Container Load Calculator — How Many Pallets Fit?
Planning an ocean shipment or truckload? Our free container load calculator tells you exactly how many pallets or cartons fit in a 20-foot, 40-foot, 40-foot high cube, 45-foot high cube shipping container, or a 53-foot domestic dry van trailer. Enter your pallet dimensions and weight, choose your container type, and get an instant load plan with volume utilization, weight utilization, and smart recommendations on whether FCL or LCL is the better choice for your shipment.
Container Load Calculator
Calculate how many pallets or cartons fit in a shipping container or trailer. Select your container type, enter pallet dimensions, and see instant results.
Pallet / Cargo Dimensions
Weight & Stacking
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pallets fit in a 20-foot container?
A standard 20-foot shipping container can typically fit 10 standard US pallets (48″ × 40″) or 11 Euro pallets (1200mm × 800mm) in a single floor layer. The interior dimensions are approximately 233.5″ long × 90.5″ wide × 89″ high with a maximum payload of about 47,900 lbs. If your pallets are short enough to double-stack, you could fit up to 20 pallets, but always check your weight limit.
How many pallets fit in a 40-foot container?
A standard 40-foot container fits approximately 20 standard US pallets (48″ × 40″) in a single layer. The interior dimensions are about 474″ long × 90.5″ wide × 89″ high with a maximum payload of approximately 59,000 lbs. A 40-foot high cube container has the same floor space but adds about 12 inches of height (102″ interior), which is useful for taller pallets or double-stacking.
How many pallets fit in a 53-foot trailer?
A 53-foot dry van trailer can hold 26 standard US pallets (48″ × 40″) in a single floor layer. Trailers are wider than ocean containers at 98.5″ interior width, and taller at 108″ interior height. The maximum payload is typically 44,000 lbs. This is the standard trailer used for domestic trucking in the United States.
What is the difference between a container and a trailer?
Shipping containers (20ft, 40ft) are steel boxes designed for intermodal transport — they move by ship, rail, and chassis. They are narrower (90.5″ wide) and shorter. Dry van trailers (53ft) are for domestic trucking only — they are wider (98.5″), taller (108″), and attach directly to a tractor. If you’re importing by ocean, you’ll use a container. For domestic moves, you’ll likely use a 53-foot trailer.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container for your cargo alone. LCL (Less than Container Load) means you share container space with other shippers and pay per cubic meter (CBM). FCL is typically more economical when your cargo fills more than 50% of a container. Below that, LCL is usually the better option. Our calculator shows your volume utilization percentage to help you decide.
Can I double-stack pallets in a container?
It depends on the height of your pallets and the container’s interior height. A standard 40-foot container has 89 inches of interior height, so if your pallets are 44 inches tall (including the pallet), you can fit two layers. A 40-foot high cube with 102 inches gives even more room. Always verify that your bottom pallets can support the weight of the pallets stacked on top. Check the “Stackable” option in the calculator to see double-stack results.
What does volume utilization mean?
Volume utilization is the percentage of the container’s total internal volume that your cargo occupies. A utilization of 80% or higher is considered efficient. Below 50%, you may be paying for space you’re not using, and LCL shipping could save money. Target 80–85% as the practical maximum, since some space is always lost to gaps between pallets and the container walls.
What if my shipment exceeds the weight limit?
If your pallets are heavy, you may hit the container’s payload limit before filling it by volume. This is common with dense goods like beverages, stone, or metal products. The calculator will flag this and reduce your pallet count to stay within the safe weight limit. If you’re consistently weight-limited, consider splitting your shipment across two containers or using a container type with a higher payload.
This calculator provides estimated pallet counts based on standard interior dimensions and common loading patterns. Actual capacity may vary based on container manufacturer, condition, door opening width, pallet overhang, dunnage, bracing, and cargo securing requirements. Weight limits may also be affected by road regulations, chassis ratings, and port restrictions. Always confirm capacity with your carrier, freight forwarder, or drayage provider before booking. National Freight Hub is not liable for loading errors, overweight penalties, or cargo damage resulting from use of this tool.