Add one or several cargo types — boxes, pallets, crates, drums, big bags. We’ll show in 3D how they stow into the container (each type in its own colour), where the doors are, how much fits and how much “air” is left. The model can be rotated and zoomed.
Dimensions in cm, weight in kg. You can add several cargo types.
Fill in valid dimensions and quantity.
This is a quick estimator. We stow each cargo type in dense rows from the far wall (the larger one first), and push incomplete remainders and empty space towards the doors. It does not account for axle weight balance, centre of gravity, fragility, stackability or the discharge order.
For an exact calculation and real loading optimisation we use professional load planning software and a logistician’s experience. Book a free check-up — we’ll draw up a plan for your specific cargo and show where you save.
A free check-up: we’ll draw up a real loading plan and show where you overpay for “air” and extra containers.
The calculator counts volume. But on a real sailing it is not volume that stops you, it is weight — and two different limits: the container’s rated payload and road weight control on the road leg. Here are both.
| Parameter | 20'GP (22G1) | 40'GP (42G1) | 40'HC (45G1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal length | 5.90 m | 12.03 m | 12.03 m |
| Internal width | 2.35 m | 2.35 m | 2.35 m |
| Internal height | 2.39 m | 2.39 m | 2.69 m |
| Internal volume | ≈ 33 m³ | ≈ 67 m³ | ≈ 76 m³ |
| Maximum gross weight | 30,480 kg | 30,480 kg | 32,500 kg |
| Tare (empty container) | ≈ 2,250 kg | ≈ 3,750 kg | ≈ 3,900 kg |
| Payload (rated) | ≈ 28,200 kg | ≈ 26,700 kg | ≈ 28,600 kg |
| EUR pallets 1200×800 in one tier | 11 | 25 | 25 |
Swipe the table sideways →
Payload = maximum gross weight minus tare. Tare differs between manufacturers and series by 100–200 kg — the exact figure is always written on the doors of the specific container. For example, on the 45G1 from our case: tare 3,700 kg, max gross 32,500 kg, PAYLOAD 28,800 kg.
The rated payload of a 20'GP is about 28,200 kg: maximum gross weight of 30,480 kg minus a tare of ~2,250 kg. The exact figure for a specific container is written on its doors.
A 40'GP — about 26,700 kg (max gross 30,480 kg minus a tare of ~3,750 kg). A 40'HC — about 28,600 kg, because its maximum gross weight is higher: 32,500 kg. In other words, a standard 40-footer takes less than a 20-footer.
The rated payload is the limit of the container itself. On the road leg a different limit applies — road weight control: because of axle load a truck actually carries around 22 t. A container travelling by rail from an EU port has no such limit. So the same payload figure means different usable weight depending on the leg.
A High Cube is 30 cm taller: an internal height of 2.69 m against 2.39 m. That gives about 9 m³ of extra volume and a higher maximum gross weight — 32,500 kg against 30,480 kg. For voluminous cargo the difference is significant; for heavy cargo it is critical.
EUR pallets 1200×800 mm in one tier: 11 in a 20-footer, 25 in a 40-footer and a 40'HC. How many tiers depends on the pallet height and on whether the cargo can be stacked. The calculator above works that out.
The 20-footer. Its payload is almost the same as a 40'HC at half the volume — so with dense cargo (tiles, porcelain stoneware, metal) you hit the weight limit before the volume one, and you pay for air in a 40-footer.
Updated: 27 July 2026