How Many Pallets Fit in a Shipping Container? A 20ft and 40ft Guide

As a quick answer: a 20ft shipping container holds up to 10 standard pallets or 11 Euro pallets in a single layer, and a 40ft container holds up to 20 standard pallets or 24 Euro pallets. The exact number depends on the pallet type, how they are turned, and whether your goods can be safely stacked.

This guide breaks down pallet capacity by container size, explains what changes the numbers, and shares a few tips for making the most of the space.

Standard vs Euro Pallets

The two pallet types you will meet most often have different footprints, which is why capacity is always quoted for each:

• Euro pallets measure 1200mm x 800mm and are common across Europe.
• Standard pallets are slightly larger at 1200mm x 1000mm and are used widely across the world.

Because a Euro pallet is a little narrower, you can usually fit one or two more of them into the same container.

How Many Pallets Fit in a 20ft Container?

A 20ft container has an internal floor space of roughly 5.9 metres long by 2.35 metres wide. On a single tier, that holds:

• Up to 10 standard pallets (1200mm x 1000mm)
• Up to 11 Euro pallets (1200mm x 800mm)

The exact figure depends on how the pallets are turned, since rotating them changes how neatly they fill the width and length.

How Many Pallets Fit in a 40ft Container?

A 40ft container roughly doubles the length, at about 12 metres long by 2.35 metres wide. On a single tier, that holds:

• Up to 20 standard pallets (1200mm x 1000mm)
• Up to 24 Euro pallets (1200mm x 800mm)

As with the 20ft, orientation matters, and tightly aligned loads with no overhang achieve the higher figures.

Pallet Capacity by Container Size

For quick reference, here is the single-tier capacity across the range we supply:

• 10ft container: up to 4 standard or 5 Euro pallets
• 20ft container: up to 10 standard or 11 Euro pallets
• 30ft container: up to 14 standard or 18 Euro pallets
• 40ft container: up to 20 standard or 24 Euro pallets

For full internal and external measurements across every size, see our complete guide to shipping container dimensions.

Why the Numbers Vary

The figures above are a guide rather than a fixed rule, because a few things change what you can actually load:

• Pallet orientation. Turning pallets to line up with the container walls can be the difference between fitting an extra one in or leaving a gap.
• Single or double stacking. If your goods are light and stable enough to stack safely, you can carry more than a single tier, subject to the internal height.
• Weight limits. This is the one people forget. A container has a maximum payload, and with heavy goods you will often reach the weight limit before you run out of floor space, so the pallet count on paper may not be the practical limit.

Tips for Maximising Pallet Capacity

• Pack tightly. Keep pallets close together to use the full floor and reduce movement in transit.
• Stack where it is safe. If your goods allow it, careful stacking increases how much a single container holds.
• Choose the right size. Matching the container size to your load avoids paying to move empty space.
• Plan the load. Working out the arrangement in advance helps you settle on the right number of pallets and the most efficient way to load them.

Choosing the Right Container

The best container size comes down to how many pallets you need to move or store and how you plan to load them. If you are not sure which suits you, our guide on what size shipping container you need is a useful starting point.

We supply new-build and used containers in every size across Sunderland, the North East, Teesside, Scotland and the Borders. Get in touch and we will help you choose the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?

A 20ft container holds up to 10 standard pallets (1200mm x 1000mm) or 11 Euro pallets (1200mm x 800mm) on a single tier. The exact number depends on how the pallets are oriented and whether the goods can be stacked.

How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?

A 40ft container holds up to 20 standard pallets or 24 Euro pallets in a single layer. Tightly aligned loads with no overhang reach the higher figures, and light, stable goods can sometimes be stacked for more.

What is the difference between a standard and a Euro pallet?

A Euro pallet measures 1200mm x 800mm, while a standard pallet is slightly larger at 1200mm x 1000mm. Because Euro pallets are narrower, you can usually fit one or two more of them into a container of the same size.

Can you double stack pallets in a shipping container?

Yes, if the goods are light and stable enough to stack safely and there is enough internal height. Double stacking increases capacity beyond the single-tier figures, but weight limits and load stability should always be checked first.

Does weight limit how many pallets you can load?

Yes. Every container has a maximum payload, and with heavier goods you often reach that weight limit before the floor is full. In those cases the weight, rather than the floor space, sets the real limit on how many pallets you can carry.