ITI BLOG

How To Calculate Capacity On Shipping Containers


Plan your global shipments. ITI’s container loading model can help you plan production and shipping by determining how to maximize space in your containers. You can learn more and try it out here. 
When it comes to international manufacturing, optimizing shipping container capacity is a critical factor that will help make your shipping operations more efficient and cost-effective.

However, shipping container optimization is a complicated task that requires experience and expertise. Leverage the knowledge of our team of global shipping experts to learn how to calculate shipping container capacity properly to maximize space and ensure that your goods are shipped efficiently.

What is a Container Load?

A container load describes the maximum amount of cargo that can be loaded into a shipping container. It is determined by the size and weight of the cargo and is usually calculated based on a standard 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container. 

The size and weight of the cargo will determine how many items can fit comfortably in a container load. Container loads are typically used when shipping large quantities of products at once, as they offer cost savings over less efficient methods such as loose freight and bulk shipping. In overseas manufacturing, it is important to understand how much product can fit in one container so you can pack it efficiently. 

How to Calculate Container Load Capacity
To estimate your container load by hand, you’ll need to follow these steps:
  1. Measure the internal container dimensions– the inside length, width, and height, of the shipping container. For instance, the inside of a 20-foot-long container usually measures 19ft 4in long, 7ft 9in wide, and 7ft 10in high. 
  2. Multiply the length, width, and height of your container, so you will know the volume available to load your items. From our dimensions above for a 20-foot container, you will get approximately 1,173 cubic feet. 
  3. Measure each individual box, bin, pallet, or crate to determine the volume of each shipping unit.
  4. Divide 90% of the total shipping volume of the shipping container by the volume of the shipping unit to estimate how many boxes, bins, pallets, or crates will fit inside your container.
  5. Reduce the loading quantity further, as needed, to meet mandated highway transport weight restrictions at the delivery destination.

When planning the loading of your shipping container, you’ll need to fully understand what’s in each box and the limitations of the packing materials. Similar items can be grouped together, while some items can be stacked on top of one another. Fragile items, of course, should not be stacked.

You may also need to consider using dunnage (also known as padding) that will be placed between cargo items to prevent damage. When using dunnage, be sure to wrap your item ahead of time and then measure the volume of each item. This ensures that you correctly calculate exactly how many items the container can hold. 

When importing items from overseas, it’s also important to load items in a way that’s easy for customs inspectors to inspect your container. Shipping containers are most commonly either floor loaded with cartons or pallet loaded. Be mindful of weight distribution within the container, as it could make it unsafe. You’ll also increase your chances of avoiding any exam holds from customs officials who typically examine containers that have been improperly or unprofessionally loaded.

Why Accurate Capacity Calculations Matter

Accurate shipping container calculations are important for any business that relies on the efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods. Accuracy helps ensure that you aren’t overspending on your container shipments and that you can make the most out of every shipping container. 

Without accurate calculations, you may end up paying too much for your shipments, incurring fines for improper loading, or running the risk of having goods arrive late due

to exam holds. Accurate shipping container calculations save money and time, allowing you to focus on other areas of your operations.

Use ITI Manufacturing’s Free Cargo Load Calculator

ITI’s Free Cargo Load Calculator is a useful tool for planning and calculating needed container space for shipping overseas. With just a few clicks, you can quickly determine: 

  • Number of cartons or pallets you can fit in one shipping container
  • The best way to maximize space in a container during loading
  • How to arrange complex loading for multiple SKUs
  • Number of containers needed per shipment

It’s fast, easy, and provided as a courtesy on our website.

When partnering with ITI, optimizing your shipping container loading is handled for you by our in-house experts. We also provide HTS code designation, ocean freight booking, weekly updates of shipment status to ensure delivery satisfaction, ocean freight and rail transit monitoring, US Customs clearance, and all duties and tariffs paid.  Further, we will even arrange local trucking where needed.

Contact us today if you would like more detailed assistance with production and shipment.

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