A cargo sensing system is configured to determine if cargo is present within a container. In one implementation, the cargo sensing system senses lines within an image of a cargo space. The lines may be straight, curved or otherwise configured, and are evaluated for indications of the presence of cargo within the cargo space. In a first implementation of the cargo sensing system, the lines within the cargo space are formed by a laser tracing over a predetermined projection pattern. In a second implementation of the cargo sensing system, the lines sensed are formed by intersection of planes defining the cargo space.