There is no single number. A 40 ft container of WCs fills up by space long before it reaches its weight limit, so the count depends almost entirely on the size of each carton and how well they stack.
As a rough guide, a load of one model of compact two-piece WCs fits more pieces than a load of large one-piece models with deep foam packing. Always ask the factory for a loading plan for your exact mix.
Volume, not weight
Tiles are heavy for their size, so a tile container reaches its weight limit with space to spare. Our article on why tile containers are not full explains why. Sanitaryware is the opposite. A packed WC is bulky and light, so you run out of space first.
That makes the 40 ft high cube popular for sanitaryware. It has about 30 cm more height than a standard 40 ft container, which can allow an extra layer of cartons.
How to estimate the count
- Get the outer carton size for each model: length, width and height.
- Note the container's internal size. A standard 40 ft container offers about 67 m³ and a 40 ft high cube about 76 m³, but check with your line.
- Work out how many cartons fit along each side, allowing for doors, gaps and bracing.
- Check the carton's stacking limit, which may cap the number of layers.
- Allow space for cisterns, seat covers and fittings packed in their own cartons.
An illustrative calculation
Suppose a two-piece WC bowl carton measures 0.70 × 0.45 × 0.45 m and the cistern carton is smaller. Laying bowl cartons in the container's length, width and height, you might fit a few hundred bowls before allowing for cisterns, dunnage and loading gaps.
A one-piece WC carton is often larger and taller, which cuts the count noticeably. These numbers are only an example of the method. Real counts depend on carton sizes, the mix, and whether you load loose or on pallets. Ask for the factory's loading plan.
Mixed loads
Most first orders mix WCs, basins and pedestals. Basins and pedestals can fill gaps between WC cartons, so a well-planned mixed load can use space better than a single model. The factory's loading team should plan this in advance, not on the day.
Mixed loads also affect your minimum order. Our article on the sanitaryware MOQ in Morbi explains how mixing works.
Pallets cut the count
Pallets take up space and leave gaps at the top of the container. Floor loading fits more cartons but takes longer to unload. Choose based on your warehouse. Our guide on how sanitaryware is packed covers the trade-offs.
Next step
We review the factory's loading plan before you confirm the order and check the count at loading. To plan your first container, book a free sourcing review.