VALICALC · ENGINEERING WORKFLOW
Container carton, pallet and payload plan
Combine mixed-carton CBM, pallet fit, container geometry and mass limits into a documented loading estimate with packing and stability limitations.
Start this workflowWhat do I need to know first?
- External carton dimensions, quantities and gross weights
- Pallet deck/height/tare and permitted loaded height/payload
- Actual container internal/door dimensions, plate limits and dunnage allowance
Goal and model boundaries
Check volume, geometry and weight independently before planning a container shipment.
- Geometric fit does not certify stacking compression, load stability or lashing.
- Fleet example dimensions/payload are a subset; confirm the supplied container. Gross-weight estimates are not certified VGM.
Total carton volume and mass
Add each carton type with its own units and quantity.
Per-carton volume × quantity is summed after unit conversion; missing weights stay unknown.
- Expected output
- Shipment CBM, carton count and weight completeness.
- Next step
- Choose palletized or loose loading and keep the same carton inventory.
Plan the chosen packing branch
For pallets, check deck packing and loaded height; for loose cargo, use container loading.
Grid/rotation/split layouts estimate geometric fit without overhang by default.
- Expected output
- Estimated cartons per pallet or a loose-carton container plan.
- Next step
- Check actual container and door dimensions before accepting the fit.
Check container fit and mass
Use actual equipment dimensions; include tare, pallets and dunnage in the mass model.
Pallet fit and gross weight are separate checks; gross = equipment tare + cargo + packing/dunnage.
- Expected output
- A geometric pallet plan and separate payload/gross-weight margins.
- Next step
- Review access, securement, load stability and verified gross mass with the carrier.
Units and context
- Use packed external carton sizes, not product dimensions.
- CBM and tonnes measure different limits; a volume fit can still exceed payload.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating empty geometric volume as usable packed capacity
- Ignoring pallet tare, dunnage or door clearance
- Counting cartons on pallets and as loose cargo twice