LOADWISE CARGO IMPORT GUIDE
Packing List Container & Truck Load Planner
Free online — no software download, subscription or signup required.
Plan pallet and crate loads from a spreadsheet for free. Copy your packing list into Loadwise’s simple cargo template, upload it, review the cargo preview, and generate a 3D plan across the selected equipment type.
Download the blank cargo templateCan I upload my own packing list?
Yes, if it uses the supported columns. Loadwise reads CSV, TSV and values-only Excel (.xlsx) files. It does not automatically interpret arbitrary invoices, PDFs, photos or scanned packing lists. Copy package-level data into the template first. For an older .xls workbook, save a values-only copy as .xlsx or CSV.
How to upload an Excel pallet list
- Open the blank CSV template in Excel. Keep the header row and add one row per cargo type with identical dimensions, weight and handling rules.
- Enter outer packaged length, width, height, gross weight per piece and package quantity. Include pallets and packaging, not only the contents.
- Set length_unit to mm, cm or in and weight_unit to kg, lb or t. Use explicit units on every row.
- Use stacking = single for non-stackable cargo or double only when two layers are allowed. Use rotate = no to keep orientation or yes to permit a 90° upright turn.
- Save as CSV or values-only .xlsx. In the planner, expand the cargo import section, choose the file, inspect the preview and confirm the import. This replaces the current cargo list.
- Select equipment, generate a plan and review every unit and any unassigned pieces. Export or print the result for review.
Example: two pallet types
This is sample data to type into the blank template, not a claim that a particular shipment fits.
| name | length | width | height | weight | quantity | stacking | rotate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pallet A | 120 | 100 | 110 | 320 | 10 | single | yes |
| Crate B | 200 | 100 | 150 | 600 | 2 | single | no |
Set length_unit = cm and weight_unit = kg for both rows; po is optional. These rows represent 12 packages, 4,400 kg and 19.2 m³. Do not enter the shipment’s total weight in each row: the planner multiplies weight by quantity.
File limits and common upload fixes
- Use files under 2 MB, at most 1,000 cargo rows and 10,000 total pieces. Large plans can reach calculation limits; always check for unassigned cargo.
- Only the first Excel worksheet is read. Put column names in the first row; remove title blocks, totals, merged cells and notes from the cargo table.
- Use values-only cells. Formulas and password-protected workbooks are not supported.
- Name, dimensions, weight and quantity are required. Dimensions and weight must be positive, and quantity must be a positive whole number.
- Keep orientation and single stacking are the defaults if those permissions are blank. Missing units use the planner’s selected units, so explicit units are safer.
Where does my uploaded cargo data go?
File parsing happens in your browser. This version does not send uploaded cargo files to an AI service. Review the privacy notice for local storage and hosting details.
From cargo list to equipment count
The result groups cargo into multiple units of your selected equipment type. It does not promise the minimum possible count or a carrier-approved loading instruction. Confirm door fit, clearance, weight and securing requirements before loading.
Continue with the container-count example, non-stackable cargo guidance or 53 ft trailer pallet layouts.