How to use Pallet Stacking& Ocean Container Loading Optimizer
- Enter Carton outer length L (mm) and adjust the options as needed.
- Run the tool and inspect its results, evidence and limitations.
- Copy or download the result, then verify it against the actual website, source data or business records.
Try a concrete example
A 400×300×250mm carton on a 1200×800mm EUR pallet nests 8 cartons/layer in a 3×2 grid (100% pallet area coverage, zero overhang). Capped by 1800mm height, it stacks 6 layers (1644mm total height), totaling 48 cartons, 745.0 kg gross weight and 1.58 CBM. A 40HQ container accommodates 24 single-tier pallets, loading 1152 cartons (17.88 metric tons) at 57.1% container cube utilization.
How to interpret results
Adheres to international maritime packaging codes and container clearance rules. Uses orthogonal and rotated packing algorithms to calculate carton compression limits, payload road weight caps, and container pallet stuffing plans.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EUR and GMA pallets for container loading?
EUR 1 pallets measure 1200 × 800 mm, optimized for European road trailers and ocean containers (11 per 20GP, 24~25 per 40GP/40HQ). GMA pallets measure 1200 × 1000 mm (48" × 40"), fitting 10 per 20GP and 20~21 per 40GP/40HQ.
What is overhang, and why does ocean palletization demand zero overhang?
Overhang occurs when cartons project beyond the pallet perimeter. In transit, unsupported carton corners suffer severe compression against adjacent pallets and corrugated container walls, risking collapse. Lack of bottom deck support reduces box compression test (BCT) strength by over 30%.
What is the difference between container internal height and door opening height?
A 40HQ has 2690 mm inside clearance, but rear door opening height is only 2585 mm. Forklift tines need 50~100 mm lifting clearance during ingress. For double-stacking, individual pallet height must not exceed 1240 mm to pass through the door opening.
How to choose between floor loading and palletized loading for export shipping?
Floor loading maximizes container cube (85%~92%), but destination labor costs are steep—unloading takes 4~6 hours with demurrage and injury risks. Palletized loading allows forklift turnarounds in 20~30 minutes and is mandated by major retailers like Walmart, Home Depot and Costco.