FD
Freight Decision Tools

Container Loading Calculator

Estimate how many uniform cartons fit inside standard 20GP, 40GP, and 40HC shipping containers using orthogonal 3D packing orientations, door clearance validation, and container payload weight limits.

Carton Dimensions & Weight

Enter individual carton dimensions and weight. Evaluates orthogonal packing against representative container internal dimensions and door limits. Actual container specifications can vary and the CSC/container plate should control.

Container Selection:
Container Capacity ComparisonEstimated orthogonal packing capacity • 20GP vs 40GP vs 40HC
20' Standard
392Estimated cartons capacity
Limiting: Space / geometry
Volume Util. at Estimated Full Load:70.8%
Payload Util. at Estimated Full Load:13.9%
40' Standard
840Estimated cartons capacity
Limiting: Space / geometry
Volume Util. at Estimated Full Load:74.4%
Payload Util. at Estimated Full Load:31.4%
40' High Cube
1,050Estimated cartons capacity
Limiting: Space / geometry
Volume Util. at Estimated Full Load:82.6%
Payload Util. at Estimated Full Load:39.5%

Detailed Orthogonal Breakdown & Container Specs

Detailed carton layout counts, door clearance validation, and weight utilization per container model.

20ft Standard Dry Container (20' GP)

22G1
Internal: 5.90m (L) × 2.35m (W) × 2.39m (H) • Volume: 33.2 CBM • Max Payload: 28,250 kg
Final Estimated Capacity392 cartons
By Orthogonal Space:392Cartons by 3D geometry
By Payload Weight Limit:2,825Max @ 10 kg/carton
Volume Utilization:70.8%23.52 / 33.2 CBM
Payload Utilization:13.9%3,920 / 28,250 kg
Optimal Orthogonal Carton Orientation:Placed as 400 mm (L) × 500 mm (W) × 300 mm (H)
Cartons along Length:1414 × 400 mm = 5600 mm / 5898 mm
Cartons along Width:44 × 500 mm = 2000 mm / 2352 mm
Cartons along Height:77 × 300 mm = 2100 mm / 2393 mm
Formula: 14 (L) × 4 (W) × 7 (H) = 392 cartons fit by space✓ Clears Door Aperture

40ft Standard Dry Container (40' GP)

42G1
Internal: 12.03m (L) × 2.35m (W) × 2.39m (H) • Volume: 67.7 CBM • Max Payload: 26,740 kg
Final Estimated Capacity840 cartons
By Orthogonal Space:840Cartons by 3D geometry
By Payload Weight Limit:2,674Max @ 10 kg/carton
Volume Utilization:74.4%50.40 / 67.7 CBM
Payload Utilization:31.4%8,400 / 26,740 kg
Optimal Orthogonal Carton Orientation:Placed as 500 mm (L) × 400 mm (W) × 300 mm (H)
Cartons along Length:2424 × 500 mm = 12000 mm / 12032 mm
Cartons along Width:55 × 400 mm = 2000 mm / 2352 mm
Cartons along Height:77 × 300 mm = 2100 mm / 2393 mm
Formula: 24 (L) × 5 (W) × 7 (H) = 840 cartons fit by space✓ Clears Door Aperture

40ft High Cube Dry Container (40' HC)

45G1
Internal: 12.03m (L) × 2.35m (W) × 2.70m (H) • Volume: 76.3 CBM • Max Payload: 26,580 kg
Final Estimated Capacity1,050 cartons
By Orthogonal Space:1,050Cartons by 3D geometry
By Payload Weight Limit:2,658Max @ 10 kg/carton
Volume Utilization:82.6%63.00 / 76.3 CBM
Payload Utilization:39.5%10,500 / 26,580 kg
Optimal Orthogonal Carton Orientation:Placed as 400 mm (L) × 300 mm (W) × 500 mm (H)
Cartons along Length:3030 × 400 mm = 12000 mm / 12032 mm
Cartons along Width:77 × 300 mm = 2100 mm / 2352 mm
Cartons along Height:55 × 500 mm = 2500 mm / 2698 mm
Formula: 30 (L) × 7 (W) × 5 (H) = 1050 cartons fit by space✓ Clears Door Aperture

Understanding Orthogonal Packing & Practical Constraints

1. Orthogonal Permutations

A rectangular 3D box can be oriented in up to 6 spatial directions. When rotation is allowed, our engine tests all 6 permutations along container internal length, width, and height to identify the arrangement that maximizes total units.

2. Door Opening Limits

Container door frames are slightly smaller than the internal interior walls (typically 2,340 mm width × 2,280 mm height on standard boxes). Any box that exceeds door clearance is strictly rejected by our system.

3. Space vs Payload Tipping Point

Light cargo (apparel, toys) fills the container cubic volume before hitting weight limits. Dense cargo (machinery, liquids, metal) hits max payload (26,000–28,000 kg) while leaving significant empty space.

📋Important Stowage Notice: Estimated Orthogonal Packing Capacity

Actual loadability can differ because of carton deformation, loading access, securing, pallets, voids, container condition and operational constraints. Confirm final loading with your warehouse, carrier or freight forwarder.

Container calculations use representative container internal dimensions and door limits. Actual container specifications can vary and the CSC/container plate should control.

Calculate shipment CBM with these carton dimensions →Compare LCL vs FCL freight costs →

ISO 668 Container Specifications & Loading Methodology

Container TypeInternal Dimensions (L × W × H)Door Opening (W × H)Internal VolumeMax PayloadTare Weight
20' Standard (22G1)5.90m × 2.35m × 2.39m2.34m × 2.28m33.2 CBM28,250 kg2,230 kg
40' Standard (42G1)12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m2.34m × 2.28m67.7 CBM26,740 kg3,740 kg
40' High Cube (45G1)12.03m × 2.35m × 2.70m2.34m × 2.58m76.3 CBM26,580 kg3,900 kg

1. Broken Stowage & Voids

In real-world floor loading, carton bulging, corrugated compression, securing dunnage, and human packing imperfections typically produce a 5% to 15% reduction from theoretical orthogonal capacity.

2. Payload vs Tare Weight

40ft standard and high-cube containers have higher empty tare weight (3,740–3,900 kg) than 20ft containers (2,230 kg). Under uniform ISO 30,480 kg max gross rating, a 20ft container can actually carry more payload (28,250 kg vs 26,740 kg).

3. Palletization Considerations

If cargo is palletized on standard Euro (1200×800 mm) or Standard ISO/US (1200×1000 mm) pallets, total units will decrease significantly due to wooden pallet base volume and standardized row gaps.

Container Dimensions Reference →20ft vs 40ft vs 40HC Guide →
Review calculation methodology →

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