Container Loading Calculator — 20' · 40' · 40' HC (estimated)

From box size and weight, find the estimated number of cartons a container holds and its fill.

Formula

ESTIMATED — simple stacking. Container interior volume (m³) = length × width × height. 20' = 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 ≈ 33.14 m³ · payload limit 28,200 kg. 40' = 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 ≈ 67.57 m³ · payload limit 26,600 kg. 40' HC = 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 ≈ 76.04 m³ · payload limit 26,500 kg. Box volume (m³) = (length_cm ÷ 100) × (width_cm ÷ 100) × (height_cm ÷ 100). By volume = floor(container_volume ÷ box_volume) · By weight = floor(payload_limit ÷ box_kg) · Count = the smaller of the two. Fill % = count × box_volume ÷ container_volume (gapless theoretical upper bound).

Worked example

60 × 40 × 30 cm, 20 kg carton, 40' container. Box volume = 0.6 × 0.4 × 0.3 = 0.072 m³. By volume = floor(67.57 ÷ 0.072) = 938 · By weight = floor(26,600 ÷ 20) = 1,330. Count = min(938, 1,330) = 938 (volume is the limit). Load = 938 × 20 = 18,760 kg. Fill ≈ 100% (theoretical). Real stowage drops this because of pallet gaps and orientation.

Estimated — indicative value.

Frequently asked questions

How many rolls fit in a 40' container?

It depends on the roll/carton size and weight. A 40' container offers ≈ 67.57 m³ and a 26,600 kg payload limit; the tool divides those by your box volume and weight, then takes the smaller. For a 0.072 m³, 20 kg carton that is an estimated 938 units.

What is the difference between a 20' and a 40'?

A 20' container carries ≈ 33.14 m³ / 28,200 kg, a 40' ≈ 67.57 m³ / 26,600 kg. The 40' gives roughly double the volume but a similar payload limit — so for heavy cartons the binding limit is often weight, not volume.

Why choose a 40' HC?

A 40' HC (High Cube) is 30 cm taller than a standard 40' (2.69 m interior height), giving ≈ 76.04 m³. It is preferred for light but bulky fabric rolls because it allows one more stacking layer.

Why is the result estimated?

The calculation assumes simple stacking; actual loading varies with pallet size, carton orientation, stacking pattern and door clearance. Contact us for an exact load plan and shipping quote.