How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?
A 20ft container takes 11 Euro pallets (120×80 cm) with a mixed pattern, and 9 industrial or standard US pallets (120×100 cm or 48×40 in) in a single layer. Some containers are wide enough for 10. Stacking doubles the count only if the height and the payload allow it.
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Your cargo
Inside 589 × 235 × 239 cm, payload 28,200 kg
Stacking
Results
Pallets in total
11
1 tier
On the floor
11
Total weight 5,500 kg
- All lengthwise: 8
- All crosswise: 7
- Mixed pattern: 11best
With pallets of one size this pattern search gets the floor count right. The EveryLoading optimizer finds the same mixed patterns automatically: 11 EUR pallets in a 20ft container, 25 in a 40ft and 26 industrial pallets in a 13.6 m trailer, and it also handles mixed cargo.
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Pallets on the floor, by vehicle
| Vehicle | Euro 120×80 cm | Industrial 120×100 cm | US 48×40 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft container | 8–11 | 8–9 | 8–9 |
| 40ft container | 20–25 | 20–22 | 18–20 |
| 40ft High Cube | 20–25 | 20–22 | 18–20 |
Single layer, from typical inside dimensions. A range means all pallets straight, then the best pattern. The best pattern may leave no play at all, so measure your own vehicle.
Why a mixed pattern wins
The inside width is about 235 cm. Turning some pallets uses that width better: one lane lengthwise and one crosswise fits 11 Euro pallets where straight rows fit only 8.
Allow some play
These counts assume pallets without overhang. Cartons that stick out past the pallet edge, or pallets that are not square, can cost you a row.
Payload matters on heavy cargo
A 20ft container is often limited by weight, not space. Heavy goods reach the payload, and the road limits at either end of the trip, before the floor is full.
Questions and answers
- How many standard pallets fit in a 20ft container?
- 9 with a mixed pattern in a typical inside width of 235 cm. Some published figures say 10, which needs a little more width or pallets of exactly 100 cm.
- How many Euro pallets fit in a 20ft container?
- 11 on the floor, using one lane lengthwise and one lane crosswise. Straight rows only fit 8.
- How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
- 25 Euro pallets or 20 to 22 industrial pallets on the floor. A High Cube has the same floor, so it only helps with height.
Read more: How many pallets fit in a 40ft container (and a 20ft) · Truck loading software · Pallets in a truck · Pallets in a 53 ft trailer · Pallets in a box truck
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