Container Load Planner
Estimate how many packages fit in a container — by volume, weight, and palletization.
Package details
Enter your package dimensions, weight, and quantity.
Load Estimate
This is volume-based planning only. Real loading depends on package orientation, weight limits, doors, lashing, and stowage rules.
Need a professional load plan?
Download a signed PDF report with package capacity analysis, weight utilization, palletization details, loading recommendation, and a unique reference number — saved to your IMEXLOG account.
Why use the IMEXLOG Container Load Planner
Instant capacity estimate
See how many packages fit by volume and by weight — in real time.
Palletization-aware
Add palletization to get a realistic load plan, not just a theoretical count.
Realistic stowage factor
We apply a 78% stowage factor — the industry-standard heuristic — so your plan matches reality.
How container load planning works
Container load planning estimates how many packages fit in a container by comparing your cargo volume and weight to the container's capacity.
Why realistic capacity is lower than theoretical
Even with perfect math, containers rarely load to 100% of theoretical capacity. Boxes don't tessellate perfectly, corners are lost to door frames, cargo needs lashing and ventilation space, and weight distribution rules require gaps. Industry practice uses a stowage factor between 70% and 85%, with 78% as a common midpoint.
Related trade tools
Frequently asked questions
What is a Container Load Planner?▾
A Container Load Planner estimates how many packages fit into a shipping container based on package dimensions, weight, and quantity. It calculates volume utilization, weight utilization, and theoretical package capacity — helping you choose the right container and plan efficient FCL shipments.
How many packages fit in a 20ft container?▾
A standard 20ft container holds approximately 33.2 m³ of cargo. The number of packages that fit depends on their dimensions and orientation. For example, a 60×40×40 cm package fits around 350 units by pure volume — though real loading depends on weight, orientation, lashing, and stowage rules.
How many packages fit in a 40ft container?▾
A standard 40ft container holds approximately 67.7 m³, and a 40ft High Cube holds about 76.4 m³. As with any container, the actual number of packages depends on package size, weight, and stowage efficiency.
Is the Container Load Planner free?▾
Yes, the IMEXLOG Container Load Planner is completely free with no sign-up required. If you need a professional report with detailed analysis and reference number, you can optionally purchase one for $4.99.
What is included in the Professional Load Plan Report?▾
The Professional Load Plan Report includes package capacity analysis, volume utilization, weight utilization, loading recommendations, container type suggestion, date and time stamp, and a unique reference number. It is saved to your IMEXLOG account.
Does the planner account for palletization?▾
Yes. You can specify packages per pallet, and the calculator will estimate pallet volume and pallet count. This gives a more realistic load plan than pure package volume alone.
Why does real loading differ from theoretical capacity?▾
Real-world loading depends on package orientation, weight distribution, door and ceiling clearances, lashing points, ventilation, and stowage rules. The theoretical capacity shown is an upper bound — actual loading is usually 70–85% of that number for efficient planning.
Can I use this planner for a full container load?▾
Yes. The planner is designed specifically for FCL (Full Container Load) planning. For LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, use the IMEXLOG CBM Calculator to calculate your cargo volume in cubic meters.
Trade Guidelines
Full reference for international trade — Incoterms, documentation, customs, compliance.
IMEXLOG Trade Desk
Source, verify, connect, and move — coordinated by a dedicated specialist.
Need a container booking?
Turn your load estimate into an IMEXLOG logistics request — and get a freight quote within 24 hours.