a. Packing method

When computing palletize-first (pack-first) then container-load, an intermediate-packaging stage is involved, and the cargo's packing method must be defined. The packing methods are: auto-select intermediate containers, specify an intermediate container, and directional pack. The software default is directional pack.

1) auto-select intermediate containers: no restriction on which pallet (or box) each cargo goes on. Add commonly used intermediate packagings on the Intermediate container interface; the software automatically chooses appropriate ones based on the optimization goal (fewest containers, lowest cost, etc.).

2) specify an intermediate container: requires certain cargo to be packed onto a specific pallet (or box). Maintain the designated intermediate containers in the database first; see Container management below.

The packing method can be set on the Cargo interface:

It can also be set in the import template: 0 = load directly into container; 1 = auto-select intermediate containers; 2 = specify an intermediate container. When entering 2, fill in the container name in the "Intermediate container" column (must match the name in the database).