Buyer Resources
How vacuum compression changes the economics of importing sofas — volume per container, freight savings, rebound time and delivery options.
0.12
CBM per Compressed Set
A single-seater sealed and flat-packed to roughly 0.12 cubic metres.
400+
Sets per 40HQ
Depending on model mix and carton plan for the container.
~70%
Freight Saved
Compared with shipping the same sofas fully expanded.
Compression moves the constraint from volume to weight, which is why a small container can carry an unusually large number of sets. Volumes below are planning estimates for single-seater models; mixed or larger models reduce the count.
| Container | Usable Volume | Compressed Sets (estimate) | Fully Expanded Sets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | about 28 CBM | 180 - 220 | 15 - 25 |
| 40GP | about 58 CBM | 350 - 400 | 30 - 45 |
| 40HQ | about 68 CBM | 400 - 480 | 35 - 55 |
| LCL / Less than container | per CBM | from 2 sets | not economical |
Exact numbers depend on the model mix, carton dimensions and palletization. Send us your target quantity and we will return a loading plan.
Each unit is sealed under vacuum to roughly 0.12 CBM, then cartoned for export handling.
We simulate the carton stack before loading so you get a realistic set count and a photo record of the loading.
FOB, CIF or DDP. We work with your forwarder or recommend a reliable route from Chinese ports.
Once unpacked, the foam returns to full shape within one to two days - plump and supportive, no assembly tools needed.
Because the sofa ships flat, you store far more stock in the same footprint before it expands. Retailers and e-commerce sellers use this to hold inventory without renting extra space.