Freight Tool
Container Utilization Calculator
Enter your carton dimensions, quantity and container type to see how much of the container's volume your cargo would theoretically fill — plus a weight check if you enter a carton weight.
Enter carton dimensions and quantity above to see a utilization estimate.
Theoretical estimate only
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this account for how cartons will actually be stacked or palletized?
No — this is a theoretical volumetric estimate only (total carton CBM against container capacity). Actual loading depends on stacking method, pallet configuration and load securing, so real usable capacity is always a bit lower. Confirm your final loading plan with your freight forwarder before booking.
Why does my utilization show over 100%?
It means the total CBM of your cartons is larger than that container type's internal volume — the quantity you entered won't physically fit in one container. Try a larger container type (e.g. 40ft or 40ft HC) or split the shipment across more than one container.
What does "weight-constrained" mean?
It means your cargo would reach the container's maximum payload weight before its volume is fully used up — common with dense cargo like metal parts, machinery or canned goods. In that case, the container's weight limit — not its floor space — is what actually limits how much you can load.
Which container type should I compare?
Try all three: a 20ft suits smaller or heavier/denser loads, a standard 40ft roughly doubles the 20ft's volume at a similar height, and a 40ft High Cube (HQ) adds about 30cm more height — useful when your cargo is light but bulky and runs out of space before it hits the weight limit.