Most people underestimate how much cargo fits inside a single shipping container.

When analyzing how many pallets in a 40 foot container, the answer is generally 20 - 21 standard pallets (48×40 inches) or 23 - 25 Euro pallets (1200×800 mm) in one layer, with a maximum of 40 - 52 pallets when double-stacked under proper conditions.

Use tight floor loading to maximize space and reach the upper pallet count range.

In this article, you can learn exactly how pallet capacity changes based on container type, stacking methods, pallet dimensions, and real-world loading strategies.

Therefore, let’s go over it!

What Is a 40 Foot Container?

A 40-foot container is a standard intermodal shipping unit used worldwide to transport goods efficiently across sea, rail, and road. Built to international specifications, it is one of the most widely used containers in global trade.

Standard Dimensions (External)

Length: 40 ft (12.19 m)
Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
Height: 8.5 ft (2.59 m) (Standard)
Height: 9.5 ft (2.89 m) (High Cube)

While external dimensions are fixed for transport compatibility, the internal space is slightly smaller due to wall thickness and structural framing.

To better understand these dimensions, many logistics planners also compare them with a 20-foot container measurement, especially when deciding between smaller and larger shipment volumes.

Standard Pallet Sizes Explained

Even small differences in dimensions can significantly impact how many pallets fit inside a 40-foot container and how well space is utilized.

US Standard Pallet: (48” × 40”) (1219 × 1016 mm)
Euro Pallet: (1200 × 800 mm)
UK Pallet Sizes: (1200 × 1000 mm)

This is why platforms like Kingmansa integrate logistics awareness into sourcing workflows, helping buyers evaluate shipping efficiency before finalizing suppliers.

How Many Pallets in a 40 Foot Container?

A standard 40-foot shipping container naturally holds:

20 - 21 US standard pallets (48” × 40”)
23 - 24 Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm)

This is the accepted baseline for single-layer (floor-loaded) configurations.

Depending on cargo height and stackability, the 40 ft container pallet capacity can increase to approximately 40 - 42 US pallets or 46 - 52 Euro pallets when safely double-stacked.

Understanding the Layout

Inside a 40ft container, pallets are arranged in rows along the length, with careful spacing across the width:

US pallets (48” × 40”): Generally loaded in 10 - 11 rows of 2 pallets each, which results in 20 - 21 pallets total.
Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm): Their narrower width allows a tighter configuration, often fitting 11 - 12 rows with alternating orientation.

How Many Pallets Fit in a 40ft Container When Double Stacked?

When cargo conditions allow, double stacking can nearly double the pallet capacity of a 40ft container. In practical terms, this means:

Up to 40 - 42 US standard pallets (48” × 40”)
Up to 46 - 52 Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm)

How Double Stacking Works

Double stacking involves placing one pallet directly on top of another, effectively using the vertical space inside the container.

While the floor layout remains the same (20 - 21 or 23 - 24 pallets), the second layer allows you to utilize unused height. However, this approach is only viable when:

Cargo is strong and stackable (e.g., boxed goods, uniform cartons)
Weight is within safe limits for both pallets and the container floor
Load stability can be maintained during transit

Stacking efficiency depends heavily on available vertical space. A standard 40ft container has limited internal height, which can restrict stacking for taller cargo. This is where a high-cube container becomes especially valuable.

What Factors Affect Pallet Capacity in a 40ft Container?

Understanding these factors is essential for accurate planning and efficient logistics execution.

1. Weight Limits

Every container has a maximum payload limit, typically around 26,500 - 28,000 kg for a 40ft unit. In many cases, shipments reach this weight limit before the container is physically full.

If the goods are heavy, like machinery or dense materials, fewer pallets can be loaded because the weight adds up quickly.

On the other hand, if the goods are lightweight, you can fit more pallets and even stack them higher to use the full space

2. Cargo Height and Stackability

If the cargo is tall, uneven, or irregular in shape, it becomes difficult or unsafe to stack it. On the other hand, when cartons are uniform and not too high, double stacking is usually possible, which helps use container space more efficiently.

3. Pallet Orientation and Loading Pattern

Changing the direction of pallets, such as placing them lengthwise or widthwise, can help them fit more tightly.

When pallets are arranged in a smarter way, it reduces the empty spaces between them.

4. Cargo Overhang

Overhang happens when goods are packed in a way that they stick out beyond the edges of the pallet.

When there is an overhang, pallets cannot be placed closely next to each other, which wastes space. It can also create safety risks because the extra parts may get damaged.

As a result, fewer pallets can fit inside a container, which reduces overall shipping efficiency and increases cost.

5. Packaging Type and Load Stability

When products are packed in strong, uniform cartons, they can be stacked safely and space is used more efficiently.

However, if the packaging is irregular or fragile, more space is needed between items to prevent damage.

40ft Container Loading Capacity (Weight vs Volume Limit)

In global shipping, capacity is always defined by a balance between weight (payload) and volume (available space) within the ISO container framework.

Payload Limit: The Weight Constraint

A standard 40ft container typically has a maximum payload capacity of around 26,500 - 28,000 kg.

In many real-world shipments, especially those involving dense goods like machinery, metal products, or liquids, this weight limit is reached before the container is physically full.

As a result, even if there appears to be unused space, no additional pallets can be added without exceeding safety and regulatory limits.

Volume Limit: The Space Constraint

On the other hand, the internal volume of a 40ft container is approximately 67 - 68 cubic meters, which defines how much physical space is available for cargo.

For lighter goods such as textiles, packaged consumer products, or electronics, shipments often reach the volume limit first. With this, it fills the container without approaching the maximum weight.

Euro Pallet vs Standard Pallet Capacity in a 40ft Container

The difference comes down to dimensions: narrower pallets allow tighter configurations, which increases overall capacity without changing the container itself.

Pallet Type	Standard Dimensions	Capacity (40ft Container)	Loading Efficiency
US standard pallet	48” × 40” (1219 × 1016 mm)	20 - 21 pallets	Moderate
Euro pallet	1200 × 800 mm	23 - 25 pallets	High

Why Euro Pallets Fit More

The key difference lies in width and layout flexibility. Euro pallets are narrower, which allows them to be arranged more efficiently across the container’s width. This reduces wasted space.

In contrast, US pallets have a wider footprint, which can create small gaps along the container walls or between rows.

FAQ

How many pallets fit in a 40 foot container?

A standard 40ft container typically holds 20 - 21 US pallets (48×40 inches) or 23 - 25 Euro pallets (1200×800 mm) in a single layer. The exact number depends on pallet size, loading pattern, and cargo dimensions.

What is the maximum pallet capacity of a 40ft container?

The maximum capacity is up to 52 Euro pallets or 42 standard pallets with double stacking. However, most shipments are limited by weight or cargo height before reaching this maximum.

Does pallet size affect container capacity?

Yes, pallet size has a direct impact. Euro pallets fit more efficiently due to their narrower width, allowing more units per container compared to standard US pallets.

Can you fit more pallets by changing the layout?

Yes, adjusting pallet orientation and using tighter loading patterns can sometimes allow one or two extra pallets. Efficient layout planning is a key part of container optimization.

Conclusion

So, how many pallets fit in a 40-foot container? In most cases, you’re looking at 20 - 21 standard pallets or 23 - 25 Euro pallets in a single layer, with the potential to double that if stacking conditions are right.

In practical shipping, pallet capacity is shaped by pallet size, cargo height, weight limits, and how efficiently the space is used.

Two containers of the same size can carry very different loads depending on what’s inside and how it’s arranged.

At the end of the day, understanding these details helps you make smarter shipping decisions.

Well, platforms like Kingmansa make this easier by connecting sourcing, logistics, and suppliers in one place. Good Luck!

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