In Cube-IQ, a Container refers to any object used to load smaller items, such as ocean containers, trucks, pallets, crates, boxes, or irregularly shaped airline containers (ULDs). The Containers window provides tools to define, modify, and manage containers to ensure accurate and optimized load planning.
Accessing Container Details
The Container Details window can be accessed in the following ways:
- From the Main Menu: Select the Containers tab.
- Using a Keyboard Shortcut: Press the F6 keyboard shortcut.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Viewing Containers
- Open the Containers window.
- Use the navigation buttons (First, Prev, Next, Last) in the top menu to locate a specific container, or right-click anywhere in the window to view a list of containers.
Create or Modify a Container
- Select New from the top menu to create a new container and enter the following data:
- Container Id: Unique identifier or name for the container.
- Dimensions: Depth, Width, Height
- Weight Capacity: Maximum weight the container can hold.
- Settings: Optimization parameters selected from the drop-down list or defined through the Settings tab.
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Type: Options include:
- Rectangular
- Irregular shape / ULD
- Truck / Trailer
- Pallet
- Carton
- Railcar
- Tube
- Select the Redraw button to view a graphical representation of the container. Rotate the view by dragging the mouse over the graphic.
- Click the Save button to save changes.
Container Details
The container details section includes several tabs to manage various container configurations.
Data
- Set container type (e.g., Rectangular, Irregular Shape, Pallet).
- Define advanced settings such as default quantity in new loads, shipping cost, maximum loaded value, and product matching codes.
Loading
- Configure Load Direction (e.g., Back to Front or Bottom to Top).
- Set Load Compacting options and fill percentages.
- Set Fill LImits (e.g., minimum and maximum percentages).
Axle Weights
- Define weight limits for two axles, including distances from the back of the container and maximum weights.
- Use axle weights or a center-of-gravity target area to optimize loading.
Unusable Spaces
- Specify 3D rectangular spaces within the container that cannot be used for loading.
- Define coordinates, dimensions, and general unusable areas, such as not usable height at the top.
Zones
- Divide containers into multiple loadable zones with unique dimensions, weight limits, and load sequences.
- Assign product matching codes for specific zones to create complex loading scenarios.
Outside Dimensions
- Define outside dimensions and recalculated parameters for stage 2 loading (e.g., pallets into trucks).
- Configure settings for height adjustments, tare weight, and stack codes.
Drawing
- Create graphical representations of containers using "draw boxes" with defined dimensions and coordinates.
- Use the Set Color button to assign colors to draw boxes for better visualization.
Best Practices
- Ensure all container data is accurate before saving.
- Use container zones and matching codes for specific loading preferences.
- Enable pallet rules to improve stability for palletized loads.
- Allow sufficient time for optimization when using custom container sizing.