How can you maximize container space for shipping?

Container shipping is a vital part of global trade, but it also comes with challenges and costs. How can you optimize the use of space in your containers and reduce your shipping expenses? Here are some tips and best practices to help you maximize container space for shipping.

1 Plan ahead

Before you pack your containers, you need to plan ahead and consider several factors, such as the dimensions, weight, and shape of your cargo, the type and size of the containers, the destination and route of your shipment, and the customs and regulations of the countries involved. Planning ahead will help you avoid delays, fines, damages, and wasted space. You can use online tools, such as container loading calculators, to help you plan and visualize how to arrange your cargo in the most efficient way.

Add your perspective

Erika Bavec

Head of Operations, with Customs and Freight Transportation Expertise
Report contribution
This is possible if you have regular shipments and you can plan ahead. Most companies does not have this and they are facing higher prices. You can avoid this a little involving the right freight forwarder. Some bigger ones have a yearly contract with the shipping lines and get lower prices - so this can help.

Like

Unhelpful

2 Choose the right container

There are different types of containers for different types of cargo, such as standard, high-cube, open-top, flat-rack, refrigerated, and tank containers. Choosing the right container for your cargo will help you maximize the space and protect the quality of your goods. For example, if you are shipping bulky or oversized items, you may want to use an open-top or a flat-rack container that allows you to load and unload from the top or the sides. If you are shipping perishable or temperature-sensitive items, you may want to use a refrigerated container that maintains a constant temperature and humidity level.

Add your perspective

3 Pack smartly

Packing smartly means using the available space in your container as efficiently as possible without compromising the safety and security of your cargo. To do this, you should align the edges and corners of your cargo with the edges and corners of the container to avoid gaps and voids. Additionally, stacking your cargo in a stable and balanced way, with the heaviest items at the bottom and the lightest items at the top, is essential. Furthermore, you should secure your cargo with straps, braces, pallets, or other materials to prevent shifting and sliding during transit. Lastly, labeling your cargo clearly and accurately will help facilitate identification and inspection.

Add your perspective

4 Consolidate your cargo

Consolidating your cargo means combining smaller shipments into larger ones to fill up your container and reduce the number of containers you need. Consolidating your cargo can help you save money on freight rates, handling fees, and storage costs. However, consolidating your cargo also requires careful coordination and communication with your suppliers, customers, and shipping partners. You need to ensure that your cargo is compatible, that your delivery schedules are aligned, and that your documentation is complete and correct.

Add your perspective

Dieter Buchinger

Gebrüder Weiss Gesellschaft m.b.H.
Report contribution
Create a smart tariff to attract the right cargo mix, this will benefit both the shipper and you the operator! Maximize capacity in the Ctr

Like

Unhelpful

5 Review your options

Finally, you should review your options and compare the costs and benefits of different container shipping methods and modes. For example, you can choose between full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) services, depending on the volume and frequency of your shipments. FCL means that you rent and fill an entire container with your cargo, while LCL means that you share a container with other shippers and pay only for the space you use. FCL may offer lower rates per unit, faster transit times, and less handling risks, but LCL may offer more flexibility, lower inventory costs, and less environmental impact.

By following these tips and best practices, you can maximize container space for shipping and improve your logistics performance and profitability.

Add your perspective

Erika Bavec

Head of Operations, with Customs and Freight Transportation Expertise
Report contribution
In this kind of shipments, you have to be careful which offer you choose apart from all the above written. I can see in my work that a lot of people do not understand this kind of shipments. Yes, it costs less if you have smaller packages, but I highly recommend to get in contact with the buyer before booking as different offers can bring different payable costs at the destination.

Like

Unhelpful

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Logistics Management

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?

It’s great It’s not so great

Report this article

See all

How can you maximize container space for shipping?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Plan ahead

2 Choose the right container

3 Pack smartly

4 Consolidate your cargo

5 Review your options

6 Here’s what else to consider

Logistics Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Logistics Management

More relevant reading

How can you maximize container space for shipping?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Plan ahead

2 Choose the right container

3 Pack smartly

4 Consolidate your cargo

5 Review your options

6 Here’s what else to consider

Logistics Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills