Bulky goods and irregular shapes: How CoLoCa also plans complex loads
Bulky goods, machine parts and other irregularly shaped cargo present special challenges for freight forwarders and logisticians. Besides weight and hazardous-material properties, the right container size and the efficient use of interior space are decisive for cost and safety. In this article we show how you can reliably plan complex loads with CoLoCa, perform volume estimations and follow practical packing tips.
Why bulky goods must be planned differently
Bulky goods and irregular shapes often occupy more space than their pure volume would suggest. Causes include:
- Uneven dimensions (overhangs, uneven heights)
- Required space for lashing points and padding
- Door and clearance restrictions during loading
- Difficult stackability compared to standardized pallets
These aspects quickly lead to a situation where a container is sufficient in terms of volume, but practical loading problems occur. This is where CoLoCa comes in: the container load calculator helps you plan with realistic envelope volumes and safety margins.
CoLoCa approach for irregular shapes
Recommendation: Enter the maximum external dimensions as an envelope volume. CoLoCa calculates the resulting volume in m³ and shows direct comparisons with the interior dimensions of common containers (20ft, 40ft, 45ft; Standard and High Cube). Important advantages:
- Flexible input of dimensions in mm/cm/m or direct volume entry
- Automatic calculation of container utilization (m³ and percent)
- Display of remaining space and color-coded utilization values
- Ability to combine any number of positions (e.g. machine + pallets)
Tip: Use meters (m) as the unit for clarity and to avoid conversion errors.
Practical tip: 10–15% safety margin
For irregular shapes we recommend using an envelope volume with a safety margin — usually 10–15%. This buffer accounts for padding, lashing space and measurement inaccuracies.
Example: Industrial machine with external dimensions 3.2 m × 1.8 m × 2.1 m
- Raw volume: 3.2 × 1.8 × 2.1 = 12.096 m³
- With 15% safety margin: 12.096 × 1.15 = 13.909 m³
Comparison with container sizes (interior volumes according to CoLoCa):
- 20ft Standard (33.17 m³): Utilization ≈ 13.909 / 33.17 = 41.9 % (🟢)
- 40ft Standard (67.69 m³): Utilization ≈ 13.909 / 67.69 = 20.5 % (🟢)
Result: The machine fits volumetrically without problems into a 20ft container. Additionally check door openings, interior width and, if necessary, ramp/fork height during loading.
Combining with regular pallets: Use remaining volume optimally
After planning the machine, about 33.17 − 13.909 = 19.261 m³ remain in the 20ft container.
If you want to add standard pallets (e.g. 120 × 80 × 100 cm → 0.96 m³ per pallet), you could theoretically stow up to 20 additional pallets (19.261 / 0.96 ≈ 20). Realistically there will be fewer, because the shape of the machine restricts arrangement and aisles/lashing space are required.
Practical tip: Use CoLoCa to enter the machine as one position and the pallets as multiple positions. The real-time calculation immediately shows the remaining cubic meters and the percentage utilization for each container option.
Checklist: 5 steps for reliable volume estimation of bulky goods
- Measure the maximum external dimensions (H×L×W) at the most sensitive point and record the dimensions in meters.
- Create an envelope volume (L×W×H) — this is the basis for the CoLoCa input.
- Add a safety margin of 10–15% for padding and lashing space.
- Check door clearance, interior width and height of the container as well as possible loading routes (e.g. ramp height).
- Combine multiple positions in CoLoCa (e.g. machine + pallets) and use the utilization display to choose the optimal container size.
Further practical tips for safe and efficient container planning
- Check door and clearance dimensions: Pay attention to door width and threshold height, not just the interior dimensions.
- Consider weight and center of gravity: Bulky goods can be heavy and unevenly distributed — plan lashing points and load distribution.
- Protection and securing: Use edge protection, foam and lashing straps; a small buffer prevents damage.
- Run variants: Test multiple scenarios in CoLoCa (e.g. 20ft vs. 40ft, Standard vs. High Cube) and look at utilization in percent and remaining volume.
CoLoCa features that make your daily work easier
- Input of dimensions in various units with automatic conversion
- Direct volume input for known m³ values
- Display of container utilization, remaining volume and color coding (green/yellow/red)
- Unlimited positions and instant recalculation when values change
- Share function: Save and share complete calculations as a link — practical for customer and supplier communication
Conclusion
Bulky goods and irregular shapes require careful volume estimation and practical knowledge. With the right approach — record maximum external dimensions, form an envelope volume, factor in a safety margin and simulate the combination of different positions — you avoid costly planning mistakes. CoLoCa supports you with precise comparisons of standard containers, real-time utilization displays and useful sharing features.
Do you have your own experiences with bulky goods or questions about container planning? Write to us: feedback@coloca.de