Best Container Load Planning Tool 2026
We compared five leading container load planning tools on the features that matter most: auto layout, CoG, LIFO, sharing, and cost.
Last updated: March 2026
Our Pick
Hansatic — the complete free tool
Hansatic combines auto layout, CoG validation, LIFO sequencing, multi-container planning, and shareable links — all on the free plan.
Load Planning Tool Comparison
| Feature | Hansatic ★ | CargoWiz | EasyCargo | LoadPlanner | Excel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Layout | ✓ | ✗ | ~ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Cargo Library | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| PDF Export | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| Multi-Container Planning | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| LIFO Sequencing | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| CoG Validation | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Shareable Plan Link | ✓ | ✗ | ~ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free Plan | ✓ | ~ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = Yes · ✗ = No · ~ = Partial · ★ = Our pick
Tools at a Glance
Hansatic
Our PickFree plan available · Paid from $19/mo
The most complete free container load planning tool. Auto layout, CoG validation, LIFO, multi-container, PDF export, and shareable links — free to start.
Best for: Logistics teams that need professional-grade planning without per-seat costs.
CargoWiz
Paid only · No free plan
Established desktop load planning software with a loyal user base and offline capability.
Best for: Teams requiring offline operation and already trained on CargoWiz.
EasyCargo
Paid plans · Limited free trial
Web-based load planner with multi-container support and a clean interface, popular across European logistics teams.
Best for: Teams wanting an easy-to-learn web tool with multi-container support.
LoadPlanner
Free tier available · Very limited
Entry-level browser-based planner for basic single-container load planning without advanced features.
Best for: First-time planners with simple single-container needs.
Excel
Free with Microsoft 365 (no dedicated planning features)
General-purpose spreadsheet used for manual cargo calculations — no visualization, no auto layout.
Best for: Teams with extremely simple needs or highly custom spreadsheet workflows.