It is expression which indicates the cubic capacity that 1 ton of cargo will require. The stowage factor takes account of the design and shape of the cargo package and the need to employ dunnage or other special stowage provision. Stowage factor is expressed as a number of cubic metres per ton (m3/t) or cubit feet (cuft/t).
Iron ore 0.4-0.5 m3/tonne
Coal 1.2-1.4 m3/tonne
Grain 1.2-2.0 m3/tonne
Bauxite 0.7-1.1 m3/tonne
Steel products 0.3-0.6 m3/tonne