Container loading
How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
The short answer
Pallets per container, one layer
| Container | US 48 x 40 in | Euro 1,200 x 800 mm | 1,200 x 1,000 mm | Inside length | Max cargo weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Standard | 9 | 11 | 9 | 5.898 m | 28,200 kg |
| 40' Standard | 20 | 25 | 22 | 12.032 m | 26,680 kg |
| 40' High Cube | 20 | 25 | 22 | 12.032 m | 26,580 kg |
| 45' High Cube | 24 | 27 | 24 | 13.556 m | 25,600 kg |
Computed from typical ISO interior dimensions (12.032 x 2.352 m for a 40ft); individual boxes vary slightly by manufacturer. The 40ft Euro and 1,200 x 1,000 mm counts leave about 3 cm of spare length, so allow one fewer if loads overhang.
How the pallets are arranged
The inside of a 40ft container is 2.352 m wide. Laid in rows of two with the 40 in sides across (2.03 m), US pallets fit 18 to a 40ft. The better layout runs two strips down the length of the box: one strip of 11 pallets turned with the 48 in side across, and beside it a strip of 9 pallets with the 40 in side across. Together they take 2.24 m of the width and fit 20 pallets.
Euro pallets work the same way: a strip of 15 turned sideways beside a strip of 10 lengthwise gives 25. A 45ft high cube, 13.56 m long inside, takes 24 US pallets or 27 Euro pallets in one layer.
Stacking and weight
Stacking is limited by three things: whether the cargo can bear the pallet above it, the door opening (2.28 m high on a standard 40ft, 2.585 m on a high cube), and the payload. A 40ft standard container takes up to 26,680 kg of cargo, so 20 pallets single stacked can average about 1,334 kg each, and 40 double stacked about 667 kg each.
To plan your exact cargo, pallet heights and weights included, use the free Gateway 3D load planner; it packs against the same dimensions. Container dimensions and door openings are on the container specs page.
Pallet questions
How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?
9 US standard pallets (48 x 40 in) or 11 Euro pallets (1,200 x 800 mm) on the floor in one layer. The 20ft box is 5.898 m long inside, short of the 6.096 m that 10 US pallets in rows of two would need.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft high cube container?
The same floor count as a standard 40ft: 20 US pallets or 25 Euro pallets in one layer. A high cube is 0.305 m taller inside, which only helps if the pallets can be stacked.
How many Euro pallets fit in a 40ft container?
25 in one layer: a strip of 15 pallets turned sideways beside a strip of 10 lengthwise. That leaves only 3 cm of spare length, so plan on 24 if your loads overhang their pallets.
Can you double stack pallets in a container?
Yes, if the cargo can bear the weight on top, each two-pallet stack passes under the door opening (2.28 m on a standard 40ft, 2.585 m on a high cube) and the whole load stays within the payload (26,680 kg on a 40ft standard). Stacked two high, the floor counts above double.
How much weight can each pallet be in a 40ft container?
A 40ft standard container carries up to 26,680 kg of cargo, so 20 pallets can average about 1,334 kg each. US road weight limits can be lower than the container's rating for heavy loads, so ask before you plan a heavy box.