How many pallets fit in a truck or container? This is one of the most common questions in transport, and the answer depends on the size of the pallet, the dimensions of the vehicle or container and whether the pallets are loaded in a single layer or stacked on top of each other. A good estimate helps you plan transport efficiently and avoid unnecessary trips.
In this article we have put together clear tables of pallet quantities for different vehicles and containers, explained what a loading metre is and how to calculate it, and given practical tips for making the most of the load space. The figures apply to the most common pallets, EUR and FIN pallets. Suomen Lavacenter delivers all pallet types quickly throughout Finland.
Note: The figures below are indicative and apply to single-layer floor loading. Actual quantities vary with the vehicle, the container and the loading method. When pallets are stacked on top of each other and the height and weight allow it, the quantity can even double.
How many pallets fit in a truck?
The most common pallet sizes are the EUR pallet (800 x 1200 mm) and the FIN pallet (1000 x 1200 mm). More EUR pallets fit because they are narrower. Here are typical quantities in a single layer:
| Vehicle | Load space (approx.) | EUR pallets (800 x 1200) | FIN pallets (1000 x 1200) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery or rigid truck | approx. 7-8 m | approx. 16-18 | approx. 14 |
| Semi-trailer | 13.6 m | 33 | 26 |
| Full trailer combination (Finland) | approx. 25.25 m | approx. 50-52 | approx. 38-40 |
Semi-trailer (13.6 m)
A standard 13.6-metre semi-trailer takes 33 EUR pallets or 26 FIN pallets in a single layer. This is the best-known basic figure in logistics, and it is a good one to rely on when estimating the size of a full truckload. By stacking the pallets in two layers, the number can rise to as many as 66 EUR pallets, if the height and the weight of the load allow it.
Full trailer combination (approx. 25.25 m)
The long combinations permitted in Finland carry more: a typical 25.25-metre combination takes about 50-52 EUR pallets or about 38-40 FIN pallets in a single layer. This makes these combinations extremely efficient for domestic trunk haulage.
Delivery and rigid trucks
A smaller delivery or rigid truck (box body about 7-8 m) typically takes about 16-18 EUR pallets or about 14 FIN pallets. Body lengths vary a lot, so this is an indicative estimate.
How many pallets fit in a container?
Shipping containers take fewer pallets because a container is narrower. The most common sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot containers:
| Container | Internal dimensions (approx.) | EUR pallets | FIN pallets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-foot container | 5.9 x 2.35 m | 11 | 9-10 |
| 40-foot container | 12.0 x 2.35 m | 25 | 20-21 |
In practice, a 20-foot container takes about 11 EUR pallets and a 40-foot container about 25 EUR pallets in a single layer. Slightly fewer FIN pallets fit. In High Cube containers the floor quantity is the same, but the extra height makes it easier to fit stackable goods.
EUR pallet or FIN pallet: which fits more?
More EUR pallets fit in the load space because they are 200 mm narrower than FIN pallets. That is why the EUR pallet is often the more space-efficient choice for exports and trunk haulage. The FIN pallet, on the other hand, offers a larger deck area, which can be an advantage when the product is wide. Read more about the differences: what is the difference between EUR and FIN pallets.
A semi-trailer takes about 22 of the square 1140 x 1140 mm CP3 and CP9 pallets in a single layer, which is about a third fewer than EUR pallets. Read more in the article CP pallet vs EUR pallet.
What is a loading metre?
A loading metre (LDM, also written loading meter) is a unit of measurement in the transport industry that means one metre of the length of the load space across its full width (about 2.4 m). One loading metre is therefore a floor area of about 2.4 square metres in the load space.
For example, a 13.6-metre semi-trailer equals 13.6 loading metres. The loading metre is a handy way of stating how much space a shipment takes up when the pallets cannot be stacked.
How to calculate loading metres
Calculating loading metres is easy once you know how much of the width of the load space one pallet takes up. The established factors are:
- EUR pallet (800 x 1200 mm) = 0.4 loading metres
- FIN pallet (1000 x 1200 mm) = 0.5 loading metres
Calculate the loading metres by multiplying the number of pallets by the factor. Examples:
- 10 EUR pallets × 0.4 = 4 loading metres
- 10 FIN pallets × 0.5 = 5 loading metres
- 33 EUR pallets × 0.4 ≈ 13.2 loading metres (a full semi-trailer)
The factors also work the other way round: when you know the available loading metres, you can work out how many pallets will fit. For example, 13.6 loading metres ÷ 0.4 ≈ 34 EUR pallets.
Loading metre weight: how weight and space combine in freight
In groupage freight the price is often based either on the actual weight or on the space taken up, whichever is greater. For this purpose, space is converted into a chargeable weight: one loading metre often corresponds to a chargeable weight of about 1,850 kg (the factor varies between carriers, typically about 1,750-1,850 kg).
In practice this means that a light but bulky shipment may be charged by loading metres even though it weighs little. That is why it is worth taking into account both the weight of the pallet and the space it takes up when estimating transport costs.
Tips: how to get more pallets into a load
- Stack when you can. If the goods and the pallet can take it, stacking the pallets in two layers can double the transport capacity.
- Choose the right pallet size. A EUR pallet is more space-efficient than a FIN pallet when the product fits on it.
- Use pallet collars. Pallet collars support stacking and protect the load.
- Weigh up weight against space. In a weight-limited shipment it pays to reduce weight, whereas in a space-limited shipment it pays to maximise the number of pallets.
- Plan the loading. The orientation and placement of the pallets affect how many fit, and an even floor load is the most efficient.
How many pallets fit: in a nutshell
In a single layer you can usually fit 33 EUR pallets or 26 FIN pallets in a semi-trailer, about 50-52 EUR pallets in a Finnish full trailer combination, 11 EUR pallets in a 20-foot container and 25 EUR pallets in a 40-foot container. In loading metres, a EUR pallet takes up 0.4 and a FIN pallet 0.5 loading metres. Stacking can increase these quantities significantly.
Why get your pallets from Suomen Lavacenter?
Suomen Lavacenter supplies new and used EUR and FIN pallets and other pallets to suit your transport needs. We help you choose the most space-efficient pallet and, if needed, give you exact dimensions and weights for load planning. Deliveries throughout Finland are quick, and for larger orders, deliveries outside Finland can be arranged case by case. We also buy your surplus pallets. Request a quote.
Summary
The number of pallets in a truck or container depends on the pallet size, the dimensions of the vehicle and whether the pallets are stacked. Remember the basic figures, 33 EUR pallets in a semi-trailer and 25 EUR pallets in a 40-foot container, and use loading metres when you want to estimate space requirements or freight. If you need help choosing the right pallet or planning a load, we are happy to help.
Need pallets quickly? Suomen Lavacenter helps you choose the right solution and supplies pallets to suit your needs. Call +358 29 170 3899, email info@suomenlavacenter.fi or send a quote request.
Frequently asked questions
How many EUR pallets fit in a truck?
A standard 13.6-metre semi-trailer takes 33 EUR pallets in a single layer. A Finnish full trailer combination (25.25 m) takes about 50-52 EUR pallets. Stacking can almost double these quantities.
How many FIN pallets fit in a truck?
A semi-trailer takes 26 FIN pallets in a single layer and a full trailer combination about 38-40 FIN pallets. Fewer FIN pallets fit than EUR pallets because they are wider.
How many pallets fit in a 20-foot container?
A 20-foot container takes about 11 EUR pallets or 9-10 FIN pallets in a single layer.
How many pallets fit in a 40-foot container?
A 40-foot container takes about 25 EUR pallets or 20-21 FIN pallets in a single layer. A High Cube container has the same floor quantity but more height.
What is a loading metre?
A loading metre (LDM) means one metre of the length of the load space across its full width, which is a floor area of about 2.4 square metres. For example, a 13.6-metre semi-trailer equals 13.6 loading metres.
How many loading metres does one pallet take up?
A EUR pallet takes up about 0.4 loading metres and a FIN pallet about 0.5 loading metres. Loading metres are calculated by multiplying the number of pallets by this factor.
What does loading metre weight mean?
Loading metre weight is a chargeable weight used to convert space into weight for freight pricing. One loading metre often corresponds to about 1,850 kg (the factor varies between carriers). The price is usually based on the actual weight or the loading metre weight, whichever is greater.
Can pallets be stacked on top of each other during transport?
Yes, if the goods and the pallets can withstand stacking and the height and weight limits of the load space allow it. Stacking in two layers can even double the number of pallets transported.
