Stowage Factor
Stowage factor is the volume occupied by one tonne of cargo, usually in m³ per tonne or cubic feet per long ton. It shows whether a load will hit the weight limit or the volume limit first. A 20GP with 33.2 m³ and a 28,250 kg payload breaks even at about 1.18 m³ per tonne, while a 40HC with 76.4 m³ and 26,540 kg is about 2.88 m³ per tonne. Cargo denser than that weighs out before the space is full.
Related terms
- CBM (Cubic Metre)
CBM, the cubic metre, is the volume unit for cargo: length × width × height in metres, times the number of packages.
- Payload
Payload is the maximum cargo weight a container may carry: maximum gross mass minus tare.
- Deadweight Tonnage (DWT)
Deadweight tonnage (DWT) is the total weight a ship can carry at its summer load line, including cargo, fuel, fresh water, stores and crew.
- High Cube Container (40HC)
A high cube container is 9'6" (2,896 mm) high externally, one foot taller than a standard 8'6" box.
Covered in these guides
General Cargo and Breakbulk Stowage: Holds, Stowage Factor and Discharge Order
How to plan general cargo stowage in holds and tween decks, work out stowage factor and broken stowage, check tank top loads and set a clean discharge order.
6 min read Load calculationsVolumetric and Chargeable Weight: Air, Courier, Sea and Road Explained
How to calculate volumetric weight for air cargo (÷6,000), courier (÷5,000), sea freight W/M and road tariffs, with chargeable-weight worked examples.
5 min read Load calculations20ft vs 40ft vs 40HC Containers: Volume, Weight and Cost per m³
Compare 20GP, 40GP and 40HC containers on volume, payload, floor area, pallet count and cost per cubic metre, with practical rules for choosing the right size.
6 min read Container sizes & capacity40ft Container Dimensions (40GP): Size, Capacity and Weight Limits
Inside and door dimensions of a 40ft dry container, its 67.7 m³ capacity, 26,730 kg payload, when a 40GP beats two 20GPs, and the risk of weighing out.
6 min read