CoLoCa - Container Loading Calculator

Mastering Mixed Loads: CoLoCa for Complex Cargo Combinations

Mixed loads (LCL) are a key lever to reduce transport costs and use containers efficiently. For carriers, logisticians, and exporters this means: combining several customer shipments safely, legally clean, and space-efficiently in one container. CoLoCa supports you with precise volume calculations, container utilization displays, and practical features for customer pooling and order consolidation.

Why mixed loads are a challenge

Assembling goods from different customers requires more than just adding volumes. Typical challenges:

• Accurate space allocation: Different dimensions, stackability, and shapes require individual space planning.
• Weight and center of gravity: Unevenly distributed masses endanger transport stability.
• Legal separation: Documentation, labeling, and liability issues must be clearly regulated.
• Efficiency vs. margin: Full utilization is the goal, but a safety margin is often necessary (e.g., for unforeseen additional deliveries).

These aspects make clear: mixed loading is a planning issue — and this is exactly where CoLoCa comes in.

CoLoCa as a tool for effective mixed loads

CoLoCa is a container loading calculator developed specifically for practical use. Relevant features for LCL operations:

• Dimension-based volume calculation: Dimensions (H×W×D) in various units (mm/cm/m, inch/ft) are automatically converted to m³. This prevents errors when converting between cubic feet and cubic meters.
• Direct volume input: Already known m³ figures can be entered directly — including bidirectional conversion (1 m³ = 35.315 ft³).
• Container utilization for standard container types: e.g. 20ft Standard (33.17 m³), 40ft Standard (67.69 m³), 40ft High Cube (76.36 m³), 45ft High Cube (84.16 m³). Utilization is shown as a percentage and remaining space.
• Color coding of utilization: Green (0–70%), Yellow (70–90%) as the optimal range, Red (90–100%) and Black (>100%) for overload.
• Share feature: Calculations can be shared via link — useful for customer confirmation and internal coordination.

These features help with customer pooling and order consolidation because they enable quick decisions on container choice and optimal space utilization.

Practical example: 3 customers → 92% utilization

Assume you are planning a 40ft Standard load (internal volume: 67.69 m³). Three customers send different items:

• Customer A: 15 pallets at 1.2×0.8×1.0 m → 15 × 0.96 m³ = 14.40 m³
• Customer B: bulky cargo → entered directly: 18.00 m³
• Customer C: cartons / mixed pieces → 29.90 m³

Total volume = 14.40 + 18.00 + 29.90 = 62.30 m³

Utilization = 62.30 / 67.69 ≈ 92.0% (Status: 🔴 Critically full)

This example shows: with precise volume calculation you achieve high utilizations — but note the warning color: at 92% there is little margin left for additional deliveries or inaccuracies. Alternatively, you can choose a 40ft High Cube (76.36 m³) to reach about 81.6% utilization (🟡 optimal range).

Legal separation and documentation

Legal separation is indispensable when pooling customers:

• Clear labeling of each item (shipper, consignee, contents).
• Separation by pallets, covers, or physical barriers, if necessary.
• Complete documentation in transport papers and packing lists so liability and customs issues are clarified.
• Special caution with dangerous goods: separate stowage zones, correct labeling, and compliance with legal requirements.

CoLoCa simplifies documentation by allowing each item to be recorded with a title/description — ideal for seamless order consolidation.

Practical tips for better mixed loads

1. Define goals: Aim for 70–90% utilization for economical transports. Below 70% is expensive, above 90% is risky.
2. Plan a margin: Allow 5–10% volume reserve for measurement inaccuracies or short-term additions.
3. Check stackability: Standardized pallet formats (e.g. 120×80 cm) significantly simplify cargo space planning.
4. Consider weight: Volume is not everything — check the container's weight limits and axle loads.
5. Use High Cube for height: For bulky, tall goods a High Cube is often more cost-effective.
6. Share & coordinate: Use the option to send calculations via link to customers or warehouse partners to avoid misunderstandings early on.
7. Consistent units: Work consistently in m³ (with ft³ as a counter) — this reduces conversion errors.

Conclusion

Mixed loads offer great savings potential but require precise planning. CoLoCa supports you as a practical tool: exact volume calculation, clear utilization display, comparison of different container sizes, and shareable calculations for communication with customers. This reduces empty kilometres, increases the efficiency of your container usage, and minimizes errors in order consolidation.

How do you organize your mixed loads? Share your strategies and experiences — we look forward to your input!