Calculate your container stuffing
A preview of the full 3D load planner. Create a free account to start packing containers in 3D.
What is the container load calculator?
The Panvaya load calculator optimises how your cargo fills a container (boxes, big bags, barrels, or bulk) in just a few steps. Enter your cargo dimensions and quantities, pick a 20ft or 40ft container, and the tool produces a full 3D load plan you can hand straight to the stuffing team.
How do I calculate container load?
Choose your container type (20ft, 40ft standard or high cube), enter each cargo item's dimensions, weight and quantity, then run the calculator. Panvaya works out the optimal arrangement, flags any weight-limit issues, and renders a step-by-step 3D loading scheme. All from your browser, no download required.
Why teams use the 3D load calculator
Lower shipping costs
Fitting more cargo per container means fewer boxes moved, less freight spend, and a tighter supply-chain budget. No compromises on safety or compliance.
Maximum space utilisation
Whether it is a 20ft standard, 40ft high cube, or a reefer unit, the calculator finds the arrangement that uses every cubic metre, across mixed cargo types in one plan.
3D loading scheme
The interactive 3D view shows exactly where each item goes, in loading order, so warehouse and stuffing teams can replicate the plan without guesswork.
Load Calculator FAQ
How do you calculate container loading?
To calculate container loading, you can use a container loading calculator designed to optimize the arrangement of cargo within a shipping container. This tool considers the dimensions and weight of your items to determine the best way to maximize space. Additionally, a load calculator helps assess the total weight and volume to ensure you don't exceed the container's capacity.
How to calculate the capacity of a 40ft container?
To calculate the capacity of a 40ft container, use a truck load calculator for standard dimensions and volume, which is typically about 67 cubic meters or 2,389 cubic feet. A container packing calculator can help maximize space based on your cargo's dimensions and weight.
What is the formula for container load?
To calculate container load, determine the total weight and volume of cargo to fit within the container's capacity. The Formula for CBM calculation is: Length (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) x No of cartons (pcs) / 1000000 = Total CBM of your goods.
How do you calculate truck loading?
To calculate truck loading, use a truck loading calculator that helps determine how much cargo can fit based on dimensions and weight. This tool considers the specific size and layout of the truck. Additionally, a truck capacity calculator provides insights into the maximum weight and volume the truck can carry, ensuring you stay within legal limits.
What container sizes does the load calculator support?
The Panvaya load calculator supports all standard dry container sizes, including 20ft standard, 40ft standard, and 40ft high cube units. It also handles specialized equipment such as reefer (refrigerated) containers, open top, and flat rack, plus common road trailers and trucks so you can plan FCL, LCL, and road freight from a single tool.
How does 3D container loading optimisation work?
The 3D load planner takes the dimensions, weight, and quantity of each cargo item and arranges them to maximise volume and weight utilisation while respecting stacking and orientation rules. It then renders an interactive 3D loading scheme so your warehouse and stuffing teams can replicate the exact arrangement and avoid wasted space or overloaded axles.
Can I plan pallets and mixed cargo?
Yes. You can load standard and custom pallet sizes alongside loose cartons, boxes, big bags, barrels, and bulk items in the same plan. The calculator handles mixed cargo by balancing weight distribution and grouping compatible items, which is ideal for consolidated shipments and groupage loads.
Do I need an account to use the load calculator?
The Panvaya load calculator is free to use, you just need to sign in. Create a free Panvaya account with no credit card required, then open the full 3D load planner to start packing containers, trucks, and pallets right away.
How many pallets fit in a 20ft or 40ft container?
A 20ft container typically holds 10 to 11 standard EUR pallets (or 9 to 10 US 48x40 pallets) in a single layer, while a 40ft container holds 20 to 21 EUR pallets or about 20 US pallets. The exact number depends on pallet size, whether you can double-stack, and the load weight, all of which the Panvaya calculator works out for your specific cargo.
What is the difference between volumetric weight and gross weight?
Gross weight is the actual physical weight of the cargo, while volumetric (dimensional) weight reflects the space it occupies, derived from its dimensions. Carriers charge on whichever is higher, so light but bulky cargo is often billed on volumetric weight. The calculator tracks both so you can see which one drives your freight cost.