How To Read A Container Loading Quantity

What The Figures On Each Item Page Are

Every item page on this site carries three numbers, for example 7252 pcs per 20FT, 14763 pcs per 40GP and 17353 pcs per 40HQ. They are the number of pieces of that item that fit in each container type, calculated from the master carton dimensions and the pieces per carton in the packing specification.

Why The Three Numbers Are Not Simple Multiples

A 40GP is not twice a 20FT for a given carton, and a 40HQ is not simply taller. The figures come from how many cartons fit in the usable internal dimensions in each direction, so the ratio between them changes with the carton shape. A tall carton gains a lot from a 40HQ; a flat one gains very little.

Using The Figures To Plan A Mixed Load

Divide your intended quantity by the loading quantity for that container type to get the fraction of a container that item uses. Add the fractions across your item list. If the total is under 1.0 the load has room; if it is over, split it or move to the next container size.

A worked example

• Item A: you want 5000 pcs, 40HQ loading is 17353 pcs, so it uses 0.29 of a 40HQ.
• Item B: you want 6000 pcs, 40HQ loading is 12000 pcs, so it uses 0.50.
• Total 0.79 of a 40HQ, leaving roughly a fifth of the container.
• Fill it with a deep nesting item such as basins, baskets or hangers rather than shipping air.

What Changes The Figures

• Changing the master carton size or the quantity per carton
• Adding an inner box, which is a common cause of a load plan drifting
• Changing the material of the master carton away from the 5-layer standard

Any of these is quoted separately and we reissue the loading figures when it happens, because a load plan built on the old number is worse than no plan at all.