Written by: Timur Lesov

August 07, 2025

Updated on August 07, 2025

Key Takeaway: A standard 53 ft × 8.5 ft semi-trailer can hold between 60 and 117 common cardboard bales, depending on bale dimensions and stacking height. Flatbed trailers of the same footprint accommodate similar bale counts but require secure strapping and weather protection.

1. Overview of Cardboard Bale Dimensions

Cardboard bales are produced in a range of sizes and weights depending on the baler type and recycling requirements. Two prevalent “mill-size” bale specifications are:

• Mill-Size Bale (WasteCare/Bramidan standard): – Dimensions: 60 in L × 42 in W × 30 in H (1.52 m × 1.07 m × 0.76 m) – Weight: 800–1,000 lb (363–454 kg)
• Medium Vertical Baler Bale: – Dimensions: 47.2 in L × 31.5 in W × 31.5 in H (1.20 m × 0.80 m × 0.80 m) – Weight: ~660 lb (300 kg)

Other balers produce smaller or larger bales, but mill-size and medium bales are most common in commercial recycling.

2. Semi-Trailer Interior Capacity

A typical dry-van semi-trailer (curtainside) offers interior cargo space of approximately:

• Length: 52.5 – 53 ft (16.0 m)
• Width: 8.2 – 8.5 ft (2.46 – 2.59 m)
• Height: 8.0 – 9.0 ft (2.44 – 2.74 m)

Note: Pallet capacity is usually 26–30 EU pallets, but bale loading uses linear and grid pack calculations.

3. Loading Calculations

3.1 Mill-Size Bales (60×42×30 in)

• Floor footprint per bale: 5.0 ft × 3.5 ft = 17.5 ft²
• Bales per floor layer: – Along length: ⌊53 ft / 5.0 ft⌋ = 10 bales – Across width: ⌊8.5 ft / 3.5 ft⌋ = 2 bales – Total floor layer = 10 × 2 = 20 bales
• Stacking height: – Trailer interior height ~8.5 ft ÷ bale height 2.5 ft = 3.4 → 3 layers
• Total capacity: 20 bales/layer × 3 layers = 60 bales

3.2 Medium Bales (47.2×31.5×31.5 in)

• Floor footprint per bale: 3.93 ft × 2.625 ft ≈ 10.31 ft²
• Bales per floor layer: – Along length: ⌊53 ft / 3.93 ft⌋ = 13 bales – Across width: ⌊8.5 ft / 2.625 ft⌋ = 3 bales – Total floor layer = 13 × 3 = 39 bales
• Stacking height: – Trailer interior height ~8.5 ft ÷ bale height 2.625 ft = 3.2 → 3 layers
• Total capacity: 39 bales/layer × 3 layers = 117 bales

4. Considerations for Flatbed Trailers

A flatbed trailer of standard length (48–53 ft) and width (8.5 ft) shares the same deck footprint as a dry-van, but:

• Open exposure requires tarping or shrink-wrapping.
• Tie-down points are critical; use Web straps or chains.
• Weight distribution must respect axle limits (Federal max 80,000 lb GVW).
• Stacking follows the same layer counts as dry-van, but higher risk of weather damage.

Thus, flatbed bale counts mirror the semi-trailer numbers (60–117 bales) but add logistical steps for securing and protecting the load.

5. Practical Constraints

Beyond pure volumetrics, real-world loading is influenced by:

• Weight limits: – 60 bales × 900 lb = 54,000 lb; 117 bales × 660 lb = 77,220 lb – Must remain under the trailer’s payload capacity (45,000–48,000 lb typical).
• Axle weight distribution: – Maximum single axle = 20,000 lb; tandem = 34,000 lb; bridged patterns apply.
• Loading efficiency: – Manual vs. forklift handling; time per bale. – Optimizing bale orientation can eke out 1–2 extra bales per layer.
• Permitting: – Oversized stacks may exceed height limits and require state permits.

6. Recommendations

1. Select bale size based on payload weight limits first, then maximize floor capacity.
2. Use medium bales (47.2 × 31.5 × 31.5 in) if weight-limited; provides more units under weight ceiling.
3. Stack three high for efficient use of vertical space, ensuring secure strapping.
4. Conduct static weight tests when loading the first fully loaded trailer to confirm axle and gross weights.
5. For flatbeds, implement weatherproofing and robust tie-down plans to protect cargo integrity.

7. Conclusion

A fully loaded 53 ft semi-trailer, using three-high stacking of mill-size bales, typically carries 60 bales. Using more compact medium bales raises that to 117. Flatbeds offer similar volumetric potential but demand additional securing and weatherproofing measures. In all cases, weight limits, axle regulations, and safe handling practices govern the final load plan. Proper planning ensures maximum efficiency, compliance with transport laws, and protection of the recycled cardboard cargo.

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.