How to use CoLoCa step by step – from input to calculation
CoLoCa is a simple yet powerful Container Loading Calculator that helps freight forwarders, logisticians and exporters calculate volumes accurately and choose the optimal container size. This step-by-step guide explains the user flow, shows examples for container calculation and gives practical tips to avoid mistakes.
Why use CoLoCa?
- Fast container calculation without registration
- Automatic utilization display for standard containers
- Share feature: share results via link (permanently valid)
- Real-time calculation and unlimited number of line items
Keywords: Guide, Step-by-Step, User Guidance, Container Calculation, User Interface.
1. Open the website and start the calculator
- Open the CoLoCa website in your browser. The user interface is responsive: on desktop you see input on the left and result on the right; on mobile devices everything is stacked.
- Click on the container loading calculator (usually clearly marked as the main feature).
- Select the language (German/English) in the navigation at the top, if necessary.
Tip: Use a tablet or smartphone directly in the warehouse — the interface is touch-optimized.
2. How to enter cargo data and calculate volume
CoLoCa offers two input modes: dimension-based calculation and direct volume input.
A) Dimension-based input (recommended when dimensions are available)
- Optional: enter title/description of the cargo (e.g. "Pallet with machine parts").
- Enter quantity.
- Choose unit: mm, cm, m or inches, feet, yards.
- Enter dimensions: Height × Width × Depth.
Formula (in the background): Volume (m³) = Height × Width × Depth × Conversion factor × Quantity
Important conversion factors to m³ (for verification):
- 1 mm³ = 0.000000001 m³
- 1 cm³ = 0.000001 m³
- 1 m³ = 1 m³
- 1 inch³ = 0.000016387064 m³
- 1 ft³ = 0.028316846592 m³
- 1 yard³ = 0.764554857984 m³
Example: Pallet: 5 pieces × (120 cm × 80 cm × 100 cm) = 5 × 0.96 m³ = 4.800 m³
B) Direct volume input (when volume is known)
- Title optional.
- Enter volume in m³ or ft³.
- CoLoCa converts bidirectionally automatically (1 m³ = 35.315 ft³).
Example: Bulky item: 15.500 m³ (displayed as 547.383 ft³)
Tip: Pay attention to the correct units and the quantity — this is a common source of error.
3. Select available container and interpret results
After entering all line items CoLoCa calculates the total in real time and shows utilization for six standard container types:
- 45ft Standard (74.63 m³)
- 45ft High Cube (84.16 m³)
- 40ft Standard (67.69 m³)
- 40ft High Cube (76.36 m³)
- 20ft Standard (33.17 m³)
- 20ft High Cube (37.38 m³)
For each container you see:
- Percentage utilization (e.g. 85.60%) – with 2 decimal places
- Used volume in m³ (3 decimal places)
- Remaining space in m³/ft³
- Color coding:
- 🟢 0–70%: Underutilized
- 🟡 70–90%: Well utilized (optimal)
- 🔴 90–100%: Critically full
- ⚫ >100%: Overloaded (container too small)
Example output: 40ft Standard Container: Utilization: 85.60% (57.930 m³ / 67.690 m³) Remaining: 9.760 m³ (344.682 ft³) Status: 🟡 Well utilized
Practical tip: Aim ideally for a range of 70–90% to use freight space efficiently while keeping a buffer for load securing.
4. Use export and sharing options
- Save the calculation on the server to generate a unique share link: https://coloca.net/calc/{token}
- The link is automatically copied to the clipboard and is permanently valid.
- Shared calculations are fully restored: all line items and values load automatically.
Practical use case: Create a calculation for a customer request and send the link to the customer so they can immediately view volume and container utilization.
Privacy note: CoLoCa only stores the minimal necessary data.
5. Avoid common mistakes (Quick check)
- Wrong unit selected (e.g. cm instead of m): check before submitting.
- Forgot quantity: always verify quantity.
- Decimal separator: use dot or comma according to the user interface – CoLoCa formats with 3 decimal places.
- Volume entered twice (dimensions and direct volume for the same item): delete duplicate line items.
- Utilization >100%: container too small — check larger containers (High Cube or 45ft).
Practical tip: Use the color coding as a quick indicator and, when 🔴 or ⚫ appears, choose the next larger container or split the load across multiple containers.
6. Practical examples from practice
- Multiple pallets: 10 pallets × (1.2 m × 0.8 m × 1.0 m) = 9.600 m³
- 40ft Standard (67.69 m³) → 14.18% utilization — comfortably fits in a 40ft.
- Bulky item: 15.5 m³ → 45ft High Cube (84.16 m³) → 18.42% utilization — plenty of space, consider a smaller option.
- Large machine components: 30 m³ → 20ft High Cube (37.38 m³) → 80.27% (🟡) – good range.
Conclusion
CoLoCa offers clear user guidance and precise container calculation for logistics professionals. With dimension-based input, direct volume capture, real-time results and simple share links you save time and make better container selection decisions. Pay attention to units, quantities and the color coding — this helps you avoid common mistakes and optimize costs.
In short: With this step-by-step guide you use CoLoCa efficiently, from entering cargo data to final evaluation and sharing options.