How many pallets fit in a container?
Calculated for real internal dimensions, single layer: a 20' container takes 11 Euro pallets or 9 industrial pallets, a 40' container up to 25 Euro pallets or up to 22 industrial pallets.
Key facts
- 20' GP: 11 Euro pallets (120 × 80) or 9 industrial pallets (120 × 100)
- 40' GP / 40' HC: up to 25 Euro pallets – 23–24 is the safe planning value
- 40' GP / 40' HC: up to 22 industrial pallets – 20–21 is the safe planning value
- Standard trailer 13.6 m: 33 Euro pallets or 26 industrial pallets
Pallets per container (one layer)
| Container | Euro pallets 120 × 80 | Industrial pallets 120 × 100 |
|---|---|---|
| 20' GP | 11 | 9 |
| 40' GP | 25 (23–24) | 22 (20–21) |
| 40' HC | 25 (23–24) | 22 (20–21) |
| 45' HC | 27 | 24 |
| 20' RF | 10 | 9 |
| 40' HC RF | 23 | 20 |
The numbers come from the plan4cargo loading engine using the internal dimensions above. With the 2.35 m inside width, Euro pallets are loaded in two rows: one row turned crosswise (1.20 m across the width) and one row lengthwise (0.80 m across) – together 2.00 m. In a 40' that gives 15 + 10 = 25 pallets, in a 20' 7 + 4 = 11. In practice, pallets are rarely exactly 120 × 80 cm (overhanging cartons, wrapping) – plan 23–24 Euro pallets for a 40' if you are not sure.
Why only 9 industrial pallets in a 20'?
You will often read “10 pallets per 20ft”. With 120 × 100 cm pallets this does not work: five pallets in a row need 6.00 m, but a 20' is only about 5.90 m long inside. The best real pattern gives 9.
Stacking: two layers
If the pallets are stackable, the height decides: a standard container (2.39 m inside, 2.28 m door) allows two layers of about 1.10–1.15 m each, a High Cube (2.69 m inside, 2.58 m door) about 1.25–1.30 m each. Always check the top load the lower pallet can take – heavy on light is the classic damage case.
Pallets in trucks
| Vehicle | Load space L × W × H (m) | Euro pallets | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 t truck | 6.20 × 2.45 × 2.40 | 15 | ≈ 2.5 t |
| Swap body (BDF) 7.45 m | 7.30 × 2.48 × 2.70 | 18 | ≈ 12 t |
| Standard trailer 13.6 m | 13.60 × 2.48 × 2.70 | 33 | ≈ 24 t |
| Mega trailer 13.6 m | 13.60 × 2.48 × 3.00 | 33 | ≈ 24 t |
In a trailer, Euro pallets stand three across (3 × 0.80 m = 2.40 m) in rows of 1.20 m: 11 rows × 3 = 33 pallets. Every Euro pallet takes 0.4 loading meters – more in our loading meter guide.
Values are typical figures for standard equipment. Actual dimensions and limits vary by carrier, container and country – always check with your carrier.
Frequently asked questions
How many Euro pallets fit in a 40ft container?
Up to 25 in one layer with a mixed loading pattern. Because real pallets often overhang a little, 23–24 is the safe planning value.
How many Euro pallets fit in a 20ft container?
11 Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) in one layer.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft High Cube?
The floor is the same as a 40' standard, so the number per layer is the same (up to 25 Euro pallets). The extra 30 cm height helps when you stack two layers.
How many pallets fit on a truck?
A 13.6 m standard or mega trailer takes 33 Euro pallets or 26 industrial pallets in one layer.