Door check and clearance
Why a box that fits inside can still be left out: the door is smaller than the inside. How clearance and “not checked” work.
A container door is smaller than its inside. A 20ft is 239 cm high inside but its door is 227.4 cm high; a 40ft HC door is 257.7 cm high. A 235 cm machine crate fits inside a 20ft and does not pass its door. TrimLoad checks every box in the way it is placed — boxes are not tilted through the door.
20ft
Inside height: 239 cm
Door (W × H): 233.8 × 227.4 cm
40ft
Inside height: 238.5 cm
Door (W × H): 234 × 227.4 cm
40ft HC
Inside height: 269 cm
Door (W × H): 234 × 257.7 cm
Sizes are the smallest common values among carriers and makers, each with a source. If your container differs (for example, it is rated 32,500 kg), pick that option in the equipment list.
Not checked
When no source gives a door size (Indian container trucks) the door check is skipped and the plan says “door not checked” — it is never counted as passed. Air cargo pallets have no door. Open tops take boxes that are too tall for the door through the roof.
Clearance
The plan keeps a small total gap on each axis — clearance kept: 5 cm on length (so the door closes), 2 cm across, 2 cm up (bulging cartons, the forklift). Change it in Plan settings. The clearance used is printed under the plan and on the loading steps.
Tight
When less than 2% of the length is spare, the plan says “Tight” — the sizes are the smallest common ones, so confirm with your carrier.