Cargo Volume & Truck Selector Calculator
Accurately calculate cargo cubic volume, account for stacking voids, and automatically identify the most cost-effective freight vehicle: from small cargo vans to 86–120 m³ Euro semi-trailers.
Cargo Items / Consignment
🚚 Cargo Van / Sprinter
Capacity: до 1.5 т • до 13 м³ • довжина 3.6 м
All Commercial Vehicle Types
Mini Cargo Van
✕ Exceeded0.8 т • 3.5 м³
Cargo Van / Sprinter
✓ Fits1.5 т • 13 м³
Light Truck (3.5t)
✓ Fits2.0 т • 18 м³
5-Ton Medium Truck
✓ Fits5.0 т • 36 м³
10-Ton Heavy Truck
✓ Fits10.0 т • 50 м³
Euro Semi-Trailer (86 m³)
✓ Fits22.0 т • 86 м³
Jumbo / Mega Trailer (120 m³)
✓ Fits22.0 т • 120 м³
How to use
- Enter item dimensions: length, width, and height in centimeters.
- Enter unit weight in kg and batch quantity in pieces.
- Add multiple varied package sizes using the Add Item button.
- Select the stowage void allowance factor (standard +15%).
- Review total net/gross volume, total weight, and the recommended truck type with capacity utilization metrics.
How to Calculate Cargo Volume & Select the Right Truck
Transport logistics requires evaluating payload mass and cubic volume simultaneously to select the most economical commercial vehicle.
This calculator computes exact cubic meters (m³), accounts for void stacking allowances, and pairs consignments with fitting commercial vehicle profiles.
Key Cargo Selection Criteria
• Usable Cubic Volume: sufficient body space including stacking allowances.
• Gross Payload Capacity: preventing dangerous axle overloads and regulatory transport fines.
• Maximum Internal Length: ensuring rigid long items fit through rear portals.
• Loading Access: rear barn doors, side curtains, or overhead crane access.
Cargo Volume Calculation Example
A consignment of 40 standard boxes (60×40×40 cm, 15 kg each) and 20 larger cartons (80×60×50 cm, 35 kg each) totals 8.64 m³ net and 9.94 m³ with stowage allowance, weighing 1,300 kg.
The calculator identifies a standard Cargo Van (1,500 kg payload, 13 m³ volume) as the optimal match at 76% volume and 87% weight capacity.
Commercial Freight Vehicle Categories
• Mini Cargo Van: up to 800 kg, 3.5 m³.
• Long Wheelbase Cargo Van (Sprinter): up to 1,500 kg, 13 m³.
• Light 3.5-Ton Truck: up to 2,000 kg, 18 m³.
• Medium 5-Ton Truck: up to 5,000 kg, 36 m³.
• Heavy 10-Ton Truck: up to 10,000 kg, 50 m³.
• Euro Semi-Trailer (TIR): up to 22,000 kg, 86 m³ (holds 33 Euro-pallets).
• Jumbo / Mega Trailer: up to 22,000 kg, 120 m³.
Methodology & Guidelines
Volume is calculated in cubic meters via standard 3D bounding box arithmetic with a default 15% allowance for real-world stacking voids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cargo cubic volume in m³?
The three-dimensional footprint of shipping cargo, calculated as Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) × Quantity.
Why is volume alone insufficient for truck booking?
Heavy cargo (such as tiles or liquids) will exceed legal vehicle axle weight limits long before physical space runs out.
Why include a stowage void allowance (+15%)?
Real-world cartons cannot be packed with 100% density: gaps between cartons, wheel wells, and roof clearances consume 10–20% of cubic space.
How do you calculate pallet loads?
Input the footprint of the pallet (e.g. 120×80 cm for Euro-pallets) and overall height including the wooden base.
How to verify the cargo will physically fit?
Compare the longest cargo piece with internal body length and verify loading door aperture heights.
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