The stowage factor is a crucial metric for assessing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cargo transportation. Expressed in cubic meters per ton (or cubic feet per ton in imperial units), it indicates the volume occupied by each ton of goods. This measurement not only reflects the relative density of cargo but also determines how much space a given weight will require in ships, containers, or warehouses.
When calculating stowage factors, professionals must account for broken stowage—the unused space between cargo items or between cargo and the vessel's interior. To assist logistics practitioners, the industry typically compiles stowage factor tables that list values for various cargo types and packaging methods.
The most significant factors affecting stowage factors are cargo density and packaging. For instance, cotton has a high stowage factor, making it suitable for bulk transportation, while iron ore's high density results in a low stowage factor and consequently higher shipping costs. These metrics prove invaluable for logistics companies when formulating transportation plans and cost projections.
