Container Optimizer

What is Container Optimizer?

• 3D Load Planning Intelligence. Most containers ship 15-25% empty. Container Optimizer uses AI to calculate the optimal arrangement of cargo inside every container, accounting for weight distribution, stacking limits, hazmat separation rules, and loading sequence at each port of call.

• Multi-Shipment Consolidation. The agent scans open bookings across customers and routes to identify consolidation opportunities. It matches compatible cargo by destination, timing, and commodity type-turning two half-empty containers into one full one.

• Weight and Compliance Validation. Every load plan is checked against SOLAS VGM requirements, carrier weight limits, and axle load restrictions for inland transport. The agent catches overweight containers before they reach the port gate, avoiding costly rejections and delays.

• Dim-Weight Cost Optimization. Shipping lines charge by whichever is greater-actual weight or dimensional weight. The agent optimizes for both, ensuring cargo is packed to minimize the dimensional penalty while staying within weight limits.

Replaces:

• Manual load planning using 2D diagrams and guesswork on container fill rates.
• Shipping half-empty containers because consolidation across customers is too complex.
• Weight violations caught at the port gate, causing delays and rebooking fees.
• Static container type selection (20ft vs 40ft vs HC) based on habit instead of data.
• Missed consolidation opportunities because bookings are managed in silos.

Why Container Optimizer

• Freight Cost Reduction. By maximizing container utilization from 70% to 92%+, companies typically save 18% on per-unit freight costs. The savings compound across hundreds of containers annually.

• Faster Load Planning. What takes an experienced planner 2-4 hours per container, the agent completes in under 5 minutes. This frees operations teams to focus on exception handling and customer service.

• Compliance Assurance. Automated VGM and weight validation eliminates the risk of port rejections, carrier penalties, and safety incidents from overloaded containers. Every plan comes with a compliance certificate.

• Environmental Impact. Fewer containers shipped means fewer vessel slots consumed and lower Scope 3 emissions. Companies using optimized loading report measurable progress toward carbon reduction targets.

How It Works

1. Booking Intake. The agent pulls cargo dimensions, weight, stacking rules, and hazmat classifications from booking and warehouse data. It groups shipments by destination and sailing schedule.

2. 3D Optimization. Using spatial algorithms and carrier constraints, it generates a load plan that maximizes fill rate while respecting weight limits, stacking rules, and loading sequence for multi-port voyages.

3. Consolidation Matching. For LCL or partial loads, the agent scans other open bookings to find compatible cargo. It calculates cost savings from consolidation and presents merge recommendations with projected savings.

4. Execution and Documentation. Final load plans are pushed to warehouse management systems with visual stacking diagrams. VGM declarations and shipping instructions are generated automatically.