Find the best container type and load ratio for your shipment.
20' Standard Container
1 container(s)Volume used75.5%
Weight used42.6%
This cargo is volume-bound — it fills the space before hitting the weight limit.
40' Standard Container
1 container(s)Volume used37%
Weight used45%
This cargo is weight-bound — it hits the weight limit before filling the space.
40' High Cube Container
1 container(s)Volume used32.8%
Weight used42%
This cargo is weight-bound — it hits the weight limit before filling the space.
How It's Calculated
For each container type: volume usage = cargo volume ÷ container volume, and weight usage = cargo weight ÷ container payload. The higher percentage is the binding constraint, and the number of containers needed is that higher ratio rounded up to a whole container (minimum 1).
Real Example
Example: 40 m³ and 20,000 kg of cargo. A 20' container (33.1 m³, 28,180 kg payload) is volume-bound at 121% → 2 containers. A 40' standard container (67.5 m³, 26,680 kg) is weight-bound at 75% → 1 container. A 40' High Cube (76.3 m³, 28,580 kg) is weight-bound at 70% → 1 container.
Notes & Limitations
Container figures are approximate planning values — real internal volume and payload vary by container owner, and in practice you can rarely use 100% of the volume. This tool works from the total cargo volume (CBM) and weight you enter; to see how many cartons or pallets physically fit inside a container, use the Container Loading Calculator, and to price the shipment use the FCL Cost Calculator.
Last updated: September 20, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
It means your cargo fills the container's physical space before reaching its weight capacity — common with light but bulky goods.
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