Free Tool
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
A 20-foot shipping container measures approximately 233.5 inches long, 90.5 inches wide, and 89 inches tall inside, with a maximum payload of 47,900 lbs. A 40-foot container is roughly twice the length at 474 inches with the same width and height, holding up to 58,860 lbs. The 40-foot high-cube variant adds 12 inches of interior height (101 inches total), which is critical for double-stacking tall pallets.
A 53-foot dry van trailer — the standard for US domestic trucking — is both longer (630 inches) and wider (98.5 inches) than shipping containers, with 108 inches of interior height and a 44,000 lb payload limit. The extra width means an additional pallet fits across each row compared to a shipping container.
Container load FAQ
How many pallets fit in a 53-foot trailer?
A standard 53-foot dry van fits 26 standard pallets (48×40") 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 × 90.5" W × 89" H with 47,900 lbs max payload.
Ship by the pallet with Warp
Warp prices per pallet with all-inclusive rates. No container math needed — quote 1 to 26 pallets instantly.