Free access for every freight team
Free 3D Container Loading Calculator | CBM3
Plan how boxes and loaded pallets fit inside a container. Enter packed dimensions, quantities and weights, then review the 3D loading simulation. Use the container stuffing calculator to inspect placed and unplaced cargo, not just the total CBM.
- No installation required
- Sea, road and air cargo planning
- PDF-ready loading reports
Loading Spaces:
33 predefined load spaces + Custom Size- 20' Dry Container (20DC)
- 20' Flat Rack (20FR)
- 20' Open Top (20OT)
- 20' Open Top High Cube
- 20' High Cube Palletwide
- 20' Standard Reefer (20RF)
- 40' Dry Container (40DC)
- 40' Flat Rack (40FR)
- 40' High Cube (40HC)
- 40' Open Top (40OT)
- 40' Open Top High Cube
- 40' High Cube Palletwide (SeaPC+)
- 40' Standard Reefer (40RF)
- 40' High Cube Reefer (40RHC)
- 45' High Cube (45HC)
- 45' High Cube Palletwide
- 48 ft North American Flatbed
- 48 ft North American Step Deck
- 53' Domestic High Cube Intermodal
- 53' Dry Van Trailer
- 53' Refrigerated Trailer
- 26 ft North American Dry Freight Body
- 13.6 m European Reefer Trailer
- Mega Trailer (13.6m)
- BNSF 60 ft Plate-F Boxcar
- Trinity 66 ft Mill Gondola
- Standard Trailer (13.6m)
- 7.45 m Swap Body (C745)
- 7.82 m Swap Body (C782)
- Swiss WorldCargo LD11 Pallet (PLA/PLB)
- ULD LD3 Container (AKE)
- ULD LD7 88-inch Pallet (PAG/PAJ/P1P)
- ULD PMC 96-inch Pallet (P6P)
- Custom Container
Container Load Calculator
Test whether your shipment fits in a 20ft, 40ft or high cube container. Enter packed dimensions, quantities and unit weights to calculate cargo volume and review a 3D placement under your selected rotation and stacking rules. Check both placed and unplaced units: spare CBM alone does not prove that every box fits.
Test the order you need to ship
Standard planning tests the quantity you enter. It does not turn a cubic-volume total into a guaranteed carton capacity or minimum container count.
Keep real cargo restrictions
Horizontal rotation is the default. Enable Full 3D only for suitable cargo, retain upright and stacking restrictions, and never turn a loaded pallet on its side.
Review before sharing
Check the placed and unplaced counts, selected orientation, weight and warnings. Export the selected result after the cargo and rules have been reviewed.
Plan my cargo in 3DChoose a loading space
A real container loading simulator example
One 20DC plan placed 45 cartons (60 × 80 × 40 cm, 20 kg each) and 10 cases (100 × 120 × 100 cm, 125 kg each): 55 entered, 55 placed, 0 unplaced. Cargo volume was 20.640 m³ and cargo weight was 2,150 kg.
View the example loading report (PDF)Read the inputs, workflow and limitations
A completed calculation does not necessarily mean all cargo fits. Review unplaced units and warnings. A 3D placement is not a cargo-securing design or transport approval.
Compare four common container profiles
Use these catalog values to choose a starting profile, then test your actual cargo in the calculator.
| Container | Internal L × W × H (cm) | Internal volume (m³) | Payload check (kg) | Read guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20DC | 589 × 235 × 239 | 33.08 | 28,200 | Read guide |
| 40DC | 1203 × 235 × 239 | 67.57 | 28,600 | Read guide |
| 40HC | 1203 × 235 × 269 | 76.05 | 28,600 | Read guide |
| 45HC | 1355 × 235 × 270 | 85.97 | 27,600 | Read guide |
Planning values only. Confirm the supplied container’s dimensions, door opening and permitted payload with the carrier.
Container Load Planner
Turn your cargo list into a loading plan you can inspect. Use CBM3's browser-based cargo loading software for boxes, cylinders or complete loaded pallets; compare eligible placement methods using the same inputs and restrictions. Review orientations, loading sequence, weight information and unplaced cargo before exporting the selected plan to PDF.
Choose the right loading space
Select a specific container or vehicle, or use Best Fit for a sea-container recommendation. A profile is a planning starting point, not a measurement of the unit supplied by your carrier.
- 20DC, 40DC and 40HC planning profiles
- Manual selection for specialist equipment
- Metric and imperial input
Inspect the 3D loading simulation
Review item placement and the loading sequence. Look at the unplaced cargo as well as the filled space, and treat the displayed center of gravity as an estimate from the known inputs.
- Placed and unplaced quantities
- Horizontal rotation by default; Full 3D by permission
- Stacking, upright and fragile restrictions
Separate cartons from loaded pallets
Palletizing cartons and loading already assembled pallets are different tasks. A loaded pallet needs its complete outside size, total height and gross weight.
- Count pallet base height and tare once
- Preserve Pallet Required and Floor-Load OK choices
- Keep loaded pallets upright
Export the reviewed plan to PDF
Keep the selected result, cargo summary and row-level loading notes together. Export again after changing the cargo or handling rules.
- Container context and result summary
- Warehouse loading instructions
- Planning report, not transport certification
Keep projects with a signed-in account
Use the account dashboard for cloud projects. Browser History and Templates are local to that browser and should not be treated as a cross-device backup.
- Account-owned cloud saves
- Project, customer and tag organization
- Recheck older records when reopening
Import inputs and share deliberately
CSV and XLSX carry cargo data and supported rules; they do not run the optimizer inside Excel. Review the import preview. A public share link can contain shipment inputs, so send it only to intended recipients.
- Check units, quantities and rotation after import
- Keep source inputs with the exported result
- Reopening a shared input can recalculate the plan
Loading plan methods
Ordinary non-pallet plans compare Max Volume and Best Balance automatically. Run other methods on request when eligible. Palletized planning keeps its separate single-plan workflow.
Max Volume
Keeps the load compact to maximize usable cargo space.
Best Balance
Prioritizes a more centered weight distribution and stable load.
Deeper Search
Compares block layouts and box loading orders to find a denser container plan.
PRO Optimization
Searches for a better plan for boxes and upright cylinders for up to 90 seconds. Stop early to keep the best verified plan found so far.
Easy Loading
Spreads cargo across the floor to reduce stacking and simplify handling.
Stability First
Prefers higher support, bearing reserve, a lower center of gravity and a more even top surface.
Route First
Reduces delivery-stop inversions and conservative rehandling while preserving safety rules.
Max Volume v2
Runs a deterministic deeper search for a plan that cannot be worse than the current Max Volume result.
Layer Build
Builds regular walls and layers for eligible rectangular box loads.
Sequence Feasible
Verifies a conservative door-to-position loading order after the final placement is created.
Axle-Aware
Validates reactions at every stop when a sourced vehicle and axle profile is available.
Hard safety checks always override global and row-level preferences. Search budgets are limits, not fixed waiting times or a guarantee of the optimal result.
Global Loading Rules and Equipment Restrictions
Apply plan-wide constraints before row-level preferences. Model a real load space with an optional door opening, wheel arches and fixed internal obstacles. Empty fields preserve current planning behaviour.
Global loading rules
Apply plan-wide constraints before row-level preferences.
- Keep groups separateDo not mix cargo from different input rows in the same planning group.
- Strict stop orderPlace later delivery stops deeper so the next stop remains accessible.
- Allow partial supportPermit supported stacking down to the controlled minimum threshold.
Hard safety checks always override global and row-level preferences.
Industry loading presets
Apply proven starting rules, then adjust any row or plan rule to match the shipment.
- Custom rulesApply proven starting rules, then adjust any row or plan rule to match the shipment.
- FurnitureFragile, non-stackable furniture with orientation protection and easy unloading.
- Mixed warehouse picksKeep cargo groups separate, respect stop order, and favor easy unloading.
Applies only the selected starting defaults. You can edit any value afterwards.
Equipment restrictions
Model a real load space with an optional door opening, wheel arches and fixed internal obstacles. Empty fields preserve current planning behaviour.
- Door openingClear width (cm) · Clear height (cm)
- Wheel archesStart from rear (cm) · Length (cm) · Intrusion per side (cm) · Height (cm)
- Fixed internal obstaclesReserve non-loadable space for pillars, machinery or other fixed equipment.
Enter measured restrictions for the equipment you will actually use.
Palletize my cargo
My cargo dimensions do not include pallets
- Pallet RequiredKeep the selected row on a pallet; do not silently substitute floor loading.
- Floor-Load OKPermit floor loading for that row where the plan allows it.
- Already loaded palletsEnter the complete outside size and gross weight; do not add the pallet base or tare twice.
Keep complete loaded pallets upright and allow stacking only when suitable for the real load.
Find a loading calculator for your container or vehicle
Start with the relevant guide and its equipment-selected calculator link. The catalogue below follows the currently selectable profiles; it is not a list of certified transport configurations.
20ft / 20DC container loading
Also called 20GP. Test carton quantities or complete loaded pallets in the standard dry profile.
20DC calculator and loading guide40ft / 40DC container loading
Also called 40GP. Compare usable floor space and weight limits; do not assume twice the payload of a 20ft unit.
40DC calculator and loading guide40ft high cube / 40HC loading
Also called 40HQ. Check whether the extra height helps your actual carton layers and door clearance.
40HC calculator and loading guideSea containers 16 selectable profiles
Dry, high cube, reefer, palletwide, open top and flat rack profiles. Check the actual door, payload and handling requirements.
- 20' Dry Container (20DC)
- 20' Flat Rack (20FR)
- 20' Open Top (20OT)
- 20' Open Top High Cube
- 20' High Cube Palletwide
- 20' Standard Reefer (20RF)
- 40' Dry Container (40DC)
- 40' Flat Rack (40FR)
- 40' High Cube (40HC)
- 40' Open Top (40OT)
- 40' Open Top High Cube
- 40' High Cube Palletwide (SeaPC+)
- 40' Standard Reefer (40RF)
- 40' High Cube Reefer (40RHC)
- 45' High Cube (45HC)
- 45' High Cube Palletwide
Trucks, trailers and intermodal bodies 11 selectable profiles
Use the actual body and cargo limits. Vehicle, axle and route checks remain separate requirements.
- 48 ft North American Flatbed
- 48 ft North American Step Deck
- 53' Domestic High Cube Intermodal
- 53' Dry Van Trailer
- 53' Refrigerated Trailer
- 26 ft North American Dry Freight Body
- 13.6 m European Reefer Trailer
- Mega Trailer (13.6m)
- Standard Trailer (13.6m)
- 7.45 m Swap Body (C745)
- 7.82 m Swap Body (C782)
Air cargo and ULD profiles 4 selectable profiles
Selectable planning profiles are not airline acceptance. Confirm the operator contour, usable interior, restraint and gross-weight limits.
- Swiss WorldCargo LD11 Pallet (PLA/PLB)
- ULD LD3 Container (AKE)
- ULD LD7 88-inch Pallet (PAG/PAJ/P1P)
- ULD PMC 96-inch Pallet (P6P)
Rail profiles 2 selectable profiles
Manual equipment profiles. Confirm operator limits; loose bulk-flow simulation is not provided.
- BNSF 60 ft Plate-F Boxcar
- Trinity 66 ft Mill Gondola
Custom loading space 1 selectable profile
Use measured usable dimensions and the applicable cargo weight allowance.
- Custom Container
Container Stuffing Calculator
Enter the packed cargo
Start with the shipment you need to load: add packed outside dimensions, whole-number quantities, unit weights and handling rules. For complete loaded pallets, count the pallet base and tare once.
Choose and check the equipment
Select the required profile or review a Best Fit recommendation. Confirm actual internal dimensions, door opening and cargo allowance separately.
Calculate and inspect the result
Run the calculation, then inspect the stuffing arrangement and loading sequence in 3D. Review placed and unplaced quantities, orientations and warnings. Try an eligible alternative method without removing real cargo restrictions.
Export and organize the handoff
Export the selected PDF and retain its inputs and assumptions for the loading team. The stuffing plan is a planning aid, not a cargo-securing design or transport approval. Sign in for cloud saves; basic calculation does not require an account.
Start a loading plan without registration
Basic calculations, 3D planning, CSV/XLSX import and PDF export are available in CBM3's current free mode. Technical quantity, file-size and processing limits still apply.
Create a free account when you want account-owned cloud saves and the dashboard. Keep a separate copy of important inputs and reports; local browser history is not a cloud backup.
Free basic calculation and 3D planning
Cargo-file input and PDF output
Optional account for cloud project management
Container loading calculator questions
No. CBM is length times width times height times quantity in consistent units. A loading plan also considers where units can be placed under dimensions, weight, rotation and stacking constraints. Spare cubic volume alone does not prove the order fits.
Select 20DC, enter your packed cargo dimensions, quantities and weights, and calculate the plan. Review placed and unplaced units. 20GP is another common name for this standard dry-container type; confirm the supplied unit's actual dimensions.
40DC is the standard-height dry profile; 40HC, also called 40HQ, is high cube. Select the equipment you intend to use and test the same cargo with the same rules. Extra height only helps when the cargo can use it, and door and payload limits still need checking.
No. Horizontal-only rotation is the default. Full 3D rotation is an explicit permission for suitable cargo, not a recommendation to overturn fragile goods or loaded pallets. Upright restrictions and pallet constraints still apply.
No. Standard planning searches for a placement of the quantity you enter under the selected constraints. More search time may not find a better result. Review every unplaced unit and do not remove real restrictions to obtain a higher utilization figure.
Ordinary non-pallet planning compares Max Volume and Best Balance automatically. Other methods, including Deeper Search and PRO Optimization, run on request when eligible. Palletized loading uses its separate single-plan workflow. Search budgets are limits, not fixed waiting times.
In the current free mode, basic calculations, 3D planning, cargo-file import and PDF export do not require registration. Cloud saves and the account dashboard require a signed-in account. Technical input and processing limits still apply.
No. A placement result does not inspect the actual equipment or validate every securing, vehicle, route or regulatory requirement. Treat the result as a planning aid and have the responsible transport parties review the real load.
Ready to test your shipment?
Enter the actual cargo and handling rules, then review the placed and unplaced quantities in 3D. Keep the selected result and its assumptions together.
Enter packed carton or pallet dimensions, weight and quantity to compare how your cargo fits in 20DC, 40DC, 40HC and other loading spaces. Review the 3D placement, stacking and weight distribution before sharing a loading plan with your team.
Choose the right starting point
Use this 3D container loading calculator to test your entered cargo quantities with packed dimensions, weights and handling rules. If you only need a shipment’s cubic volume, use the separate CBM volume calculator.
For equipment-specific guidance, start with the 20ft dry container guide, 40ft dry container guide or 40ft high cube guide. Other supported profiles are grouped in the loading-space guide directory.
Already loaded pallets need their complete outside dimensions, total height and gross weight. Do not add their pallet base or tare a second time. Keep them upright and do not grant stacking permission unless the complete unit can be stacked.
Check what the plan actually placed
A completed calculation may still leave cargo unplaced. Check the requested, placed and unplaced quantities, then inspect each container and its handling rules. The result is a tested arrangement for your inputs, not a mathematical optimum or minimum-container guarantee.
Use the step-by-step planning guide to prepare and review a job. The load-planning software overview explains the wider workflow; the container loading optimization guide covers comparing alternatives.
A volume total or geometric plan is not transport approval. Equipment condition, access, securing and verified transport mass require separate checks.
For a specific shipment question, test your entered carton order, plan already loaded pallets, or compare container plans for the same shipment. Prepare larger cargo lists with the Excel and CSV templates for the 3D planner. Check both placed and unplaced quantities; these tools do not guarantee an optimum or a minimum container count.