How many plastic boxes fit in a 40ft container?
The short answer: divide the container's usable volume — about 64.9 m³ for a 40' HQ at 85% stow efficiency — by the box's packed CBM. Folding and nestable boxes pack down, so far more fit.
The method
- Take the container's usable volume — about 64.9 m³ for a 40' HQ (≈67 m³ standard 40ft, ≈33 m³ for a 20ft).
- Find the box's packed CBM — folded height for collapsible boxes, nested height for nestable, full height for rigid stackable.
- Divide usable volume by the box CBM for a floor-loaded estimate.
Formula: boxes ≈ (container usable m³) ÷ (box CBM), with an 85% stow factor.
Worked example — our live box ranges
Best-shipping model per range, with estimated units per 40' HQ from its CBM.
| Range | Example | CBM / unit | Per 40' HQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistics Boxes | Plastic Pallet Box Lid 1210×1010×40mm — PP Cover for 1200×1000 Pallet Container | 0.049 m³ | 1323 |
| Divided Boxs | Divided Box 352x196x90mm - 4-compartment compartment sorting box | 0.006 m³ | 10809 |
Estimates for floor loading; exact counts depend on stacking and are confirmed on quote.
Frequently asked
How many plastic boxes fit in a 40ft container?
Divide the container's usable volume — about 64.9 m³ for a 40' high-cube at 85% stow efficiency — by the box's packed CBM. Stackable rigid boxes use their full height; collapsible/folding boxes use their folded height, so many more fit. Each product page lists units per 40' HQ.
Do folding boxes really ship more per container?
Yes — collapsed boxes occupy a fraction of their erected volume, so far more fit in the same container and freight cost per box drops sharply. See our folding-vs-rigid guide for the saving.
What CBM should I use — erected or folded?
Use the packed shipping CBM: folded height for collapsible boxes, nested height for nestable boxes, and full height for rigid stackable boxes. Our product specs use the packed figure.
How do I get an exact count for my order?
Use the on-site load calculator for a CBM-based estimate, or request a quote and we confirm the exact floor-loaded count for the specific models and quantities.