Container & Pallet Loading Calculator
Calculate how many boxes fit in standard shipping containers and pallets with 2D visual layout. After checking your HTS tariff codes on PoliteDraft, plan your container loading here.
Quick Calculator
Container Specifications
| Type | Interior (cm) | Volume | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 589×235×239 | 33.1 m³ | 28,200 kg |
| 40ft Standard | 1203×235×239 | 67.5 m³ | 26,800 kg |
| 40ft High Cube | 1203×235×269 | 76.0 m³ | 26,500 kg |
Pallet Specifications
| Type | Dimensions | Max Load |
|---|---|---|
| Euro Pallet | 120×80 cm | 1,500 kg |
| US Pallet | 122×102 cm | 2,000 kg |
Common Box Sizes & Max Capacity
| Box Type | cm | 20GP | 40GP | 40HQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard FBA #1 | 40×30×20 | 2,440 | 5,000 | 5,600 |
| Medium Carton | 50×40×30 | 980 | 2,000 | 2,240 |
| Large Export | 60×50×40 | 490 | 1,000 | 1,120 |
| Electronics | 45×35×25 | 1,480 | 3,100 | 3,500 |
| Small Parts | 30×20×15 | 6,500 | 13,300 | 15,000 |
Loading Tips
- Base layer first — test both orientations with the calculator above. The 2D visualizer shows exact box placement.
- Weight distribution — heavy boxes center-bottom, light on top. Unbalanced loads cause crane tilting.
- Use vertical space — 239cm (20ft) to 269cm (40HQ) ceiling. Unused height is wasted freight cost.
- Door clearance — leave 5cm at doors for proper closure and seal.
- Road limits — US 36,287 kg truck+container combined. EU 40 tons. Container payload may not be the binding constraint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many FBA boxes fit in a 40ft container?
Approximately 5,000 standard 40×30×20cm boxes in a 40ft, and 5,600 in a 40ft High Cube at optimal packing. Actual capacity varies with box compression and container wall corrugation.
40GP vs 40HQ — which should I use?
40HQ adds 30cm height (269 vs 239cm) for 13% more volume. Best for lightweight bulky goods like furniture and insulation. For dense heavy cargo where weight is the limiting factor, 40GP is sufficient.
Why might fewer boxes fit than the calculator shows?
Container wall corrugation reduces interior width by 2-5cm per side. Box compression during stacking, pallet overhang restrictions, and road weight limits all reduce actual loadable quantity below theoretical maximums.
Loading calculations are theoretical estimates based on ISO 668 container standards. Always verify with your freight forwarder before shipping.