Loading Space Guides

Browse 37 published equipment and custom-space guides by load-space type: shipping containers, road freight, air cargo, rail equipment and a measured custom cargo space. Choose the relevant guide to understand dimensions, planning inputs and operating limits before testing your cargo order.

Open the CBM3 3D load planner to choose an available equipment profile or Custom Size. Disabled profiles can still have a published reference guide. A selectable profile is not a guarantee that every vehicle or cargo operation is supported: check the profile notes, dimensions, payload, door access and equipment-specific limitations.

Dry and pallet-wide containers

Refrigerated containers

Open-top containers and flat racks

Road freight: trailers, box trucks and swap bodies

Air cargo equipment

Rail freight: boxcars and gondolas

Custom cargo spaces

Custom Cargo Space Calculator: Measure, Test and Review Box Fit

Publication is not a claim that every preset is enabled or suitable for a real shipment. Some air-cargo and rail guides are reference-first because contour, access or payload information still needs confirmation. Read the individual planning limitations; do not substitute a rectangular simulation for equipment approval.

Choose the next step

Start with the beginner loading checklist if your cargo measurements and handling rules are not ready.
Follow the step-by-step container planning guide to prepare inputs, compare a plan and review the result.
Calculate cargo volume when you need CBM totals rather than a placement simulation.
Review CBM3 load-planning software for the current workflow and its limits.

Planning is not operational approval

Typical internal dimensions are planning inputs, not a substitute for a carrier specification or inspection of the actual unit. A 3D result does not certify cargo securing, container condition, CSC validity or VGM. Confirm these separately with the responsible shipper, carrier and loading team.

Use an equipment guide, then test your cargo order

The categorized equipment guides help you identify a reference profile and its limitations. Nominal equipment size is not the same as usable floor area, door clearance or approved cargo payload. Keep the actual booked unit and route requirements separate from the software preset.

For conventional dry freight, compare the 20ft dry-container guide, the 40ft dry-container guide and the 40ft high-cube guide against the actual shipment and available equipment.
Use the 3D cargo planner to test specified quantities, complete packed dimensions and handling permissions. A guide’s equipment link supplies an initial selection, not an automatic calculation; saved jobs and your own choices take priority.
If you need only cubic volume, use the CBM volume tool. For loose cargo-to-pallet packing, use the separate pallet calculator; already loaded pallets require their full outer size and gross weight in the cargo planner.
Read the planning workflow before releasing a layout, and use the loading-method comparison guide to understand why different arrangements can result from the same constraints.

Review entered, placed and unplaced counts. Missing payload, access or operating information remains unresolved, not unlimited capacity. Obtain separate equipment, securing, transport and temperature-control checks where required.

Use a task-specific planner

Directory checked: 9 October 2026. Guide publication and software-profile availability are separate checks.