Container Loading Optimization: 20FT vs 40FT vs 40HC Explained
A 40HC holds 68 CBM but rarely fills past 56 in practice. Here is the carton math, the floor diagrams and the weight distribution rules that actually move the cost-per-unit needle.
The number every buyer should memorize
A standard 40HC (High Cube) container has a theoretical capacity of 68 CBM. In production loading with cartons, you realistically use 52 to 58 CBM — the rest is air gaps, pallet inefficiency and corner waste. That 14% capacity gap is where most of the cost-per-unit damage happens.
What container you actually need
| Container | Internal CBM | Max Payload | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20FT Dry | 30 CBM | ~28 tons | Heavy, dense goods (ceramic, metal) |
| 40FT Dry | 60 CBM | ~28 tons | Standard mixed loads |
| 40HC High Cube | 68 CBM | ~28 tons | Volumetric goods (plastic, textile) |
How carton design changes the math
Imagine your product is a 4-liter plastic pitcher:
- Option A: 40 × 30 × 60 cm carton, 12 units inside → 167 units/CBM
- Option B: 50 × 40 × 50 cm carton, 16 units inside → 160 units/CBM
- Option C: 40 × 30 × 40 cm carton, 8 units inside → 167 units/CBM
The consolidation play
Our specialty is multi-supplier consolidation: plastic kitchenware from Supplier A, porcelain from Supplier B, textile from Supplier C. Three separate containers would cost $5,400+ in freight. We consolidate at our Istanbul bonded warehouse, ship one 40HC, drop freight to $2,200 and save the buyer $3,000+ per order.
Get a free load analysis →