Shipping Volume & Container Load Calculator
Estimate carton CBM, weight and volume-only space in 20ft, 40ft and high-cube containers. Use the result to prepare a full-container enquiry, then confirm the actual loading plan and freight quotes.
How many CBM fit in a 20ft or 40ft container?
A 20ft container holds about 33.2 CBM, of which about 28 CBM is usable for cartons in practice; a 40ft holds about 67.7 CBM (57 usable) and a 40ft high cube about 76.4 CBM (64 usable).
| Container | Internal volume (CBM) | Planning volume for cartons (CBM) |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft container | 33.2 | 28 |
| 40ft container | 67.7 | 57 |
| 40ft high cube | 76.4 | 64 |
Volume-only estimate using 85% of nominal internal capacity. It does not test physical carton orientation, pallets, lashing, payload or axle limits, and is not a loading plan or freight quote. LCL may be charged by volume or weight; FCL freight is generally quoted per container with other charges. Confirm equipment, loading and all-in quotes before booking.
Questions about this tool
How do I work out the CBM of a shipment?
Multiply a carton's length, width and height in metres to get its volume in cubic metres, then multiply by the number of cartons. This gives a volume-only container estimate, not a tested loading arrangement.
Should I ship LCL or a full container?
Compare route-specific all-in LCL and FCL quotes, including origin and destination charges, handling, timing and cargo risk. There is no universal CBM threshold at which a full container becomes cheaper.
Why do fewer cartons fit than the container's volume suggests?
Cartons do not occupy container space perfectly. Pallets, orientation, weight, lashing and container dimensions can reduce usable space further. LCL charging may consider both volume and weight; confirm the actual loading plan and quotes before booking.
Get a landed price including freight
Tell us the product, quantity and destination. Our own staff in China verify factories, follow production and inspect before shipment. We reply the same working day to confirm receipt and arrange next steps.
Discuss your sourcing project- WhatsAppBuying for a business? WhatsApp works too: send your company name, product, quantity and timing, and we will reply with the next steps.
- WeChat: pineapplebun2000
- 07410367251
- enquiries@camchinabridge.co.uk
- Cambridge & London