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Packaging & Loading

Container Loading Calculator

Calculate how many cartons fit into a 20ft, 40ft or 40HC container and see the resulting utilization percentage. Optimize packing before you book the container.

Avoid under-utilized containers

Cost-per-carton visibility

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Cargo dimensions
Enter one carton โ€” we'll model the full container.
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High confidenceยทLast updated: November 2026ยทMarket averages โ€” not a firm quotation.
Maximum cartons
966
Volume/carton 0.0600 CBM
Container utilization
99.9%
57.96 / 58 CBM
Estimated total weight
11,592 kg
Limit 26,500 kg
Remaining space
0.04 CBM
Limited by volume
Within safe range
Recommended: 40HQ
Tradloc AI recommendation

You're using 100% of the 40FT container. A 40HQ is a better fit for this cargo profile.

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Packaging Intelligence ยท Container Load Planning

Container Loading Calculator โ€” Plan Your Container Load Precisely

Tradloc's container loading calculator returns the maximum number of cartons that fit into a 20-ft, 40-ft or 40HC container load, along with utilisation percentage and recommended container size. Right-size the box before you book the freight.

20-ft vs 40-ft vs 40HC

ContainerInternal (L ร— W ร— H)VolumeMax payloadBest for
20-ft dry5.90 ร— 2.35 ร— 2.39 m33 CBM~28 MTDense cargo (metals, minerals, urea)
40-ft dry12.03 ร— 2.35 ร— 2.39 m67 CBM~28 MTVolume-heavy cargo
40-ft HC12.03 ร— 2.35 ร— 2.69 m76 CBM~28 MTBulky, lightweight cargo (polymer bags)

Container loading optimisation

  • Match carton footprint to pallet footprint โ€” waste starts at the box, not the container.
  • Load heavy items on the floor and lighter items on top.
  • Distribute weight evenly across the container to keep the axle load legal at destination.
  • Leave 3โ€“5 cm of shrink-wrap play for cargo shift in transit.
  • Use dunnage bags between pallet rows on partial loads.

Export packing guidelines

  • ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets stamped for GCC entry.
  • Shrink-wrap and strap every pallet before loading.
  • Container inspection: no leaks, no odours, no loose fittings.
  • Photograph the loaded container before sealing.
  • Attach packing list to inside of container door for fast customs inspection.

Related tools & guides

Frequently asked questions

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