How Many Pallets Fit in a Pallet Wide Container
This article presents the most comprehensive and detailed analysis of the issue of Pallet Wide (PW) containers in English. You will find here not only the answer to the question “What is a Pallet Wide container and how many pallets fit in it?”, but also detailed technical data, differences compared to standard containers, design specifications, practical experience, options for optimal use and the latest trends in logistics.
Primary Definition: What is a Pallet Wide Container?
Pallet Wide container is a special type of steel shipping container whose main design feature is an expanded internal width. This allows you to safely and efficiently place two europallets (1200 x 800 mm) side by side along the entire length of the container, which is not possible with standard ISO containers. Although the external dimensions of the PW container correspond to ISO standards (especially for handling, stacking and transport), the internal dimensions – especially the width – are several centimeters larger.
Key points:
- External width of PW container is approx. 2,462 m (compared to 2,438 m for standard container).
- Internal width reaches up to 2,438–2,450 m (compared to ~2,350 m for standard).
- Allows you to place two europallets side by side without loss of space.
- Structurally based on standard steel shipping containers; the floor is reinforced and made of wooden planks for better friction and pallet handling.
Source: HZ Containers
Design Specifications and Types of Pallet Wide Containers
Construction:
PW containers must meet the same safety and handling requirements as ISO container standards – i.e. the ability to stack, transport on ships, in railway cars and on truck trailers. The main difference is in the slight expansion of external and internal dimensions, reinforced floor, increased load capacity and sometimes more robust door locks.
Main types of PW containers:
| Type | Length (external) | Height (external) | Width (external) | Internal width | EUR pallet capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ Pallet Wide | 6,058 m | 2,591 m | 2,462 m | 2,438 m | 15 |
| 40′ Pallet Wide | 12,192 m | 2,591 m | 2,462 m | 2,438 m | 30 |
| 40′ High Cube PW | 12,192 m | 2,896 m | 2,462 m | 2,438 m | 30 |
| 45′ High Cube PW | 13,716 m | 2,896 m | 2,462 m | 2,438 m | 33 |
Notes:
- High Cube versions (HC) have increased height (2,896 m), which allows stacking two layers of pallets with lower height goods.
- Internal width is optimized to 2,438 m, which exactly corresponds to two europallets side by side (2 x 1.2 m = 2.4 m).
- Door opening is also wider, usually 2,416 m.
Materials:
- Frame: Quality steel, corrosion-resistant finish
- Floor: Hardened wooden planks, often from tropical hardwoods (moisture resistance)
- Walls: Corrugated steel sheet for increased rigidity
Problem of Standard Containers with Pallet Storage
Standard ISO container (20’/40′):
- Internal width approx. 2,350 m.
- 2 europallets side by side (2 x 1.2 m = 2.4 m) do not fit, missing approx. 5 cm.
- Pallets must be stacked diagonally, or in a combination of lengthwise/transverse, which creates unused (so-called dead) space.
- Transporting “air” = increased costs.
Graphic Comparison:
| Container type | Internal width | Pallet arrangement | Dead space created? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 20/40 ft | 2,350 m | cannot fit 2 side by side | YES |
| Pallet Wide | 2,438 m | 2 side by side | NO |
How Many Pallets Fit in a Pallet Wide Container?
Capacity table by container type:
| Type and Size | EUR pallets (1200×800 mm) | US pallets (1219×1016 mm) | Industrial pallets (1200×1000 mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 11 | 9–10 | 10 |
| 20ft Pallet Wide | 15 | 12 | 13 |
| 40ft Standard | 23–24 | 20–21 | 21 |
| 40ft Pallet Wide | 30 | 24 | 26 |
| 40ft High Cube PW | 30 | 24 | 26 |
| 45ft High Cube PW | 33 | 26 | 29 |
Important:
- The stated numbers apply to single layers without pallet stacking.
- With light goods in HC versions, some pallets can be stacked, which further increases capacity.
Practical example:
If you want to transport 120 europallets, you need:
- 5 standard 40′ containers (24 x 5 = 120)
- only 4 Pallet Wide 40′ containers (30 x 4 = 120)
Detailed Technical Parameters of PW Containers
| Parameter | 20′ PW | 40′ PW | 40′ HC PW | 45′ HC PW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External length (mm) | 6 058 | 12 192 | 12 192 | 13 716 |
| External width (mm) | 2 462 | 2 462 | 2 462 | 2 462 |
| External height (mm) | 2 591 | 2 591 | 2 896 | 2 896 |
| Internal length (mm) | 5 898 | 12 032 | 12 032 | 13 556 |
| Internal width (mm) | 2 438 | 2 438 | 2 438 | 2 438 |
| Internal height (mm) | 2 390 | 2 390 | 2 695 | 2 695 |
| Door opening width (mm) | 2 416 | 2 416 | 2 416 | 2 416 |
| Door opening height (mm) | 2 280 | 2 280 | 2 585 | 2 585 |
| Tare weight (kg) | 2 500–2 700 | 3 800–4 200 | 4 000–4 400 | 4 400–4 800 |
| Max. gross weight (kg) | 30 480 | 34 000 | 34 000 | 34 000 |
| Useful load (kg) | 27 780–28 000 | 29 800–30 200 | 29 600–30 000 | 29 200–29 600 |
Advantages of Pallet Wide Containers
Optimization of cargo space
- Utilization of up to 100% 25 of floor area for pallets – no “dead” space
- Up to 30% 25 more pallets per container
Reduction of logistics costs
- Fewer containers for the same volume of goods = lower transport and handling fees
- Reduction of administration and transport costs
Faster handling
- Regular rows of pallets = faster loading/unloading with a forklift
- Lower risk of cargo damage (pallets do not move)
Environmental benefit
- Less transport = smaller carbon footprint per ton of transported goods
Universal use
- Allows transport of other pallets than EUR (e.g. US, industrial)
- Full intermodality = transport by ship, train, truck without transshipment
Disadvantages and Limitations of PW Containers
- Higher purchase price: 10–20%25 higher than standard containers.
- Slightly higher tare weight: Reinforced floor, wider frame.
- Lower availability outside Europe: Greatest demand is in European logistics.
- Possible limitations in some ports: Specific dimensions may mean more limited storage options in some world ports.
Practical Tips for Loading and Handling
- Detailed loading planning: It is recommended to use load planning software that processes the exact dimensions of pallets and containers.
- Safe stacking: When using HC versions, light pallets can be stacked (e.g. 2 layers), but always with regard to floor load capacity and stability.
- Cargo securing: Even with tight loading, goods must be secured with stretch film, straps, etc.
- Weight distribution: Distribute heavier pallets evenly across the floor; never concentrate heavy load in one place.
- Non-protruding cargo: Goods should not protrude beyond the edges of the pallet – otherwise it may be impossible to use full capacity.
Comparison with Other Types of Containers
| Container type | Primary purpose | Width (internal) | Number of EUR pallets | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard DV | universal goods | ~2,350 m | 11/24 | everything |
| Pallet Wide | palletized cargo | 2,438 m | 15/30/33 | pallet shipments |
| Reefer (refrigerated) | food, pharmacy | ~2,290 m | 10/21 | temperature-controlled goods |
| High Cube | bulky/light goods | ~2,350/2,438 m | 24/30/33 | pallet stacking |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main advantage of Pallet Wide compared to a standard container?
The ability to efficiently place two europallets side by side along the entire length without dead space.
2. Are Pallet Wide containers more expensive?
Yes, the purchase or rental price is higher, but the savings on transport more than compensate for the higher investment.
3. Can I use a Pallet Wide container for other types of pallets?
Yes, it is also suitable for US pallets (1219×1016 mm) and some industrial pallets.
4. Can a Pallet Wide container be used in regular container transport?
Yes, the external dimensions comply with ISO standards, so it is fully intermodal.
5. What is the load capacity of a PW container?
Similar to standard ones – max. gross weight 30–34 tons, useful load depending on type 27–30 tons.
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