How many pallets fit: every pallet in every container and trailer

Single-layer pallet counts for 10 pallet footprints in 20 containers, trailers and trucks, 200 figures in all. A 40ft container takes 25 EUR1, 22 1200×1000 and 20 48×40 pallets; a 13.6 m trailer takes 34, 26 and 26.

By Oliver Bennett · Published 29 October 2026 · Data as of 27 October 2026, from spec sheets retrieved that day

This is the whole answer on one page: the most pallets of each standard that fit on the floor of each container, trailer and truck on PalletSpec, in a single layer. Every number comes from the same exact layout search as the load planner, run on the smallest inside size published for each unit, so it holds for any unit of that type you are likely to be given.

There are 10 footprints and 20 units, 200 counts in all. The EUR2, EUR3 and UK pallets share the 1200×1000 column because they share a footprint. Each table lists every unit; open a unit's page for its dimensions, or a pallet's page for its counts with the share of floor covered.

Full-size pallets

The largest single count among the full-size and square pallets is 40 EUR1 pallets on the 53 ft flatbed, the longest floor in the data. The 45ft pallet-wide container is the container where the EUR1 count jumps furthest above its ordinary sibling, 33 against 27 in the 45ft high cube, because its extra width takes three across. For the reasoning behind the first two columns see UK pallet vs Euro pallet and EUR1 vs 48×40.

Square pallets

Three of the four squares give the same 20 in a 40ft container, and the 1067 gains a row. The reefer rows are where the 1165 column falls away: one pallet across instead of two. The square pallet guide explains both.

Half and quarter pallets

These are positions, not full-pallet equivalents. Two EUR6 or two 48×20 pallets take the footprint of one full pallet and four 600×400 pallets that of one EUR1, so halve or quarter the figures to compare. Done that way, they never come out lower than the full pallet, as the half and quarter pallet guide shows.

Best and worst fit in each unit

A count alone does not say how much floor is wasted. This table gives, for each unit, the full-size or square pallet that covers the most of its floor and the one that covers the least.

The Australian 1165×1165 is the best fit in 7 of the 20 units and the worst in both reefer containers, the widest swing of any pallet. No single size wins everywhere, which is why regional pallets survive: each suits the floors it grew up with.

Units that give identical answers

Some units have the same planning floor, or floors close enough that every pallet count is the same: 20ft container and 20ft open top; 40ft container, 40ft high cube, 40ft open top and 40ft high cube open top; 13.6 m curtainsider, mega trailer and EU box trailer. Within each group the counts above are interchangeable. The 40ft high cube, for example, adds height but no floor, so its value shows only when pallets are stacked; see double stacking pallets for the layer counts.

How to use these numbers

The counts assume pallets packed edge to edge with no overhang, in one layer. A real load usually needs a little handling room, and that can cost a position where the fit is tight. The load planner shows the count with 20 mm of play per pallet next to the best count, and lets you set the unit height to see stacked totals. Start with the load planner, or read how the layouts are searched under sources and method.

More guides: EUR1 vs 48×40 pallets: which fits more? · Pallet sizes by region · Half and quarter pallets: how many fit, and why they beat full pallets · UK pallet vs Euro pallet: 1200×1000 against 1200×800 · Square pallets in containers and trailers · European vs North American trailers · How to use the pallet load planner · All guides