Free 3D Container Loading Calculator | CBM3

CBM3 is a browser-based cubic-meter calculator and 3D cargo loading planner. Cbm3 calculator combines cargo-row calculations, Best Fit load-space comparison, pallet and floor-load planning, alternative placement scenarios, visual review, reports, import and export, and saved-plan tools in one workflow. Start by entering the outside dimensions, quantity and weight of each shipping unit, then review the calculated volume before planning the load. CBM3 is a planning and communication aid; actual equipment, packaging and handling conditions must still be checked.

CBM3 is intended for importers, exporters, freight forwarders, warehouse and operations teams, manufacturers, fulfillment teams, logistics consultants and sales teams that prepare transport quotations. A user can calculate a small parcel shipment, compare containers for an export order, review trailer floor use or prepare a loading handoff for a warehouse. The result should be reviewed by the people responsible for booking, loading, securing and accepting the cargo. Keep the source measurement sheet with the plan so another reviewer can trace every dimension and weight.

Yes. The current production mode makes the normal calculation, import, planning, 3D review and standard output workflow available without payment. A visitor can calculate and create a loading plan without registering. A free account is useful when persistent account-linked records, dashboard management and access from another device are needed. Availability can still be affected by browser capability, file limits, validation rules and reasonable service-protection controls. Repeat the calculation whenever quantity, packaging, equipment or handling rules change after the first review.

No. Guests can enter cargo, calculate volume and weight, compare load spaces, run the planning workflow, inspect the 3D result, export data and create reports. Guest saves are browser-local, while signed-in users can keep account-linked records for later access. Use an account when the plan must remain available after changing browsers or devices; do not treat one browser's local copy as the only operational record. A second-person check is recommended before the result is used for a booking or warehouse instruction.

No installation is required because CBM3 runs in a modern web browser. The responsive interface can be used on phones, tablets and desktop computers, but a larger screen is more practical for long cargo lists, detailed rules and full-screen 3D inspection. The 3D view requires WebGL and benefits from hardware acceleration. Keep the browser current and use a desktop-class device for large plans. Record the assumptions beside the job so later reviewers can reproduce the same planning result.

CBM3 should be treated as an online web application, not as an offline desktop program. Some guest data may remain in browser storage after it is saved, but page assets, reports and other functions can still require a connection. Export important cargo data or save it to an account-linked record before working in an unreliable network environment. A cached browser page is not a dependable backup for a shipment plan.

The current language menu offers English, Korean, Turkish, Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, German, French, Japanese, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Hindi, Vietnamese and Dutch. Arabic uses right-to-left presentation. Product names, customer references and Loading Notes remain user-entered business data, so review their spelling and character encoding after import or language changes before creating a report. If any input is uncertain, keep the plan provisional until the physical shipping units are measured. Recreate exported files and links after material changes so recipients do not rely on an older snapshot.

CBM means cubic metre, a measure of the outside volume occupied by cargo. One CBM equals a cube measuring 1 metre by 1 metre by 1 metre. Freight teams use it for capacity and pricing discussions, but CBM alone does not prove that individual packages can pass through a door or fit around other cargo. Enter the packed outside dimensions and then use the loading plan to test physical placement.

Multiply length by width by height and quantity, then divide by 1,000,000. For 100 cartons measuring 50 x 40 x 30 cm, the result is 50 x 40 x 30 x 100 / 1,000,000 = 6.000 m3. In CBM3, choose Metric and enter the external packed dimensions, quantity and per-unit weight on one cargo row. Packaging tolerances and bulges should be included because the mathematical volume does not account for undeclared overhang.

Multiply the three millimetre dimensions and quantity, then divide by 1,000,000,000. For 20 packages measuring 800 x 600 x 500 mm, the result is 800 x 600 x 500 x 20 / 1,000,000,000 = 4.800 m3. CBM3's metric row fields are in centimetres, so enter 80 x 60 x 50 cm rather than the original millimetres. Check the conversion before planning because a misplaced decimal can produce a plausible-looking but unusable result.

Calculate cubic inches and convert them to cubic metres, or use the Imperial unit system. One cubic inch equals 0.000016387064 m3. Ten cartons measuring 40 x 30 x 20 inches occupy 40 x 30 x 20 x 10 x 0.000016387064 = 3.9329 m3. Select Imperial before entering the row, and confirm that imported values are also intended as inches. Never mix centimetres and inches within an undocumented source file. Compare the displayed result with the purchase order, packing list and equipment booking before handoff.

Multiply length, width and height in feet to obtain cubic feet, then multiply by 0.0283168466. A crate measuring 4 x 3 x 2 ft occupies 24 ft3, which is approximately 0.6796 m3. CBM3 can display imperial values, but the practical fit still depends on the exact package orientation and the selected load space. Use the outside crate dimensions and verify any lifting points or projections separately. Where tolerances matter, use the largest measured outside dimension rather than a catalogue nominal value.

Multiply cubic feet by 0.0283168466. For example, 500 ft3 x 0.0283168466 = 14.1584 m3. The reverse conversion is cubic metres x 35.3146667. CBM3 displays both m3 and ft3 in its summary, which is useful for checking a customer document against a carrier quotation. Keep more precision during calculation and round only the displayed or quoted result according to the carrier's rules. Keep an independent copy of the source data so the calculation can be audited after dispatch.

Calculate each carton group separately and add the row totals. If 100 cartons are 50 x 40 x 30 cm and 150 cartons are 60 x 40 x 35 cm, the totals are 6.000 m3 and 12.600 m3, giving 18.600 m3. Enter the two sizes as separate cargo rows so their quantities, weights and placement constraints remain distinct. Do not replace mixed sizes with one average carton if a physical loading plan is required.

Use the maximum loaded length, width and total height, including the pallet base and any overhang. A loaded unit measuring 120 x 80 x 150 cm occupies 1.440 m3; 10 identical units occupy 14.400 m3. If you use CBM3's palletization workflow, enter the cartons as instructed and select the pallet profile so the pallet base height and tare weight are added by the system. Avoid counting the same pallet twice.

Keep the calculation at full precision and apply rounding only at the quotation stage. A calculated 6.004 m3 should not be silently changed inside the cargo data because rounding every row can compound the error. CBM3 retains detailed row totals while the visible report may format them to fewer decimal places. Confirm the carrier's billing increment, minimum charge and rounding method before issuing a commercial quote. Review both the numerical summary and the placement view because each reveals different planning risks.

Net volume describes the product itself, while gross volume describes the complete shipping unit that occupies space. The gross figure should include cartons, crates, protective material, pallet bases and fixed overhang. CBM3 needs the gross outside dimensions for a physical plan. If only product dimensions are available, add the real packaging allowance before using the result for equipment selection. Use consistent product names and units so warehouse staff can match the output to the physical cargo.

Equal volume does not mean equal shape, weight or handling requirements. Ten long crates and hundreds of small cartons can share the same CBM but differ in door clearance, rotation, support, stackability, pallet footprint and payload. Enter each shipping unit as a separate row and compare the planned placements, not only the summary volume. Equipment availability and route restrictions must still be confirmed with the carrier. Any exception agreed with the warehouse should be written in the shipment instructions before loading starts.

Yes, all material that travels with the shipment and occupies space should be reflected in the outside dimensions. That includes cartons, crates, corner boards, shrink-wrap, skids and permanent protrusions. When palletization is enabled, follow the pallet form guidance so the pallet height and tare weight are added once. Measure the finished shipping unit whenever possible instead of relying only on product drawings. When several alternatives appear valid, document why the selected one suits the real operating process.

For a true cylinder, volume is pi x radius squared x length x quantity. A 60 cm diameter drum that is 90 cm long has a radius of 30 cm, so 10 drums occupy pi x 30^2 x 90 x 10 / 1,000,000 = approximately 2.5447 m3. Select the cylinder shape and enter the outside diameter and length. Confirm the approved orientation, chocking, support and securement method before loading. Confirm the result again after the carrier assigns the actual equipment rather than only an equipment type.

Actual weight is the measured gross mass; volumetric weight converts occupied volume into a pricing weight; chargeable weight is normally the higher of the two. With Air selected, CBM3 uses 167 kg per m3 as its planning factor. A 2.4 m3 shipment weighing 300 kg therefore has a volumetric weight of 400.8 kg and a planning chargeable weight of 400.8 kg. The carrier's tariff, divisor, rounding and minimum charge control the final invoice.

CBM3 displays a density-based freight-class reference for planning. Density is derived from cargo weight and volume, but actual class can also depend on commodity, handling, stowability, liability and the carrier's current classification rules. Enter accurate gross weight and outside dimensions, then review the displayed reference in the summary or export. Confirm the class with the applicable carrier or freight professional before quoting or dispatch. Do not hide an unplaced unit or warning; resolve its source and record the decision made.

Best Fit compares the active cargo with the configured load spaces and proposes a practical starting selection based on dimensions, capacity and payload. It can consider sea containers, trailers and air-cargo ULD profiles available in the selector. Review the recommendation, then inspect placed and unplaced quantities and the warnings before accepting it. Best Fit does not book equipment or replace carrier confirmation. For repeat shipments, recheck packaging because supplier, pallet and protective-material changes affect fit.

Yes. Open the Load Space selector and choose a specific container, trailer, ULD or custom profile. Manual selection is useful when a booking already exists or a route offers limited equipment. Recalculate and inspect the resulting placement rather than assuming the selected unit is suitable. The booked unit's actual internal dimensions, door opening and payload plate take priority over the profile. Clear version labels on exports and links help prevent an obsolete plan from reaching the loading team.

The active selector includes 20DC, 40DC, 40HC, 45HC, 20RF, 40RF, 40RHC, 20OT, 40OT, 20FR, 40FR, Standard Trailer 13.6 m, Mega Trailer 13.6 m, ULD LD3, ULD LD7, ULD PMC and a custom load space. Palletization separately offers EUR1, EUR2/3, EUR6, ISO Asia and GMA profiles plus a custom pallet. Availability on a real route must be checked with the carrier. The planner should retain evidence for all measurements that materially affect placement or payload.

The current 20DC profile has internal dimensions of approximately 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.39 m, giving about 33.1 m3 of geometric volume; its interface badge rounds this to 33.2 m3. This is nominal internal cube, not a promise of usable cargo capacity. Enter the actual carton mix and run the plan because gaps, door clearance, stacking rules and payload can reduce the placed volume. If the workflow crosses devices, use an account-linked record or an exported file instead of browser memory alone.

The current 40DC profile is approximately 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 m inside, or about 67.6 m3 of geometric volume; the interface presents approximately 67.7 m3. Usable capacity depends on item geometry and handling rules. Select 40DC, run the placement plan and review unplaced units and weight before using the figure in a booking decision. Treat any manual assumption as a review item and replace it with a measured value when available.

The current 40HC profile is approximately 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69 m inside, or about 76.1 m3 by direct multiplication; the interface presents approximately 76.3 m3. The extra height helps bulky cargo but does not solve every floor-footprint or door problem. Test the real rows and verify the booked unit's dimensions before loading. Before release, compare quantities per row with the commercial documents as well as the grand total. Route, terminal and carrier procedures may add restrictions that are not represented by a geometric model.

Nominal volume is the internal length x width x height of an empty unit. Usable volume is the portion that the actual packages can occupy after allowing for shapes, gaps, orientation, pallets, supports, doors, obstacles and loading method. CBM3 shows the profile capacity and separately calculates placement. Use the placed result and unplaced list for planning; do not treat the headline CBM as the amount that must fit. Operators should be able to explain every active rule before the plan is issued for execution.

The answer depends on carton dimensions, allowed rotations, weight and handling rules. As a simple volume-only check, a 50 x 40 x 30 cm carton occupies 0.060 m3, so 33.1 / 0.060 suggests about 551 cartons before geometric losses. That division is not a loading result. Enter the carton as one row, select 20DC and run the plan to see the actual placed count. Keep the calculation date with the output because equipment, rates and shipment details can change.

Use the carton dimensions and the physical plan, not only a volume ratio. For 60 x 40 x 35 cm cartons, each unit occupies 0.084 m3 and 76.1 / 0.084 gives a theoretical ceiling of about 906 cartons. Door clearance, layer patterns, payload and rules can lower it. Select 40HC and review the placed quantity for the exact row before quoting. Keep the source measurement sheet with the plan so another reviewer can trace every dimension and weight.

Thirty cubic metres is below the profile's nominal cube, but the packages may still create unusable gaps, exceed the door opening, require one orientation, prevent stacking or reach payload first. A shipment of long or non-stackable units is a common example. Run the 20DC plan, inspect the unplaced row and its restrictions, then compare a larger or differently shaped load space. Verify the physical packages before changing the booking. Repeat the calculation whenever quantity, packaging, equipment or handling rules change after the first review.

The 40DC profile has more than 60 m3 of nominal cube, but physical placement can fail when the cargo mix uses the floor poorly or violates support, rotation, stop-order, pallet or payload rules. Enter mixed sizes as separate rows and compare Max Volume with the operational alternatives. Do not remove a handling rule merely to improve the visual utilization unless the warehouse confirms the change is safe. A second-person check is recommended before the result is used for a booking or warehouse instruction.

Choose 40HC when the cargo needs extra internal height or additional volume and the route, equipment and handling process permit it. The current profiles share a similar floor footprint, while 40HC adds about 30 cm of internal height. Compare both selections with the same cargo rows, especially for tall pallets and light bulky goods. Dense cargo may gain little because payload can become the limiting factor. Record the assumptions beside the job so later reviewers can reproduce the same planning result.

Yes. The current 20DC planning payload is 28,200 kg, so dense metal, liquid, paper or machinery can reach the weight limit with visible empty space remaining. CBM3 uses entered gross weight in its placement and warnings; review payload whenever the result approaches the profile limit. The container plate, tare, verified gross mass, road restrictions and carrier allowance must be checked independently. If any input is uncertain, keep the plan provisional until the physical shipping units are measured.

An item must be able to enter the equipment, not merely fit within the internal cube. A tall or wide crate can fit behind the door but still be impossible to load through the opening. Enter the measured door width and clear height under Equipment Restrictions, then rerun the plan. Confirm door seals, hardware, ramps and the real loading angle at the site. Recreate exported files and links after material changes so recipients do not rely on an older snapshot.

Best Fit may reject the smaller option because of payload, item dimensions, door clearance, pallet footprint or the number of containers required. Review the smaller unit manually and inspect the unplaced list instead of judging only by total CBM. If the difference comes from an incorrect dimension, unit or handling rule, correct the source data; otherwise verify the larger equipment with the carrier. Compare the displayed result with the purchase order, packing list and equipment booking before handoff.

Yes, the active load-space list includes reefer, Open Top and Flat Rack profiles for preliminary dimension, payload and placement comparison. These are simplified planning models, so use the reefer profiles as a pre-check rather than as evidence of airflow or cold-chain suitability. T-floor clearance, load lines, temperature mapping, over-dimensional permits, lifting points and carrier-specific acceptance require specialist review. Where tolerances matter, use the largest measured outside dimension rather than a catalogue nominal value.

A loading metre is one metre of trailer deck length used across the available width. It helps road-freight teams discuss floor occupancy when cargo cannot be freely stacked. A 1.2 m long pallet row spanning the usable width normally consumes about 1.2 LDM. In CBM3, choose a road trailer and review the LDM panel after calculating or palletizing the cargo. Carrier rules and the actual deck layout control the chargeable value.

CBM3 derives a planning LDM from the active road-trailer result. For palletized cargo, it counts the used pallet columns across the configured trailer width and multiplies by the pallet length; for loose cargo it estimates floor area from cargo volume and trailer height, then divides by trailer width. The displayed result is capped at the 13.6 m trailer length. Review the actual placements because this estimate is not a carrier tariff calculation.

CBM measures three-dimensional volume, while LDM describes trailer floor length. A stackable shipment can have substantial CBM but modest LDM because height is used efficiently; non-stackable cargo can consume many loading metres with relatively low volume. Select a road profile to view both measures and inspect the loading rules. Confirm how the road carrier prices pallets, LDM, weight and non-stackable space. Keep an independent copy of the source data so the calculation can be audited after dispatch.

Yes. Consider 10 non-stackable pallets measuring 1.2 x 0.8 x 0.5 m: their volume is only 4.8 m3, but they still occupy a large part of the deck because nothing may be placed above them. Enter the palletized cargo and disable stacking where appropriate, then review the road plan and LDM result. Do not permit stacking only to reduce a rate unless the packages and pallet ratings support it. Review both the numerical summary and the placement view because each reveals different planning risks.

Floor positions show how many pallet footprints are used compared with the calculated trailer floor capacity. The count helps explain why pallet quantity and LDM may differ from total CBM, especially when pallets are stacked in vertical layers. Select a trailer, enable palletization and review the floor-position line with the 3D plan. Actual loading patterns can change because of axle distribution, doors, side access and securement gaps. Use consistent product names and units so warehouse staff can match the output to the physical cargo.

Wheel arches remove usable rectangular space and can block an otherwise valid floor pattern. Enter their start position, length, inward intrusion and height under Equipment Restrictions before rerunning the plan. A pallet or long crate may then move, rotate or become unplaced, changing the rest of the arrangement. Measure the actual vehicle because wheel-arch geometry varies by body and trailer type. Any exception agreed with the warehouse should be written in the shipment instructions before loading starts.

Both current profiles use a 13.6 m length and 2.45 m width, but Standard Trailer uses approximately 2.70 m internal height and Mega Trailer approximately 3.00 m. Each profile has a 24,000 kg planning payload. Mega is therefore mainly useful for taller or bulkier cargo, not automatically for heavier cargo. Compare both plans and confirm the vehicle specification, door height and route restrictions with the operator. When several alternatives appear valid, document why the selected one suits the real operating process.

Payload measures weight capacity while LDM measures deck length. Dense steel can reach the weight limit in a short floor area; light non-stackable furniture can consume most of the deck while remaining far below payload. Enter accurate per-unit weights, select a road trailer and review both the weight-distribution and LDM indicators. Final road limits depend on the actual tractor-trailer combination, route and loading position. Confirm the result again after the carrier assigns the actual equipment rather than only an equipment type.

Yes. Use one cargo row for each distinct shipping unit or import a prepared spreadsheet. Separate rows preserve each product's dimensions, quantity, per-unit weight, name and loading rules, and each row receives a distinct visual colour. Do not combine items with different packaging or constraints into an average row when physical placement matters. Review the total row count and imported units before planning. Do not hide an unplaced unit or warning; resolve its source and record the decision made.

Yes. A row can represent a rectangular box or an upright cylinder. Boxes use width x length x height, while cylinders use outside diameter and length for volume and cylinder-aware packing. Choose the shape in the row's Loading Rules panel and verify the orientation and support method. A mathematical cylinder model does not replace chocks, cradles or securement required for real drums and rolls. For repeat shipments, recheck packaging because supplier, pallet and protective-material changes affect fit.

Rotation controls which orientations the packing engine may try for a box. Allowing more orientations can improve fit, while Horizontal Only, Vertical Only or No Rotation can preserve a required handling position and reduce capacity. Choose the narrowest rule that matches the package, rerun the scenarios and inspect the labels in 3D. Do not authorize a rotation that could damage the contents or violate package markings. Clear version labels on exports and links help prevent an obsolete plan from reaching the loading team.

Stackable cargo may support another unit subject to geometry and weight rules; non-stackable cargo reserves the space above its footprint. A non-stackable row can therefore create large visible voids even when its CBM is small. Set the row rule according to packaging tests and handling instructions, then compare the placement. Never mark fragile or unsupported cargo as stackable merely to increase utilization. The planner should retain evidence for all measurements that materially affect placement or payload.

Use Fragile to communicate extra handling care and This Side Up to preserve the required orientation. These flags help constrain and explain the plan but do not design protective packaging or securement. Open the row's Loading Rules panel, set the applicable flags and add a precise Loading Note for the warehouse. Confirm the package markings and handling procedure with the shipper. If the workflow crosses devices, use an account-linked record or an exported file instead of browser memory alone.

Maximum stack weight limits how much cargo may be placed above a unit or stack. It is useful when a carton can carry some load but not an unlimited amount. Enter the verified packaging limit in the row settings and rerun the plan; an empty value should not be interpreted as proof of strength. Use manufacturer data or a packaging test rather than an estimate for critical cargo. Treat any manual assumption as a review item and replace it with a measured value when available.

Loading priority influences which cargo rows are considered earlier when competing items cannot all be placed. Higher-priority cargo can therefore change the final arrangement or which units remain unplaced. Set priority only when there is a real commercial or operational requirement, then inspect all scenarios. Priority does not override payload, physical fit or hard safety constraints. Before release, compare quantities per row with the commercial documents as well as the grand total.

Drop-off Stop records the delivery sequence of a cargo row. It can be combined with Strict stop order or Prefer easy unloading so later deliveries do not bury the next stop behind other cargo. Enter consistent stop numbers for all relevant rows and review the door-side arrangement. The driver and warehouse must still confirm route sequence, access and securement at each partial unload. Route, terminal and carrier procedures may add restrictions that are not represented by a geometric model.

Yes. The Loading Note field stores a free-text instruction with the cargo row, and the simulation PDF includes a Loading Notes table when notes are present. Use concise directions such as "keep dry" or "unload at Stop 2," without placing passwords or sensitive personal data in the note. A note communicates intent; it does not validate that the instruction is technically safe. Operators should be able to explain every active rule before the plan is issued for execution.

Keep groups separate prevents different input rows from sharing the same planning group; Strict stop order prioritizes delivery sequence; Allow partial support permits controlled overhang down to the supported threshold; Prefer easy unloading favours floor-first, door-accessible placements. Activate only the rules needed for the job, then compare the change in placed quantity and utilization. Hard safety checks still take precedence over preferences. Keep the calculation date with the output because equipment, rates and shipment details can change.

Enter carton dimensions when CBM3 will build pallets from the cargo rows. Enter finished pallet-unit dimensions only when each pallet is already a fixed shipping unit and palletization will not be applied again. The label beside Palletize my cargo states that row dimensions do not include pallets. Choose one method consistently to avoid adding the pallet twice or omitting it entirely. Keep the source measurement sheet with the plan so another reviewer can trace every dimension and weight.

Pallet base height is added below the cargo stack, increasing the loaded unit's total height. A 15 cm pallet under a 220 cm cargo stack becomes 235 cm high, which can change door clearance or favour a high-cube profile. Select the pallet type and set the real stack height before comparing containers. Measure shrink-wrap crowns and overhang as part of the finished unit. Repeat the calculation whenever quantity, packaging, equipment or handling rules change after the first review.

Pallet bases, gaps, footprint limits and stack-height rules consume space that floor-loaded cartons may otherwise use. For example, 20 EUR1 pallet blocks measuring 1.20 x 0.80 x 1.50 m occupy 28.8 m3 as rectangular blocks before any loading gaps. Enable palletization and compare the placed result with a floor-load plan. The more compact option may require more labour or handling risk, so capacity is not the only decision factor. A second-person check is recommended before the result is used for a booking or warehouse instruction.

Yes. Run the cargo once with Palletize my cargo enabled and once without it, keeping the source rows and equipment consistent. Compare placed quantity, pallet count, payload, LDM, handling effort and the 3D arrangement. Save or export the alternatives separately if they must be reviewed later. The warehouse should confirm whether floor loading is practical for the package and labour available. Record the assumptions beside the job so later reviewers can reproduce the same planning result.

A carton that exceeds the pallet footprint or cannot be arranged within the pallet rules may remain unplaced or require a different orientation or profile. Review the pallet result and the affected row instead of forcing an overhang through incorrect dimensions. Choose a larger or custom pallet only when that is the real shipping unit. Confirm pallet deck support and overhang limits with the packaging owner. If any input is uncertain, keep the plan provisional until the physical shipping units are measured.

Yes. The pallet panel supports a custom profile with length, width, base height, maximum stack height, tare weight and maximum payload. Enter the measured or manufacturer-approved values, save the profile if the interface offers that option, and apply it to the cargo. The software does not establish the structural rating of a custom pallet; verify that separately. Recreate exported files and links after material changes so recipients do not rely on an older snapshot.

Represent the finished loaded footprint, not just the wooden deck. If cartons extend 5 cm beyond each side of an 80 cm-wide pallet, use a 90 cm effective width for a fixed pallet unit or configure the custom profile and cargo arrangement accordingly. Rerun door and load-space checks after changing the footprint. Confirm that overhang is allowed and protected during handling. Compare the displayed result with the purchase order, packing list and equipment booking before handoff.

Pallet tare is added to cargo weight in palletized planning. Twenty EUR1 pallets at the current 25 kg profile add 500 kg before any cargo is counted. Select the correct profile or enter the actual custom tare, then review the total weight and payload warning. Moisture, repairs and nonstandard construction can make the real pallet weight differ from a catalogue value. Where tolerances matter, use the largest measured outside dimension rather than a catalogue nominal value.

Pallet Required keeps that row in the pallet workflow; Floor-Load OK allows it to be placed directly on the equipment floor when the plan supports that fallback. Use the setting to reflect the real handling contract, not simply to improve fit. Mixed pallet and floor-load results need a practical loading sequence, separation and securement review before use. Keep an independent copy of the source data so the calculation can be audited after dispatch.

Floor loading can remove pallet bases and unused pallet footprint, increasing carton density, but it may require more labour, slower unloading and greater package handling. Compare palletized and floor-loaded plans with the same cargo, then consider forklift access, dock time, damage exposure and customer receiving capability. The highest placed count is not automatically the best operational choice. Review both the numerical summary and the placement view because each reveals different planning risks.

Standard Plan tries to place the quantities entered on each active row. Equal Quantity FCL finds the largest equal quantity of every active SKU that fits one load space and is intended for loose cargo, not palletized planning. Select the mode before planning and check the resulting row quantities carefully. Equal quantities may not match a purchase order or commercial priority. Use consistent product names and units so warehouse staff can match the output to the physical cargo.

They are alternative placement scenarios generated from the same cargo and load space. Max Volume favours compact use of cargo space, Easy Loading spreads cargo to reduce stacking and simplify handling, and Best Balance favours a more centred weight distribution. Select a card to drive the summary and 3D review. Each remains a planning alternative that needs operational verification. Any exception agreed with the warehouse should be written in the shipment instructions before loading starts.

Easy Loading deliberately gives more weight to floor access and reduced stacking, so it may leave capacity unused to simplify handling. Max Volume is more aggressive about compact placement. Compare both cards and inspect the unplaced list, playback and warehouse requirements. Choose the operationally suitable result rather than the highest count alone. When several alternatives appear valid, document why the selected one suits the real operating process. Confirm the result again after the carrier assigns the actual equipment rather than only an equipment type.

Choose based on the shipment's real priority: capacity, handling simplicity or weight balance. Max Volume suits a capacity-first review, Easy Loading suits access-sensitive work, and Best Balance suits a preliminary distribution review. After selecting a scenario, check placement, unplaced cargo, payload and rules. The carrier and loader remain responsible for final acceptance and securement. Do not hide an unplaced unit or warning; resolve its source and record the decision made.

Yes. The selected scenario drives the summary, 3D view, simulation PDF, saved record and newly generated share link. Select the scenario first, wait for the plan to refresh, and then create the output or link. An older link or previously downloaded report is a snapshot and does not update itself when you later choose another scenario. For repeat shipments, recheck packaging because supplier, pallet and protective-material changes affect fit. Clear version labels on exports and links help prevent an obsolete plan from reaching the loading team.

Presets apply starting row rules for Paper rolls, Barrels, Furniture or Mixed warehouse picks, while Custom rules leaves the current choices under your control. Apply a preset, then review every changed row because it is only an accelerator. Package construction, orientation and securement requirements must be confirmed for the actual commodity. The planner should retain evidence for all measurements that materially affect placement or payload. If the workflow crosses devices, use an account-linked record or an exported file instead of browser memory alone.

These Equipment Restrictions reserve or remove space before placement. A door limit can reject an entering item, a wheel arch can block floor positions and a fixed obstacle can force the entire packing pattern to change. Enter measured dimensions, rerun the plan and inspect unplaced cargo. The model is only as accurate as the measurements supplied. Treat any manual assumption as a review item and replace it with a measured value when available.

CBM3 can create a multi-container load plan, provide container tabs and show unplaced cargo separately. Review each container because the cargo mix and balance can differ even when the units use the same profile. If the count is unexpected, check dimensions, weight, rotation, stacking, pallets and hard rules before selecting larger equipment. The result is a planning split, not a carrier booking. Before release, compare quantities per row with the commercial documents as well as the grand total.

Yes, the active result includes a session-only move panel for Standard loose-cargo plans. A move is rejected if the target cannot safely repack the unit or would exceed payload; the last move can be undone. The feature is unavailable for pallet plans, Equal Quantity FCL, Keep groups separate or Strict stop order. Saving, reloading and the PDF restore the automatic plan rather than preserving the session move. Route, terminal and carrier procedures may add restrictions that are not represented by a geometric model.

Operational uses a clear technical colour-coded view, Realistic adds more detailed materials and lighting, and X-Ray makes boundaries more transparent so cargo and restrictions are easier to inspect. Switch modes from the 3D toolbar after a plan is available. The visual style changes how the same placement is reviewed; it does not change the cargo calculation or make a safety decision. Operators should be able to explain every active rule before the plan is issued for execution.

The toolbar provides Isometric, Door, Top and Side camera presets, a camera reset and a Full screen control. Mouse or touch controls can be used for closer inspection, while presets provide repeatable viewpoints. Use the Door view to review access and the Top or Side view to inspect layers. Screen perspective can hide clearances, so verify critical dimensions numerically. Keep the calculation date with the output because equipment, rates and shipment details can change.

Row colours separate product groups in the 3D scene and legend, while labels identify the row's product name where the current detail level permits. Use distinct rows and meaningful item names before running the plan. On large scenes, representative labels and simplified edges may replace labels on every unit to preserve performance. Use the legend or selection panel when a label is not visible. Keep the source measurement sheet with the plan so another reviewer can trace every dimension and weight.

Yes. The 3D viewer supports selecting a placement and displaying its item details, including available dimensions, weight and row metadata. Use the selection to confirm which coloured unit belongs to which input row. The panel reports entered data and planned position; it does not inspect the physical package or detect undeclared damage and projections. Repeat the calculation whenever quantity, packaging, equipment or handling rules change after the first review. A second-person check is recommended before the result is used for a booking or warehouse instruction.

Playback reveals the planned loading sequence progressively and lets the user move through the placed units with the slider. It is useful for explaining the order to a warehouse and for checking whether later cargo blocks earlier steps. Compare playback with Drop-off Stop and Loading Notes before sharing the plan. The sequence is a communication aid and may need adjustment for the site's equipment and securement procedure. Record the assumptions beside the job so later reviewers can reproduce the same planning result.

Auto selects a suitable quality level for the device and scene; High favours detail, Balanced reduces graphics cost, and Performance uses the lightest presentation. The choice is available in the 3D toolbar and is stored for the browser session. Lowering quality changes rendering detail, not calculated placement. Use Performance when the device struggles, then inspect critical rows from more than one camera angle. If any input is uncertain, keep the plan provisional until the physical shipping units are measured.

The renderer applies scene-size policies to keep large plans responsive. Above the detailed range it reduces labels and edges and caps quality; very large placement counts use the Performance profile. This is why a 500-unit plan can appear simpler than a 50-unit plan. Use the legend, selection panel, container tabs and PDF tables to identify cargo rather than relying on labels on every unit. Recreate exported files and links after material changes so recipients do not rely on an older snapshot.

Choose Operational or Performance, close other graphics-heavy tabs, enable browser hardware acceleration and avoid rendering unnecessary rows. Large imports should still be reviewed in the table while the visual scene uses simplified detail. If the page becomes unresponsive, save or export the data before refreshing. A lower visual quality does not reduce the mathematical precision of the cargo rows. Compare the displayed result with the purchase order, packing list and equipment booking before handoff.

Visible space may be the wrong length, width, height or location for the remaining unit, or the unit may violate rotation, support, stackability, pallet, stop-order, obstacle or payload rules. Open the unplaced list and review the affected row before changing equipment or constraints. Do not remove a real handling rule just to fill a visual gap. Where tolerances matter, use the largest measured outside dimension rather than a catalogue nominal value.

No. The 3D scene visualizes the dimensions, weights and rules entered into the planning model. It does not evaluate packaging strength, floor point loads, lashing, blocking, bracing, hazardous-goods segregation, temperature control or the condition of the actual equipment. Use it to communicate and review a preliminary plan, then obtain the required carrier, warehouse and safety approvals. Keep an independent copy of the source data so the calculation can be audited after dispatch.

Yes. The import workflow accepts spreadsheet data so large cargo lists do not need to be entered row by row. Download or follow the template, keep one product type per row and map the required columns before importing. Review the imported row count, unit system, dimensions, quantities and weights immediately. A successful file read does not prove that the source data is correct. Review both the numerical summary and the placement view because each reveals different planning risks.

Required fields include Width, Length, Height, Quantity and Weight. Optional fields include Item Name, Shape, Stackable, Pallet Required, Rotation Mode, This Side Up, Fragile, Max Stack, Loading Priority and Drop-off Stop. Use the exact template headings and consistent units, then review row rules after import. Do not place formulas, merged cells or unexplained unit changes in operational input files. Use consistent product names and units so warehouse staff can match the output to the physical cargo.

Yes, when the source system can export a compatible Excel or CSV file. Prepare the dimensions, quantity and weight columns, add supported optional rule columns, and import the file through the Import panel. After planning, use CSV or XLSX export to return cargo and result fields to a spreadsheet workflow. Any further transfer or automation must be handled outside the published CBM3 file workflow. Any exception agreed with the warehouse should be written in the shipment instructions before loading starts.

Yes. CSV and XLSX export can include row constraints as well as result fields such as volume, density and freight class. Use Export after confirming the current rows and rules, then open the file and inspect several records before sending it onward. An export is a snapshot; later changes in the calculator do not update the downloaded file. When several alternatives appear valid, document why the selected one suits the real operating process.

Open the Import panel, obtain the template and preserve its column headings. Add one cargo type per row, use a consistent unit system, fill every required field and use supported values for optional rules. Import the file and compare the first, middle and last rows with the source. Keep the original spreadsheet because the template import is not a replacement for source-data control. Confirm the result again after the carrier assigns the actual equipment rather than only an equipment type.

The Product Library stores reusable item definitions so common cartons or products can be added without retyping their basic data. Save a verified row to the library, then insert it into a later calculation and update the quantity or job-specific rules. Library entries should be reviewed whenever packaging changes; an old saved dimension can invalidate an otherwise correct plan. Do not hide an unplaced unit or warning; resolve its source and record the decision made.

History keeps recent browser activity for quick recovery, Templates preserve reusable cargo-row setups, and My Records lists account-linked saved calculations for signed-in users. Choose History for a recent local step, a Template for repeated input structure and My Records for persistent project access. Export critical data as an additional operational backup. For repeat shipments, recheck packaging because supplier, pallet and protective-material changes affect fit. Clear version labels on exports and links help prevent an obsolete plan from reaching the loading team.

Yes. The toolbar provides Undo and Redo, and the current shortcuts include Ctrl+N for a new row, Ctrl+S to save, Ctrl+Z to undo, Ctrl+Y to redo, Enter to add a row from the last row and Tab to move to the next field. Use the visible controls if the browser or operating system intercepts a shortcut. Verify the table after bulk edits. The planner should retain evidence for all measurements that materially affect placement or payload.

Yes. A custom equipment profile can store measured dimensions and payload for reuse, while the session-only specification override changes the active equipment for the current planning session. Use a saved custom profile for a recurring vehicle and an override for a one-off measured unit. A session override is not written back to the global profile, so record the actual equipment data with the job. If the workflow crosses devices, use an account-linked record or an exported file instead of browser memory alone.

The current simulation PDF includes the selected load-space summary, cargo volume and weight, fill, selected loading method, applicable planning rules and equipment restrictions, per-container placed-cargo tables, row colours, Loading Notes and progressive 3D loading-sequence images when the scene is available. It can also include planning indicators produced by the active result. It is not a commercial quote or an approved loading certificate, and it should be reviewed before handoff. Treat any manual assumption as a review item and replace it with a measured value when available.

Guest saves are stored in the current browser's local storage, with a browser-local save code. The current implementation retains up to 20 guest saves. Use Save Calculation, keep the code and test reopening it before closing the job. Clearing site data, using private browsing or moving to another browser can remove access, so export important work or sign in for persistent records. Before release, compare quantities per row with the commercial documents as well as the grand total.

Load by Code first checks the guest saves stored in the same browser. A guest code therefore normally works only in that browser profile and is not a cross-device cloud record. Enter the code through Load by Code and confirm the restored rows, load space, planning mode and rules. Keep an exported copy if the plan matters beyond the current device. Route, terminal and carrier procedures may add restrictions that are not represented by a geometric model.

A signed-in save is stored as an account-linked record and receives a code that the public load endpoint can reopen when the record is published for code access. This supports reopening from another browser without using the original guest storage. Treat the code as a bearer link: anyone who receives it may be able to load the associated planning data. Share it only with intended recipients. Operators should be able to explain every active rule before the plan is issued for execution.

Yes. Copy public link creates a URL containing a compact snapshot of the selected units, strategy, load space, planning mode, scenario, global rules and basic cargo values. The recipient can open those values in the calculator and make a separate local edit. Their changes do not modify the sender's saved record automatically. Do not place confidential identifiers in data intended for a widely forwarded URL. Keep the calculation date with the output because equipment, rates and shipment details can change.

Editable means the recipient can change the calculator state loaded from the URL and generate a new result. It does not create simultaneous editing, version control or automatic synchronization with the sender's plan. If the recipient changes cargo or scenario, they should create and send a new link or save. Both sides should identify which snapshot is approved for operations. Keep the source measurement sheet with the plan so another reviewer can trace every dimension and weight.

No. Selecting another scenario affects the next link generated from the current state, but an already copied URL remains its original snapshot. Choose Max Volume, Easy Loading or Best Balance first, let the view refresh, and then copy a new public link. Label the scenario in the accompanying message to prevent the warehouse from using an older alternative. Repeat the calculation whenever quantity, packaging, equipment or handling rules change after the first review.

Avoid secrets, passwords, sensitive personal data and unnecessary commercial details. A public share URL carries planning values in the link, while an account save code can act as a key to its record. Use product references that recipients need, send links through an appropriate channel and revoke or replace exposed business references outside the calculator if required. Public handoff is not an access-controlled document room. A second-person check is recommended before the result is used for a booking or warehouse instruction.

A free account adds account-linked saved calculations, dashboard access, cross-device continuity and record metadata such as title, status, customer, project and tags. It is useful for managing recurring work beyond one browser. Shared team spaces are not included in this FAQ because the supplied production configuration has that feature disabled. Use clear record names and keep exported source data for important jobs. Record the assumptions beside the job so later reviewers can reproduce the same planning result.

Enter and calculate the cargo, open Create Quote, select Sea, Air or Road, and complete the customer, preparer, rate and transport-detail fields that apply. The form can use vessel and port details for sea, flight and airport details for air, or truck and route details for road. Review every amount, currency and date before generating or sharing the quote. If any input is uncertain, keep the plan provisional until the physical shipping units are measured.

No. Rates, transit details, surcharges, taxes and exchange information entered in the quote workflow are planning inputs, not live carrier offers. Use the mode comparison and chargeable-weight values as preparation aids, then enter verified commercial data. Confirm the final amount, validity period, inclusions and exclusions against the carrier or service provider before sending it to a customer. Recreate exported files and links after material changes so recipients do not rely on an older snapshot.

The quote PDF can include quote ID and date, preparer and customer information, cargo and container summary, product rows, row-level Loading Notes, the selected transport mode, chargeable-weight details, entered vessel, flight or truck data, notes and attached images. Generate the PDF only after reviewing the input fields. It does not replace a carrier quotation or resolve taxes, surcharges and exchange-rate changes. Compare the displayed result with the purchase order, packing list and equipment booking before handoff.

The quote workflow can open WhatsApp, prepare an email, copy a text summary to the clipboard and download a PDF. Recent quote data is stored in the browser's local storage; signed-in dashboard logging may add an account-side record when that function is available. Attached images can be included in the PDF. Remove unneeded personal data before sharing and keep the source quotation separately. Where tolerances matter, use the largest measured outside dimension rather than a catalogue nominal value.

Keep each size in a separate row instead of using one average carton. If 100 cartons are 50 x 40 x 30 cm, 80 are 60 x 40 x 35 cm and 70 are 40 x 30 x 25 cm, their row volumes are 6.000, 6.720 and 2.100 m3, for a total of 14.820 m3. Enter or import the three rows, add per-unit weights and rules, then run Best Fit and inspect the actual placement. Check the source file totals before loading.

Weight can be the limiting factor even when the container looks empty. Suppose 20 steel crates each measure 100 x 80 x 60 cm and weigh 1,500 kg. Their total volume is 9.600 m3, but total weight is 30,000 kg, above the current 20DC planning payload of 28,200 kg. Enter the crates with gross per-unit weight and review the payload result before changing equipment. The booked unit, road route and lifting equipment require separate checks.

The 62 m3 total is below both nominal profile volumes, but 40HC may still be the more practical choice when the pieces or pallet stacks need extra height. Enter every finished furniture package, mark non-stackable or fragile rows correctly and compare 40DC with 40HC. Inspect placed quantities rather than the volume headline. Do not remove protective spacing or stack restrictions just to make the smaller profile appear sufficient. Keep an independent copy of the source data so the calculation can be audited after dispatch.

Assign Drop-off Stop 1, 2 and 3 to the relevant cargo rows and select a road trailer. Activate Strict stop order when the route sequence is a hard requirement, or Prefer easy unloading when accessibility is a softer preference, then compare utilization and playback. A stricter order can place fewer units because it reserves an accessible sequence. The driver and warehouse must confirm how the load will be re-secured after each stop.

Treat pricing weight and physical ULD fit as separate checks. A shipment of 2.4 m3 weighing 300 kg has an Air planning volumetric weight of 2.4 x 167 = 400.8 kg, so the planning chargeable weight is 400.8 kg. Select LD3, LD7 or PMC to test package placement, then review the weight comparison. The airline must confirm contour, aircraft compatibility, restraint, dangerous-goods status and final chargeable weight. Review both the numerical summary and the placement view because each reveals different planning risks.

First confirm unit system, outside dimensions, quantity, gross weight, shape, rotation, stacking, pallets, door limits, obstacles and global rules. Then inspect which row is unplaced and compare the alternatives. A larger unit may solve a real constraint, but it can also hide a data-entry error. Confirm route availability, cost and actual equipment specifications before changing the booking. Use consistent product names and units so warehouse staff can match the output to the physical cargo.

Treat a result above 90 percent as a prompt for a careful weight audit. Recheck per-unit gross weight, pallet tare, packaging, the selected profile and any customs or carrier weight basis. Review the distribution indicator as well as total weight, then compare another equipment option if needed. The container plate, verified gross mass, vehicle limits and weighbridge result govern the real movement. Any exception agreed with the warehouse should be written in the shipment instructions before loading starts.

Verify actual cargo and equipment dimensions, door clearance, gross weight, payload, floor and pallet ratings, item condition, lifting access, loading order, weight distribution, securement, route limits and carrier acceptance. Dangerous goods, refrigerated cargo, oversized loads and air ULDs need the applicable specialist review. CBM3 is a calculation, visualization and communication aid; the shipper, carrier and loading team remain responsible for the real operation. When several alternatives appear valid, document why the selected one suits the real operating process.