What does the term “Nesting” mean?

In logistics, nesting is a common technique to optimise freight space and reduce wasted space in shipping containers or truckloads. This is often referred to as the “nesting problem.”

By arranging items to fit snugly together, space can be maximised, and shipping costs can be reduced. Nesting is commonly used for boxes but can also be applied to other shapes and materials. This process often involves designing packaging specifically tailored to the contour of the item being shipped, which can further improve space utilisation and prevent damage during transit.