Written by: Timur Lesov

April 10, 2025

Updated on April 16, 2025

The number of pallets in a 40-foot shipping container depends on a few important factors. This includes pallet size, arrangement, and container specifications. This report examines these factors. It aims to improve container capacity for logistics and shipping operations.

Standard Pallet Capacity in 40’ Containers

The capacity of a 40-foot container depends on the type of pallets and how they are arranged.

Standard American Pallets (48” x 40”)

A standard 40-foot container usually fits 20 to 22 American pallets in one layer. This number may vary slightly depending on the specific loading pattern employed:

• Using a straight loading pattern: 20 pallets
• Using more efficient loading techniques: Up to 22 pallets
• Average capacity across multiple sources: 20-21 pallets

European Pallets (1.2m x 0.8m or 47.24” x 31.5”)

Due to their slightly smaller dimensions, European pallets allow for greater capacity:

• Typical capacity: 24-25 Euro pallets in a single layer
• This extra capacity happens because Euro pallets are 200mm narrower than standard pallets.
• This lets us arrange them more efficiently in the container.

Factors Affecting Pallet Capacity

Several key factors influence the exact number of pallets that can fit in a 40’ container:

Container Type Variations

Container specifications impact capacity significantly:

• Standard 40’ Container: 20-22 standard pallets or 24 Euro pallets
• 40’ High Cube Container: 21-24 standard pallets due to additional height
• 40’ Palletwide Container: This container holds 24 standard pallets or 30 Euro pallets. It offers a bit more internal width.

Loading Patterns

The arrangement of pallets significantly affects capacity:

• Straight loading: Pallets arranged in parallel rows
• Turned loading: Some pallets rotated 90 degrees
• Pinwheel loading: Complex arrangement that maximizes space utilization

The pinwheel layout is often seen as the best for fitting the most pallets in a 40’ container. However, it needs more complicated loading steps.

Double Stacking Potential

When cargo weight and height allow, double stacking can dramatically increase capacity:

• Single layer: 20-24 standard pallets
• Double stacked: Up to 48 standard pallets (depending on weight and height constraints)

Double stacking is only viable when:

• The combined height of stacked pallets doesn’t exceed container height
• The total weight doesn’t exceed the container’s maximum payload capacity
• The goods being transported can safely support stacking

Weight Considerations

Even if the physical space holds many pallets, you must think about weight limits:

• A 40’ container has a maximum gross weight capacity of approximately 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs)
• This includes the weight of the container itself plus cargo
• Overloading can lead to safety issues and potential damage to goods
• Theoretical space may fit 20-24 pallets.

However, if the goods are very heavy, you might have to lower that number.

Boxes Per Pallet and Container

For complete logistics planning, it’s also useful to understand box capacity:

• A standard pallet (48” x 40”) typically holds 30-50 medium-sized boxes
• A 40’ container with 20 pallets can hold about 600 to 1,000 medium-sized boxes.
• A full 40’ container holds about 1,200 boxes. This is based on 60 boxes per pallet and 20 pallets total.

Useful Table Summarizing

Timur Lesov

Eco-freak, nerd, and green technology fanatic. I’m in favor of making eco-friendly living simple as well. I graduated from Berkeley in 2017. Studied environmental science and all things sustainability related. I create content and share simple tips for greening your everyday life. I think even small changes can make a huge difference and we can build a cleaner and more sustainable future.