Floor Loading or Pallet Shipment — Which Shipping Method Works Best for You?

Floor Loading vs. Pallet Shipment — ICC Vietnam optimizes container space and shipping efficiency for RTA cabinets.

When shipping RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets worldwide, two container loading methods are commonly used: floor loading and pallet shipment. Both have their unique advantages depending on your business model, warehouse setup, and labor resources.

At ICC, we work with both approaches to provide our partners with flexible, cost-effective shipping options. Let’s explore the differences in detail.

Choosing the best container loading method for RTA cabinets — ICC Vietnam compares floor loading and pallet shipment for maximum efficiency.

1. Floor Loading: Maximum Space Utilization

Floor loading means loading the cartons directly onto the container floor without using pallets.
This approach maximizes every cubic meter of space inside a 40’HQ container.

• Usable CBM: 60–64 CBM out of a total 68 CBM

• Capacity: Approximately 650–750 RTA cabinet cartons

Advantages:

• Maximizes container loading efficiency

• Reduces overall freight cost per cabinet set

• Ideal for small- to medium-scale importers looking to minimize shipping costs

Challenges:

• Requires manual unloading at the destination

• The receiver must prepare pallets and hire at least 4 workers for unloading

• Total unloading time: 3–4 hours

Floor loading is a cost-efficient option, but it comes with higher labor and time costs during unloading.

ICC team loading palletized RTA cabinets with forklift for easier handling and faster unloading at destination.

2. Pallet Shipment: Fast and Efficient Handling

In a palletized shipment, goods are stacked on wooden pallets before loading into the container. While this reduces usable space, it significantly improves efficiency at the receiving end.

• Usable CBM: 52–55 CBM

• Capacity: Approximately 450–550 RTA cabinet cartons

• Space loss: Around 14–15% less compared to floor loading

Advantages:

• Only one operator and a forklift are needed for unloading

• Unloading time reduced to around 30 minutes

• Ideal for construction sites or automated warehouse systems

• Minimizes physical handling and product damage risk

Considerations:

• Higher shipping cost per CBM due to lower space utilization

• Additional pallet cost must be included in the total shipment value

Pallet shipment is a time-saving and labor-efficient choice for large-scale importers, distributors, or jobsite deliveries where quick unloading is essential.

3. Which Option Is Right for You?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your best choice depends on your logistics setup and project needs:

Business TypeRecommended MethodKey ReasonSmall- to medium-sized importersFloor LoadingMaximize space, reduce freight costLarge distributors or automated warehousesPallet ShipmentQuick unloading, less manual workProject-based customers (job sites)Pallet ShipmentLimited space and labor on site

ICC’s Expertise in Shipping Solutions

At ICC Vietnam, we assist our clients in selecting the most efficient and cost-effective shipping method. Whether you prefer floor loading for its space optimization or pallet shipment for its ease of handling, our logistics team ensures your cabinets are packed, shipped, and received safely.

Optimize your next cabinet shipment with ICC — precision in every detail, from factory to your warehouse.