Free Excel Template
Free container load plan
Excel template download
A load plan spreadsheet that auto-calculates CBM, total weight and container load rate the moment you enter cargo dimensions and quantity. Covers 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC — no sign-up needed.
⬇ Download the free Excel templateWhat this template automates
No manual math required — just enter your data
Automatic CBM
Enter length, width and height (cm) and per-unit CBM plus total CBM are calculated automatically.
Total weight
Unit weight × quantity is automatically summed across all cargo.
Load rate by container
Compare volume and weight load rate for 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC at a glance.
Worked example included
A sample row and fill-in instructions mean first-time users can start right away.
How to use it
Three steps and you're done
- Enter cargo — Fill in the yellow cells: item name, length/width/height (cm), unit weight, and quantity.
- Check auto-calculations — Per-unit CBM, total CBM and total weight are calculated instantly.
- Compare load rate — Check the table below for load rate per container (20ft, 40ft, 40ft HC) and pick the best fit.
Where load plans usually go wrong
Enter packed dimensions, not product dimensions. Cartons, protective material, wrapping and the pallet all count. This single point invalidates more load plans than anything else on this page.
Keep declared weight and actual weight aligned. If cargo is damaged, the gap between the two becomes a liability question immediately, and high-value equipment makes that argument expensive and slow.
Write the discharge order alongside the stow. A load plan usually records what goes where. Discharge happens from the doors inward. If the first item needed is stowed at the far end, everything in front comes out first. For multi-drop shipments, simply placing the last delivery deepest takes a large amount of time out of the unloading.
Need an actual layout drawing?
Excel handles quantity and CBM figures only. To see exactly how cargo fits inside the container, including a 3D layout, use the web calculator — just enter your dimensions and it draws it automatically.
Open the Loading SimulatorFAQ
Common questions about the load plan template
Is it really free?
Yes, completely free. No sign-up or login — just download the Excel file and use it right away.
Does it open in Google Sheets?
Yes. Upload the downloaded .xlsx file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets — it works as-is.
Are the spec figures accurate?
They're based on commonly used standard dimensions. Max payload and similar figures vary by carrier and route, so use them as reference and confirm carrier specs before shipping — see the container dimensions reference.