General cargo
General cargo consists of countable handling units that are often consolidated. Includes a loading-metre example and planning checklist.
Editorial and specialist review: Max Valjan · Last updated: August 18, 2026
Delivery & transport operations
General cargo consists of individually countable and handled units such as pallets, crates, drums or packaged machinery. Shipments from several customers may be consolidated as groupage.
Loading-metre example
Three non-stackable Euro pallets require 0.40 loading metres each at an assumed 2.40-metre load width, or 1.20 loading metres in total. Weight, overhang and load securing still need separate checks.
Dispatch also needs dimensions, packaging, stackability, loading aids and dates. Missing stackability can make nominally free space unusable. Any pallet exchange must also be agreed in advance.
General cargo differs from bulky goods through standardised handling and dimensions, not weight alone. Maxmove connects shipment data, vehicle capacity and routes so consolidation starts from complete information.
Loading metres for three Euro pallets
A base calculation for non-stackable units.
Per pallet
1.20 × 0.80 ÷ 2.40
= 0.40 loading metres
Three pallets
3 × 0.40
= 1.20 loading metres
Additional check
Weight + securing
Stackability and overhang
Original Maxmove calculation; check actual usable width and load characteristics.