Container & Trailer Load Calculator
Calculate how many pallets fit in a shipping container or trailer. Select your equipment type, pallet size, and weight to see single-layer and double-stacked capacity with weight limit checks.
How to use: Enter your pallet or carton dimensions and see how many fit in a 20ft, 40ft, 40ft HC, or 53ft trailer. The calculator accounts for standard pallet orientations and stacking limits.
How to calculate pallets per container
The number of pallets that fit in a container depends on three factors: the interior dimensions of the container, the footprint of each pallet, and the pallet orientation. Standard pallets (48 x 40 inches) can be loaded lengthwise or widthwise. The calculator automatically determines the orientation that maximizes the number of pallets.
Weight is the other constraint. A 53-foot trailer can physically hold 26 pallets on the floor, but if each pallet weighs 2,000 lbs, the total load of 52,000 lbs exceeds the 44,000 lb payload limit. The calculator accounts for both space and weight to give you the effective pallet count.
Container and trailer dimensions
The table below shows interior dimensions, max payload, and standard pallet capacity for every common equipment type. Use these specs to plan your loads before quoting.
Container load FAQ
How many pallets fit in a 53-foot trailer?
A standard 53-foot dry van fits 26 standard pallets (48x40") in a single layer, or up to 52 if double-stacked. Max payload is 44,000 lbs. Actual capacity depends on pallet height, weight, and stackability.
How many pallets fit in a 40-foot container?
A 40-foot container fits approximately 20 standard pallets in a single layer. The narrower width (90.5" vs 98.5" for a trailer) limits pallets per row. Max payload is 58,860 lbs.
How many pallets fit in a 20-foot container?
A 20-foot container fits approximately 10 standard pallets in a single layer. Interior is 233.5" L x 90.5" W x 89" H with 47,900 lbs max payload.
What is the difference between a container and a trailer?
Shipping containers (20ft, 40ft) are steel boxes for intermodal transport on ships, rail, and chassis. They are narrower at 90.5" wide. Dry van trailers (53ft) are for US domestic trucking, wider at 98.5", taller at 108", and attach directly to a tractor.
Can I double-stack pallets in a container?
It depends on pallet height and stackability. A standard 40ft container has 89" of interior height. If pallets are 48" tall including the pallet, you can double-stack. A 40ft high-cube at 101" gives more clearance. Verify bottom pallets can bear the weight.
How do I calculate container utilization?
Container utilization = (total cargo volume / container internal volume) x 100. Target 80-85% as the practical maximum. Below 70% means you are overpaying per unit. Above 90% is difficult due to packing gaps and door clearance.
What is a high cube container?
A high-cube container is a 40ft container with 12 extra inches of height (101" vs 89"). This adds 8.6 CBM of usable volume. It is ideal for lightweight, bulky cargo or double-stacking pallets taller than 42 inches. High-cube is the most common 40ft container type in circulation.
How many pallets fit in a 26-foot box truck?
A 26-foot box truck fits approximately 12 standard pallets (48x40") in a single layer. Interior is roughly 312" L x 96" W x 96" H with about 10,000 lbs max payload. Box trucks include liftgates for locations without loading docks.
Ship by the pallet with Warp
Warp prices per pallet with all-inclusive rates. No container math needed. Quote 1 to 26 pallets instantly.