How To Calculate Pallet Quantity From TI-HI For Shipping

TI-HI A pallet configuration shorthand showing the number of cases per layer (TI) and the number of layers high (HI).

Calculating how many cases, pallets, or trailer positions you need starts with TI-HI. Because TI-HI multiplies cases per layer by layers per pallet, it is the first step for packing lists, trailer load plans, and carrier booking. This article walks through the math, checks you must make, and practical considerations that affect ship quantity beyond the raw TI × HI number.

Basic Calculation Steps

Use these steps to convert TI-HI into actionable shipping counts.

• Step 1: Identify the SKU's TI and HI from the SKU master or packing specification.
• Step 2: Multiply TI × HI to get cases per pallet.
• Step 3: Divide total order cases by cases-per-pallet. Round up to full pallets or plan for partial pallets depending on the order type.

Formula: Cases Per Pallet = TI × HI. Pallets Required = Ceiling(Order Cases / (TI × HI)).

Worked Example

Suppose an order is for 1,500 cases. The SKU is TI 10 / HI 6 (10 cases per layer, 6 layers high):

• Cases Per Pallet: 10 × 6 = 60 cases.
• Pallets Required: Ceiling(1,500 / 60) = Ceiling(25) = 25 pallets.
• Notes: If some pallets are partial or mixed, adjust for packaging and pallet stability before shipping.

Adjustments For Transport And Storage Constraints

Raw TI-HI math ignores weight limits, trailer capacity, and stacking clearances. Before finalizing a shipment, check:

• Weight Limits: Total pallet weight must obey pallet load ratings, forklift capacities, and legal axle/trailer restrictions.
• Height Restrictions: Trailer internal height, racking clearance, and local regulations may limit HI even if physically possible.
• Cube Utilization: Cases per pallet × pallets must fit the trailer plan; if not, adjust TI-HI (e.g., lower HI or change orientation) or split the order.

Partial Pallets And Mixed Loads

Many orders require partial pallets or mixed SKUs. TI-HI is most useful when layers are uniform. For mixed pallets:

• Record Actual Layer Composition: Document how many cases of each SKU are on each layer and whether the last layer is partial.
• Use Pallet Labels: Include cases-per-pallet, total cases on the pallet, and TI-HI where it applies to allow cross-checking during receiving.

Software And Automation Tips

Warehouse management systems (WMS) and transport management systems (TMS) can store TI-HI per SKU and automate pallet count, trailer positioning, and billing. Recommended practices:

• Store Dimensions: Keep case length/width/height and weight with TI-HI so the system can validate cube and weight constraints.
• Use Pallet Templates: Create pallet templates in WMS for common TI-HI patterns to speed putaway and pick-pack processes.
• Automate Checks: Configure the WMS/TMS to flag orders where TI-HI-based pallets exceed permitted height or weight.

Common Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them

Errors tend to come from mismatched assumptions. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Assuming Uniform Case Size: Confirm that the SKU's case dimensions match the recorded TI-HI before using it for shipment calculations.
• Ignoring Pallet Type: TI depends on pallet footprint; an item palletized on 48×40 may not fit the same TI on a Euro pallet.
• Forgetting Void Space: Air gaps, overhangs, or tray use can reduce effective TI or make the top layer partial.

In short, the TI-HI shorthand is the starting point for calculating cases per pallet and pallets per shipment. Multiply TI by HI to get cases per pallet, then factor in weight, height, trailer cube, and any mixing of SKUs to finalize how many pallets to pick, load, and ship.