Container Loading Calculator with 3D Load Plan
Upload a packing list or enter carton sizes to compare 20GP, 40GP and 40HQ containers, estimate space and payload use, and visualize a practical loading plan.
Plan cartons before you book the container
Use packed outer-carton measurements and gross weight. The calculator compares standard container sizes and creates a browser-based planning visualization.
Private by design: spreadsheet data is read in your browser and is not uploaded to SourcingXpro.
Choose a container plan
Compare all standard options or calculate a specific container size.
Already have a packing list?
Import .xlsx, .xls or .csv and review the recognized carton rows above.
Interactive loading plan
Planning estimate only. Real loading must account for carton strength, complete support, weight distribution, lashing, dangerous goods, moisture protection, container condition and local safety rules. Confirm final container specifications with the carrier or freight forwarder.
From packing list to loading plan
The tool turns shipment data into a container comparison and an initial arrangement that your warehouse and freight partner can review.
Add packed carton data
Import Excel or CSV, or enter each SKU with outside dimensions, quantity and gross weight.
Compare container options
Review the number of containers, estimated volume use and payload use for standard equipment.
Review the 3D plan
Inspect the cargo arrangement from different views before confirming the warehouse loading method.
Compare 20GP, 40GP and 40HQ containers
See the relative size, usable volume and planning payload before reviewing the exact dimensions.
20GP
Standard
- Inside dimensions
- 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
- Nominal volume
- 33.2 CBM
- Planning payload
- 28,200 kg
- Typical fit
- Dense cargo
Often practical for smaller-volume shipments where cargo weight is relatively high.
40GP
Standard
- Inside dimensions
- 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
- Nominal volume
- 67.7 CBM
- Planning payload
- 26,700 kg
- Typical fit
- General cargo
Provides roughly twice the internal volume of a 20GP for higher-volume cargo.
40HQ
High cube
- Inside dimensions
- 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m
- Nominal volume
- 76.3 CBM
- Planning payload
- 26,500 kg
- Typical fit
- Light bulky cargo
Adds useful height for cartons that cube out before reaching the payload limit.
Internal volume comparison
Nominal cubic capacity used by this planning tool.
Planning payload comparison
Payload does not increase in proportion to container volume.
Planning insight: Choose by both volume and weight. A 40HQ offers the most cubic space, but dense cargo may reach the payload limit before filling that space.
Standard container dimensions used
Values are representative planning dimensions. Carrier equipment can vary, especially door openings and payload limits.
| Container | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height | Nominal capacity | Planning payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 5.90 m | 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 33.2 CBM | 28,200 kg |
| 40GP | 12.03 m | 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 67.7 CBM | 26,700 kg |
| 40HQ | 12.03 m | 2.35 m | 2.70 m | 76.3 CBM | 26,500 kg |
What this calculator can and cannot decide
Container loading is a three-dimensional packing problem. The tool uses a packing heuristic to produce a practical estimate, but several arrangements may be possible and the mathematically best result is not always the safest warehouse loading sequence.
- Use finished outer-carton dimensions, not product dimensions.
- Enter gross carton weight including packaging.
- Keep crushable, fragile or liquid cartons upright where required.
- Check axle, floor-load and center-of-gravity requirements with the carrier.
- Allow operational clearance near the doors when the loading method needs it.
Container loading calculator FAQ
How do I calculate how many cartons fit in a container?
Enter the packed carton length, width, height and quantity. The calculator checks three-dimensional placement as well as the container payload limit, then reports the planned and unpacked cartons.
Can I upload an Excel packing list?
Yes. Upload an XLSX, XLS or CSV file containing item or SKU, carton dimensions, quantity and gross weight. The file is processed locally in your browser and the imported rows remain editable.
Should cartons be allowed to rotate?
Only allow rotations that are safe for the product and packaging. Cartons containing liquids, fragile assemblies or products with an upright requirement should use the upright or no-rotation setting.
Why is a container full before all CBM is used?
Carton dimensions may leave unusable gaps, and payload weight can be reached before the theoretical volume. Door clearance, stacking support and loading rules can also reduce usable capacity.
Is the 3D loading plan guaranteed to be optimal?
No. Three-dimensional bin packing is a complex optimization problem. The result is a planning estimate produced by a packing heuristic and must be reviewed against real handling and safety requirements.
What information is needed for a container shipping quote?
Provide the packing list, product description, total cartons, gross weight, cargo volume, pickup location, destination, Incoterm and required shipping date.
Turn the loading plan into a shipping quote
Share your packing list, origin, destination and required delivery date. We will review the cargo profile and recommend a practical shipping plan.