How many euro pallets fit into a shipping container?

15. 10. 2024

When you are planning to transport goods by sea, one of the key factors to consider is the capacity of your container. Euro pallets, standardised in size to 1200 x 800mm, are a popular choice for many logistics operations. But how do you know how many of these pallets will fit into different types of shipping containers? Let’s discuss.

20ft shipping container

20ft containers are one of the most common choices for international shipping. They have internal dimensions of approximately 5.902 m in length, 2.350 m in width and 2.392 m in height. These containers can hold up to 11 euro pallets if the pallets are loaded in a single layer. This arrangement ensures efficient use of space without overloading the container.

40ft shipping container

If you need to transport larger quantities of goods, a 40ft container may be the right choice. With internal dimensions of approximately 12.025 m in length, 2.352 m in width and 2.393 m in height, this type of container can hold up to 25 euro pallets in a single layer. This is ideal for larger consignments where maximum use of volume is required.

Pallet Wide Containers

For those who want to maximise capacity for euro pallets, “pallet wide” containers are a great choice. These containers are specifically designed to allow pallets to be placed side by side, increasing the total number of pallets that can be loaded. Compared to standard containers, “pallet wide” containers allow for a more efficient use of the container width.

pallet stacking in containers

Factors affecting container capacity

Even if you know the basic dimensions of the containers, it is important to consider other factors that can affect the actual capacity. These factors include the weight of the goods loaded, the method of packing and any additional handling requirements. Proper pallet planning and layout is key to ensuring safe and efficient transportation.

Optimising pallet loading

To optimise pallet loading, it is recommended to use software tools that simulate the arrangement of pallets in the container. These tools will help you determine the best configuration to maximize capacity and minimize the risk of damage to goods during transport.


Other container news...

Wind and Waterthight – what does it mean?

12. 12. 2025

Welcome to a detailed glossary dedicated to one of the most important and often misunderstood terms in the shipping container industry: Wind and Watertight (WWT). If you are considering purchasing a used container, it is absolutely essential to know what this classification means in practice, what the limits of this class are, and how to differentiate it from other types of containers on the market.

How to fold a shipping container? Using ConFoot legs

11. 12. 2025

The ConFoot stacking of shipping containers is an innovative way to safely and efficiently unload a standardized ISO container (10-45 feet) from a trailer or chassis without heavy handling equipment. Using a set of four special support legs (ConFoot), the container can be placed directly on the ground or at the ramp at the destination.

What does corrosion resistance C5 mean?

10. 12. 2025

Corrosion resistance C5 denotes one of the highest categories of protection of steel structures against atmospheric corrosion, as defined by the international standard ISO 12944. This specification is intended for structures exposed to extremely aggressive conditions – industrial zones with high humidity and pollution, or coastal and marine areas with high salinity.

Bridge Fittings (Bridge Fittings) – shipping container

9. 12. 2025

Bridge clamps, also known as Bridge Fittings or shipping container bridge clamps, are sturdy metal connectors that are used to horizontally connect two adjacent shipping containers.