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Container load calculator

How many cartons of one size fit in a shipping container? We try every carton orientation, apply your stacking limit and check payload.

Assumption: the theoretical grid fit is the maximum. We also show a practical figure at 85%, a rule of thumb for hand-loading gaps, damaged cartons and dunnage. Your forwarder's load plan wins.
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Method

For each container we test all six carton orientations (or two if the carton must stay upright), fit a simple grid along length × width × height, and keep the best. We then cap by payload: the lower of the volume fit and payload ÷ carton weight. Internal dimensions and payloads follow Hapag-Lloyd's published specs (20': 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m, 30,200 kg; 40': 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m, 28,800 kg; 40' HC: 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m, 28,600 kg). Real limits depend on the carrier, road weight rules and how cargo is palletised. For several carton sizes, use the CBM calculator.