right container can give you up to 2× more usable space and help reduce wasted capacity and unnecessary shipping costs.

Container Loading Calculation: CBM Formula & Key Factors

CBM Formula

CBM per unit = Length × Width × Height ÷ 1,000,000

Key Factors That Affect Container Loading

Package Dimensions

Cargo Quantity

Container Size

Total Weight

Door Clearance

Rotation & Stacking

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the container loading calculator do?

The calculator uses your cargo dimensions, weight, quantity, and rotation settings to estimate how many 20ft, 40ft, or 40HC containers you need. It also creates a 3D loading plan and shows total CBM, loaded pieces, space utilization, weight utilization, and remaining capacity.

Can I add different carton sizes to one loading plan?

Yes. Add each carton, crate, or cargo type as a separate item with its own dimensions, weight, and quantity. The calculator combines them into one loading plan and shows a separate breakdown for every item.

What happens if my cargo needs more than one container?

The calculator estimates the number of containers required and distributes the cargo across them. It also shows how many pieces are loaded, whether any items remain, and the utilization of each container.

Does allowing carton rotation improve container utilization?

It can. When rotation is enabled, the calculator tests different carton orientations to find a more efficient arrangement. Keep rotation disabled for cargo that must remain upright or cannot be turned safely.

Why are volume and weight utilization different?

Volume utilization shows how much container space the cargo occupies, while weight utilization compares cargo weight with the container payload limit. Dense cargo may reach the weight limit before filling the available space.

Can a shipping container be loaded to 100% capacity?

Not always. Small gaps may be required for loading access, cargo securing, packaging variations, ventilation, or safe weight distribution. A high utilization rate is useful, but safe loading should remain the priority.

Is floor loading or palletized loading better?

Floor loading usually fits more cartons into the container, while pallets make handling, unloading, and inventory control easier. The better option depends on cargo type, warehouse equipment, damage risk, and destination requirements.

When should I choose FCL instead of LCL shipping?

FCL is often better when your cargo fills a large part of a container, requires less handling, or needs a dedicated loading plan. LCL may be more suitable for smaller shipments that do not justify booking an entire container.

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