What semi-trailer types should load planning software support?

At minimum, any serious semi-trailer load planner should cover: EU standard curtainsider (13.6m), EU mega trailer (13.6m, 3m height), EU flatbed, EU reefer, and at least one swap body size (7.45m). For North American fleets, 53ft dry van, flatbed, and reefer are essential. Hansatic covers all 16 major types including Asian and Latin American market variants, swap bodies in all three standard sizes, and double-drop flatbeds.

What is the difference between a curtainsider and a standard flatbed for load planning?

A curtainsider has retractable side curtains and a fixed roof, giving it the interior dimensions of a box trailer but the side-access loading of a flatbed. Load planning for a curtainsider focuses on weight distribution and LIFO sequencing, similar to a box trailer. A flatbed has no walls or roof — load planning must account for securing points, cargo overhang limits, and height restrictions at each stop, in addition to axle load. Both require different constraint sets in your load planning software.

Why does semi-trailer type matter for axle load calculation?

Each trailer type has a different wheelbase, kingpin setback, and bogie position — all of which affect how cargo weight is distributed across axle groups. A 13.6m curtainsider has different geometry than a 7.45m swap body or a 53ft North American dry van. Load planning software must use the correct trailer dimensions to calculate accurate kingpin and bogie loads. Hansatic stores the correct geometry for each of its 16 trailer types, so axle load readings are accurate regardless of which trailer you're planning.

Do I need different software for curtainsider versus flatbed planning?

No — good semi-trailer load planning software handles multiple trailer types in the same tool. Hansatic covers curtainsiders, flatbeds, reefers, mega trailers, swap bodies, and more without switching tools. The key difference in the loading plan is that flatbed cargo must also satisfy securing and overhang rules, which Hansatic flags in the load instructions.

Can semi-trailer load planning software handle multi-stop delivery routes?

The best tools do. Hansatic applies LIFO (Last In, First Out) zone sequencing automatically — cargo for the last stop loads first and goes deepest; cargo for the first stop loads last and sits at the door. This eliminates re-sorting at intermediate stops. Most competitors (CargoWiz, EasyCargo, Cargo-Planner) do not offer automatic multi-stop LIFO sequencing for semi-trailers.

Software Comparison

Best Semi-Trailer Load Planning Software 2026

Semi-trailer load planning is harder than container loading — you need axle load compliance, multi-stop LIFO sequencing, and support for the specific trailer type your fleet runs. We compared the top tools on all of it.

Last updated: April 2026

Our Pick

Hansatic — here's why

Hansatic covers 16 semi-trailer types across EU, North America, and Asia — more than any competitor. It's the only tool with live kingpin and bogie axle load calculation, automatic LIFO zone sequencing for multi-stop routes, center-of-gravity validation, and a shareable driver link, all available on the free plan.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Hansatic ★	CargoWiz	Cargo-Planner	EasyCargo
Semi-Trailer Type Coverage (16 types)	✓	~	~	~
Live Axle Load Calculation	✓	~	✗	✗
Multi-Stop LIFO Sequencing	✓	✗	✗	✗
Auto Layout	✓	✗	✗	~
Center-of-Gravity Validation	✓	✗	✗	✗
PDF Loading Instructions	✓	✓	✓	✓
Shareable Driver Link	✓	✗	✗	~
Free Plan	✓	✗	✓	✗

✓ = Yes · ✗ = No · ~ = Partial · ★ = Our pick

Tools at a Glance

Hansatic

Our Pick

Free plan available · Paid from $19/mo

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Browser-based semi-trailer load planner covering 16 trailer types: EU curtainsider, flatbed, reefer, mega trailer, swap bodies (7.15m, 7.45m, 7.5m), North American 53ft dry van, flatbed and reefer, plus Asian and Latin American variants. Calculates kingpin and rear bogie axle loads live, sequences LIFO zones automatically, and generates a shareable PDF loading plan.

Best for: Fleet operators, freight teams, and dispatchers managing diverse trailer types who need compliance-ready loading plans.

CargoWiz

Paid only · No free plan

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Desktop software covering standard EU and North American trailer types. Includes basic axle load calculation but no automatic LIFO sequencing, no center-of-gravity validation, and no shareable driver links. Requires Windows installation.

Best for: Teams already using CargoWiz for containers who need basic trailer loading in the same desktop tool.

Cargo-Planner

Free plan available · Paid from €19/mo

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Web-based load planner with trailer support, PDF export, and a free tier. Covers a selection of trailer types but lacks live axle load calculation, LIFO sequencing, and center-of-gravity validation.

Best for: Teams that need visual trailer layout without axle load compliance requirements.

EasyCargo

Paid plans · Limited free trial

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Web-based load planner primarily focused on containers, with some trailer type support. Does not include live axle load calculation, LIFO sequencing, or center-of-gravity validation for semi-trailers.

Best for: Teams primarily doing container loads who occasionally need a basic trailer layout.

20DC 20ft Dry Container · 9% payload used

Weight

Floor

12%

CoG 16% / 31%

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Best Semi-Trailer Load Planning Software 2026

Feature Comparison

Tools at a Glance

Hansatic

CargoWiz

Cargo-Planner

EasyCargo

Your next load, perfectly planned.

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Hansatic Features

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