A common question in logistics is how many standard pallets fit in a full truck or trailer. The simple answer is that a truckload ranges between 25 to 33 pallets, but this number can vary depending on the size of the vehicle. Read on to find out how many pallets fit in different truck sizes and how to maximise trailer space.
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Jump to:
- How many Euro pallets are in a full truckload?
- What are standard pallet sizes?
- How many pallets fit on different trucks and trailers
- How to maximise trailer space
How many Euro pallets are in a full truckload?
Full truckload (FTL) shipping normally consists of 25 to 33 Euro pallets, with a maximum weight allowance of 24 tonnes. There are different types of trucks used in FTL shipping, such as curtainsider trailers, reefer trailers, mega trailers or high cube trailers, flat platforms etc. Curtainsider trailers are the most common vehicle since they are designed to transport all kinds of cargo.
When calculating how many Euro or other standard pallets fit in a full truckload, the following factors are considered: (inner) measurements of the truck, the size of the pallets, and the weight of the cargo.
What are standard pallet sizes?
When it comes to international shipping, standard pallet dimensions vary in different regions around the world. For pallet shipping in Europe, there are 4 standard Euro pallet sizes:
- EUR 1 (most common in Europe): 80 cm x 120 cm (31.50 in x 47.24 in)
- EUR 2 (most common in the UK): 100 cm x 120 cm (39.37 in x 47.24 in)
- EUR 3: 100 cm x 120 cm (39.37 in x 47.24 in)
- EUR 6: 60 cm x 80 cm (23.62 in x 31.50 in)
In North America, there are 2 main standard pallet sizes:
- 101.6 x 121.9 cm (40 in x 48 in)
- 106.7 x 106.7 cm (42 in x 42 in)
You may also be interested in:
- Different types of pallets
- How to load a pallet for shipping
- Next-day pallet delivery
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How many pallets fit on different truck sizes: from 16′ to 53′
The final number of pallets that fit in a truck depends on whether they are stackable or not. If you are loading full pallets, you will only be able to fill each floor space with one pallet. However, if you are loading half-stackable pallets, you will be able to count more pallets per floor space.
Check the table below to calculate how many pallets you can fit in different truck sizes. Bear in mind that pallet and truck dimensions vary between different manufactures, so this information should be used as a guideline only:
| Truck or trailer size | Number of pallets |
| How many pallets fit in a 53′ truck or 24.5t | 26-34 |
| How many pallets fit in a 48′ truck or 23.5t | 24-26 |
| How many pallets fit in a 40′ truck or 23.5t | 23-33 |
| How many pallets fit in a 26′ truck or 18t | 12-16 |
| How many pallets fit in a 24′ truck or 7.5t | 12 |
| How many pallets fit in a 20′ truck or 5t | 10-11 |
| How many pallets fit in a 16′ truck or 3.5t | 6 |
The number of pallets you can fit on a truck may vary depending on the loading technique you use. For example, you can fit 26 single-stacked standard pallets on a 53′ truck, but if you use techniques such as “turned” or “pinwheeled loading”, you can load even more.
How it works at Eurosender
We offer 2 types of trucks for FTL tranport:
- Tandem truck – 38 pallets
- Semi trailer – 34 pallets
If you are shipping less, we also offer the dedicated Van Service for up to 8 pallets and LTL transport for up to 25 pallets.
How to maximise trailer space
You will need to consider the following factors when determining how many Euro or standard pallets can fit in a full truckload and how to maximise trailer space:
- Stackable or non-stackable pallets? If the pallets are stackable and within the standard height limit, they can be fitted on top of each other to maximise trailer space.
- Standard or non-standard pallets? Trailers have width and height limits, so it is important to know your shipment size to determine how many pallets will fit on a truck in a single loading plan.
Stackability and size must both be considered. For example, if your pallet is stackable but higher than the vehicle limit, it will not fit in the truck. Similarly, if you are shipping fragile goods, even if on standard-sized pallets, these should not be stacked.
In order to further maximise trailer space, load the largest items first, at the furthest point from the door. Smaller items are easier to fit in any remaining spaces. Items that will need to be unloaded sooner should be packed last.
Don’t hesitate to contact our logistics experts if you want to know more about how many pallets you could fit on a truck when booking a shipping service. Thanks to our wide network of carriers, we will find the right truck for your needs!
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Interested in learning more about pallet and freight shipping? Check all our articles about pallet deliveries.
