A textile container load of fabric rolls is limited by volume first and by weight second. A 40 ft container has an internal capacity of roughly 67 cubic metres, and a 20 ft container about 33, but wrapped rolls rarely fill that space completely.
To estimate how much fits, work from the dimensions of your wrapped roll and bale, then check the weight against the container's payload and the road limits at origin. Ask the exporter for a stowage plan before you confirm the booking.
How do you estimate fabric rolls per container?
Start with the cubic metres of one wrapped roll or bale, multiply by the number you can stack, and allow for gaps and dunnage. Round rolls leave gaps unless they are laid side by side and stacked in layers. Folded bales and cartons use space more efficiently.
Weight depends on GSM, width and length, so heavy fabrics such as denim and canvas can reach the weight limit before the space is full, while light synthetics fill the space first. See what GSM means for the link between weight and cost.
Pallet or floor loading: which is better?
Palletised cargo is faster to load and unload with a forklift, easier to protect and easier to count. Pallets take up height and floor space, so fewer rolls fit in the same container.
Floor-loaded cargo, stacked directly, gets more goods into the container but takes more labour at both ends and puts more strain on the bottom layers. For pallet versus floor loaded cartons, base the choice on the receiving warehouse: if it has no way to unload loose cargo quickly, pallets may save more than they cost.
How should rolls be stowed?
Use these points when you approve a loading plan.
- Wrap each roll in polythene and add an outer woven or paper cover, as described in woven fabric export packing.
- Lay rolls so they cannot roll, and lock the last layer with dunnage or airbags to stop movement.
- Keep the weight spread evenly along the container floor.
- Put desiccant or a moisture barrier in the container if the route is long or humid.
- Mark the rolls with lot and shade numbers so that each lot stays together.
What about cartons?
Cartons of folded fabric or garments must be strong enough to be stacked high. Carton strength and packing standards explains what to specify. A weak bottom layer fails first, so ask for a stacking height.
Why does container condition matter so much?
Fabric absorbs moisture, and a container with a damp floor or a leaking roof can ruin an order. Ask the factory to reject any container with holes, rust or damp smell, and to request a replacement before loading starts.
Condensation can also form inside a sealed container as it passes through temperature changes at sea. Polythene wrapping, a dry floor and desiccant bags reduce the risk. Keep the photographs taken at loading, since they are your evidence if there is a damage claim later.
Next step
We attend loading, check the stowage and photograph the container before it is sealed. To arrange this for your shipment, book a free sourcing review.