CubeMaster Online FAQ

The frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers.

General Questions

CubeMaster Online is a software tool designed to optimize loading and space utilization for various types of cargo, including truckloads, sea containers, ULD air cargo, pallet loads, and carton loads. It helps businesses efficiently plan and manage their logistics by maximizing space and minimizing shipping costs.

CubeMaster Online supports optimization for several load types, including:
  • Truckloads (e.g., 48 FT Dry Van, 57 FT Dry Van, 60 FT Rail Car)
  • Sea Containers (e.g., 20 FT, 40 FT, 40 FT High)
  • ULD Air Cargo Loads
  • Pallet Loads (GMA, EURO, slip sheet, etc.)
  • Carton Loads

The software requires a separate license for every individual user. Your total license count is determined by the number of accounts acquired, and while each license is per-user, a single account can be shared by different users sequentially (at different times).

The licensing policy for the software is structured on a **per-user, per-account basis** with a note on usage flexibility:

  • Per-User Requirement: A distinct license is recommended for **each individual who uses the software.
  • License Calculation: Your total number of required licenses is determined by the number of user accounts you acquire.
  • Sequential Account Sharing: While the license is tied to individual usage, a single purchased account may be utilized by multiple different individuals, provided this usage occurs sequentially (at different times) and not concurrently.

Yes, CubeMaster Online offers monthly and yearly subscription plans. These plans provide access to the software and its features for the duration of the subscription.

Depending on your subscription plan, support and maintenance may vary. Generally, the following services are included:
  • Troubleshooting: Access to technical support staff.
  • Software Updates: Regular software updates and improvements.
  • Documentation: Access to user guides and documentation.

Yes, CubeMaster Online offers API integration capabilities. This allows you to connect CubeMaster Online with your existing systems, such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, to automate data exchange and workflows. Contact CubeMaster Support for further information.

Building Loads

To create a new load configuration, follow these steps:
  • Navigate to the "Home" view.
  • Select "New [Load Type]" (e.g., "New Truck Load," "New Pallet Load").
  • Enter the specific details of the load, including container/vehicle parameters, cargo details, and loading rules.
  • Use the "Build" button to calculate the load configuration.
  • Review the results in the "Results Tab," including Tree View, List View, Tile View, and Report View.
  • Save the load configuration.

In the respective tab (e.g., "Trucks," "Sea Containers," "ULDs," "Pallets," "Cartons") within the "Edit View," use the [+] button to add items. You can typically:
  • Bring data from the database.
  • Upload data from an Excel file.
  • Add a new entry manually.

In the "Cargoes" tab within the "Edit View," use the [+] button to add cargoes. You can typically:
  • Bring data from the database.
  • Upload data from an Excel file.
  • Add a new entry manually.

Click the "Rules Button" in the "Edit View" to open the "Rules Window." Here, you can set various loading rules, including basic rules, stacking rules, grouping rules, and palletizing rules.

After building the load, the "Results Tab" will display the results in several formats:
  • Tree View
  • List View
  • Tile View
  • Report View: Provides a detailed breakdown of the load configuration.

Yes, you can switch to the "Report View" before saving the load. This allows you to carefully examine the detailed reports and ensure the load meets your requirements. The available reports are:
  • Load Summary
  • Solutions
  • Loading Instructions
  • Placements
  • Load Diagram

Click the "Save Button" in the "Results Tab." You will be prompted to enter a title and description for the load. You can also choose to share the load with other users.

Cargoes Details

You can specify various details for each cargo, including:
  • Name
  • Dimensions (length, width, height)
  • Weight
  • Quantity
  • Allowed Orientations
  • Max Layers
  • Unit Load Settings
  • Palletizing Options
  • Delivery Priority
  • Additional Properties

In the "Cargoes" tab, you can set the delivery priority for each cargo. This allows you to specify whether a cargo is required, optional, or needs immediate delivery. "Optional" cargo can be used to fill up empty spaces in containers, while "immediate" cargo will adjust the shipping amount to prioritize filling less filled containers.

The "Pieces Inside" value is used for cargo that is a shipping box containing smaller boxes. When this value is greater than 0, the total number of pieces in a report is calculated by multiplying the number of cargo boxes by the "Pieces Inside" value.

Rules Details

CubeMaster Online provides various loading rules to control how cargo is loaded, including:
  • Basic Rules (e.g., small sequences first, unit loads filled as much as possible)
  • Stacking Rules (e.g., rules for stacking different cargoes, stack value)
  • Grouping Rules (e.g., rules for grouping cargoes together)
  • Palletizing Rules (e.g., rules related to palletizing)
  • Advanced Rules (e.g., price calculation, same cargoes in a container)
  • Balancing Rules (e.g., rules to balance the load in containers)

Basic Rules control fundamental loading behaviors. For instance, the "Small sequences placed earlier than large ones" rule determines the loading order based on sequence numbers. The "Unit loads filled as many as possible" rule prioritizes filling containers with a single type of cargo to the maximum extent possible. Other basic rules include weight and price limits for loads, and whether to allow the same cargoes to be separated.

Stacking Rules dictate how different cargo items can be stacked. You can set rules to allow or prevent stacking of different cargo types, use stack values to prioritize stacking order, or use cargo footprints or weights to determine stacking compatibility. There are also rules for safe stacking, including minimum support rates and maximum supporting depth.

Grouping Rules organize cargoes based on their group names and aliases. You can specify that cargoes with the same group name should be placed together or that different groups can be mixed in the same containers. This helps in organizing loads logically and efficiently.

There are two algorithms for building a load:
  • Basic (Max Volume First): Recommended for quick load generation. It prioritizes load blocks with maximum volumes and offers the fastest response time.
  • Optimization: Has 5 levels (1-5) balancing load time and quality. Level 1 is the fastest but least efficient, while Level 4 is the slowest but most efficient. Level 5 is best for large cargo sizes like pallet loads.

Palletizing Rules control how cargoes are placed onto pallets before being placed into a vehicle. These rules include:
  • Use the Palletizing Rule: Enables or disables palletizing for specific cargo items. When enabled, other palletizing parameters become active.
  • Pallet: Allows you to select a pallet type from the Pallet database (e.g., GMA, EURO). CubeMaster comes with pre-loaded pallet styles.
  • Allow Unit Loads Less Than Full Layers: Determines whether partial unit loads are allowed. If disabled, remaining cargo that doesn't form a full unit load will be placed on mixed pallets or the vehicle floor.
  • Make the Top of Unit Loads Flat: If enabled, ensures the top of the pallet load is flat, which is important for stability and stacking. If disabled, the top layer will be filled as much as possible, resulting in an uneven top.

Balancing Rules aim to optimize the distribution of weight and volume across multiple containers. Here's a breakdown of its purpose and functionalities:
  • Even Distribution: The core function of the "Balancing" feature is to apply predefined rules that ensure the weight and volume of cargo are distributed evenly among the containers. This prevents any single container from being overloaded or underutilized.
  • Last Container Optimization: The feature can be specifically applied to the last container being loaded, as it is often less full. This helps in maximizing the usage of that container or potentially canceling it if load conditions permit.
  • Container Replacement: CubeMaster can evaluate whether a less-filled container can be replaced with a smaller one, leading to potential cost savings and improved efficiency.
  • Container Cancellation: If a container's volume usage falls below a certain threshold, CubeMaster can cancel it, further optimizing the overall load and reducing unnecessary shipping costs.
  • Optional Delivery Utilization: The feature can incorporate cargo with an "optional delivery" status to fill up empty space in underutilized containers.
  • Immediate Delivery Adjustment: It can adjust the immediate delivery shipping amount to prioritize filling less-filled containers with cargoes that are already placed in the containers.
In essence, the "Balancing" feature helps to streamline the shipping process, minimize wasted space, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency by ensuring that cargo is optimally distributed across containers.

APIs Details

The CubeMaster API is a RESTful API, which means it can be used with a wide range of technologies, including:

Platforms & Frameworks:
Programming Languages:

The API primarily supports the formats of JSON (application/json) for both input and output.

Example API Request (JSON Input):
{ "multiProcessed": false, "cargoDetailLoadedFromDatabase": true, "UOM": "UnitEnglish", "userId": "[email protected]" }

Example API Response (JSON Output):
{ "status": "success", "message": "Load successfully built", "loadDetails": { "containersUsed": 3, "volumeUtilization": "87%", "weightUtilization": "95%" } }

Pros:
  • Automation & Efficiency – Reduces manual load planning and optimizes cargo placement.
  • Scalability – Can be integrated with multiple platforms, including ERP, WMS, and TMS systems.
  • Real-time Data Processing – Supports real-time load calculations and asynchronous processing.
  • Graphical Representation – Generates load diagrams for visualization.
  • Multiple Unit Systems – Supports different units of measure (Metric, Imperial).
Cons:
  • Potential Learning Curve – May require developers with API and logistics expertise for full integration.
  • Asynchronous Processing Complexity – Webhook-based responses may need additional handling in apps.
  • Limited Input Formats – Primarily supports JSON, making it harder for XML-based systems to integrate directly.