Start with data that is always up to date
Capture carton and pallet dimensions once and store them in a shared library. If packaging teams change materials, planners see the new volume immediately.
How to Optimize Container Space
Use every cubic inch of a container
This guide shows a repeatable framework logistics teams use to load smarter, respond to demand spikes, and ship more with the assets they already have.
Step-by-step optimization playbook
Segment items by behavior
Group products by their stacking and orientation requirements. Set clear rules for stackability and allowed orientations so the system respects them correctly.
Mix palletized and floor-loaded zones
Use pallets for heavy items and fill the remaining voids with loose cartons. A blended strategy often increases utilization by 8–12%.
Plan dunnage and blocking early
Reserve space for straps, airbags, or wood blocking so you do not realize at the dock that nothing fits once protection is added.
Measure outcomes
Track utilization % and damages per lane. The best operations treat every load like an experiment that feeds the next plan.
Where JustLoad.it Fits In
Saved shipment history
Save your best-performing load plans inside JustLoad.it and revisit them anytime. Access past shipments, view their utilization metrics, and reference successful loads.
Real-time utilization metrics
See utilization percentage, total weight, and placed item counts instantly after running the simulation. You know immediately whether a split load or additional container is required.
Training-ready visuals
Give new hires a clear 3D storyboard instead of sending them to watch someone else load a truck. Visual documentation speeds up onboarding dramatically.
Related Container Loading Solutions
Manufacturing
Optimize shipping container utilization for manufacturing operations. Reduce freight costs, maximize space efficiency, and streamline logistics with 3D load planning software.
E-commerce
Streamline your e-commerce fulfillment with container loading software. Optimize multi-SKU shipments, reduce per-unit shipping costs, and scale operations efficiently.
Automotive
Optimize container loading for automotive parts and components. Handle irregular shapes, heavy items, and just-in-time delivery requirements with precision load planning.
Pallet Loading
Maximize container utilization for palletized cargo. Calculate optimal pallet arrangements, floor loading patterns, and stacking configurations for any container size.
Box & Carton Loading
Maximize container space when shipping boxes and cartons. Handle multiple SKUs, different box sizes, and create efficient loading sequences for warehouse teams.
Mixed Cargo Loading
Efficiently load containers with diverse cargo types. Combine pallets, boxes, crates, and irregularly shaped items while maximizing space utilization.
FAQ
Container Space Optimization FAQ
JustLoad.it supports all standard shipping containers including 20ft, 40ft, 40ft High Cube, 45ft High Cube, and 53ft Domestic containers. Each container type uses accurate internal dimensions for precise calculations. You can also define custom container dimensions for specialized equipment.
Our 3D bin packing algorithm achieves 85-95% container utilization for most cargo types. The algorithm considers item dimensions, weight limits, stacking constraints, and orientation preferences to generate realistic, implementable loading plans.
Yes! You can edit any saved shipment to add or remove items, change container types, or update notes. The system automatically recalculates the optimal loading configuration whenever you make changes.
JustLoad.it supports centimeters (cm), feet (ft), and inches (in). You can switch between units at any time, and the system automatically converts measurements. Your preferred unit is saved for each shipment.
Yes! Pro plan users can print detailed reports with loading sequences, 3D visualizations, and all item details. All users can export data to CSV or Excel format. Reports are formatted for easy sharing with warehouse teams, freight forwarders, and logistics partners.
Yes! Pro plan users can bulk import items from Excel (.xlsx) or CSV files. Simply upload your spreadsheet with columns for length, width, height, quantity, weight, and notes. The system validates your data and shows any errors before importing.
Put the guide into action
Go to pricing, select the plan that fits, and start building optimized loads inside JustLoad.it within minutes.