Stowage factor is the relationship between volume and weight of a load: how many cubic meters each ton occupies. Calculate it by dividing total volume (m³) by total weight (tons). It answers the question that defines any load plan: will this cargo exhaust allowed weight first or available cube first?
- of your cargo
- m³/t
- example
- 2.67
- 48′ threshold
- 3.17
- legal limit
- NOM-012
Anyone who does not know their stowage factor quotes blind and pays for air or for kilos that never boarded.
Cluster: LTL vs FTL · shipment · audit.
The formula
Cargo factor vs unit threshold. The comparison decides which limit governs.
Stowage factor formula
m³ per ton of YOUR cargo, compared to the unit threshold.
Cargo factor
Volume (m³) ÷ Weight (t)
Unit threshold
Usable m³ ÷ loadable t
Factor above threshold, cube fills first. Factor below y weight fills first.
Worked example
1,200 cartons: factor 2.67 vs 3.17 threshold in a 48′ box. Weight fills first; do not pay for a bigger unit “so it fits”.
Example: 1,200 cartons in a 48′ box
2.67 m³/t vs 3.17 threshold: weight fills before cube.
Volume
57.6 m³
Weight
21.6 t
Factor
2.67
48′ threshold
3.17
Conclusion: do not pay for a bigger unit “so it fits”; you already had cube left.
What stowage factor is not
Stowage factor, dimensional weight, and legal capacity all use kilos and meters and get confused.
What stowage factor is NOT
Three concepts use kilos and meters and get confused.
| Concept | Measures | Who uses it |
|---|---|---|
| Stowage factor | m³ per ton of your cargo | You, for planning |
| Dimensional weight | Fictitious weight for billing | The carrier |
| Legal capacity | Max weight by axle / config | The authority |
Why it matters if you always use the same unit
If your factor is far below threshold, consolidate volume from another product. If far above, you are paying 24 t freight to move 9. Related: LTL vs FTL, freight audit.
What OCL runs
OCL Cargo is an autonomous TMS with agents and computer use (operating screens and portals like an analyst). It builds the trip file per shipment, cross-checks evidence, and leaves exceptions to humans. It coexists without a day-one TMS migration. OCL can stamp invoice and Carta Porte. On the Mexico–US corridor, the value is closing the trip file before paying.
Trip file
Flow control
Measure
m³ and t
Compute
Factor
Compare
Threshold
Quote
With judgment
6–8 week pilot (stowage)
Freight sample: real factor vs threshold of the unit used and % utilization by weight and by cube. Goal: cut paid air without breaking OTIF.
Elige un paso para ver el detalle
Detalle del paso · 01
Real volume and weight with packaging
Key takeaways5 points
- Stowage factor = m³ ÷ tons of YOUR cargo.
- Compare it to the unit threshold (usable m³ ÷ loadable t).
- Above threshold: cube fills first; below: weight fills first.
- It is not dimensional weight or NOM-012 legal capacity.
- Include packaging and pallet if they travel.
Do you know which limit governs your shipments, or are you paying for air?
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
To spot paid air or kilos that never boarded, and to consolidate when the other limit has room.
Yes, if they travel. Calculate with real volume and weight as transported.
Your cargo factor does not; the threshold does, because each equipment has its own volume/weight ratio.
It helps decide whether weight or cube fills before quoting consolidated or dedicated.
It audits freight against actual cargo moved and trip evidence. It can stamp invoice and Carta Porte.