Getting all the Troops Properly Loaded

[hueglin]

I am having trouble figuring out how to set up a tpt convoy that is just the right size for the amount of troops I want to carry. Even when I look at the loading rates for AP and AK and try to match things up, it often seems that I can't get all of the troops loaded and part of a unit gets left behind, or a unit won't load.

Can anyone enlighten me?

P.S. Should AKs be used for arty units or are APs fine?

[Terminus]

I usually have enough transport to load about 150% of the troops I want to carry...

[JagdFlanker]

that and you have to wait a few turns sometimes to get them all loaded on. only size 9 ports have a chance of loading all the troops that same turn

[Ian R]

Try loading all the troops (only) with do not unload set, then load supplies to take up the excess space on any AKs or LSTs/LVDs etc, ie the big ships...loading supplies on small vessels can be counterproductive at the buisiness end of the trip. If invading an atoll you want to get everything ashore quickly and its best to have APDs (which can also shoot at the beach) carrying the supplies, and not put supplies and assault units on the same vessels. APDs can IIRC carry vehicles and artillery but not for a quick unload.

[goodboyladdie]

If you use APDs to carry supplies, doesn't that mean you only use about a third of their load capacity? AKs carry supply at 100% capacity and APs carry troops at 100%. If you use them for the "wrong" cargo, they can't load as much in the available space because it isn't configured for it. I thought APDs were the same.

[JagdFlanker]

he meant load troops first, then fill up excess space with supplies. the mention of selecting do not unload is also very important as well - many times i have loaded troops 1 turn just to see them unloaded the next turn at the same port - grrrr!

[hueglin]

Thanks everyone, I'll give those suggestions a try.

[Ian R]

"he meant load troops first, then fill up excess space with supplies."
 
Yes, exactly.
 
But as noted you want your atoll assault troops in your smaller landing craft to unload fast so don't fill them with supplies, send the APDs in with the supplies. As the APDs are DD or DE size vessels, they may also soak up some defensive fire which would otherwise be directed at the landing craft.