Freight is usually the underestimated line in landed cost. For an induction cooker it can be 8% of the unit cost, or 20% — the difference is how the container is loaded.
A usable estimate
For a typical double-hob induction cooker in a gift box:
| Carton size (cm) | Unit volume | 40HQ theoretical | Realistic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60×40×15 | 0.036 m³ | 1,870 pcs | 1,500–1,650 |
| 65×45×18 | 0.053 m³ | 1,280 pcs | 1,050–1,150 |
| 70×50×20 | 0.070 m³ | 970 pcs | 800–870 |
A 40HQ has about 67.7 m³ of internal volume. Use a loading factor of 80–88%: cartons do not tessellate perfectly and the door end has a step.
Units ≈ 67.7 × loading factor ÷ unit carton volume (m³)Mistake 1: using product dimensions instead of carton dimensions
A 55 cm wide product may sit in a 60 cm gift box because of foam. The gift box then goes into a master carton, usually 2–4 units.
Ask for master carton dimensions, units per carton, and gross weight. You cannot compute a container without those three.
Mistake 2: forgetting pallets
If the customer requires palletisation:
A standard pallet is 120×100 cm, about 1.8 m including the pallet itself.
The pallet adds ~15 cm of height, and there are gaps between pallets.
Palletising typically reduces loading by 10–15%.Same 40HQ: about 1,600 pcs loose, 1,350–1,400 pcs palletised.
Put it in the quotation: is palletising included, and what does it add?
Mistake 3: weight limit arrives before volume
A 40HQ carries roughly 26–28 tonnes, depending on the carrier.
Double hob, 5 kg gross → 1,600 pcs = 8 t volume-limited
Commercial unit, 20 kg → 1,000 pcs = 20 t approaching the limitHeavy goods: check weight first. Light goods: check volume first. Confirm the carrier's limit for the specific container before booking.
Landed cost in one table
Product cost = unit price × quantity
+ inland freight = factory to port
+ export declaration / documents
+ ocean freight = per container or per volume
+ insurance = goods value × 0.3–0.5%
+ destination charges = clearance, terminal, trucking
+ duty = goods value × rate (EU induction hobs ~2.7% MFN)
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= landed cost ÷ quantity = landed cost per unitNote: EU duty on induction cookers under HS 8516.60 is around 2.7% at MFN rates, but classification can vary by product configuration — have your forwarder confirm the code once.
Five questions to ask before booking
1. What are the master carton dimensions, units per carton, and gross weight?
2. Can you palletise, and how many units fit in a 40HQ when palletised?
3. How many units did your last shipment to Europe actually load? (real number, not theoretical)
4. What is the ocean freight to Hamburg / Rotterdam / Los Angeles roughly?
5. Is the quote FOB or CIF, and does it include palletising and inland freight?Question 3 is the most useful. A supplier quoting theoretical figures has not loaded a container.
About this page
WECHGOOD, induction and infrared cooker factory in Foshan. Send us the model and destination port and we will come back within one working day with carton dimensions, container quantity, and a landed-cost estimate.