A standard 40ft container fits 20 to 21 North American (48" × 40") pallets or 23 to 25 Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm) on a single tier. If your pallets can be double-stacked, you can fit up to twice that number, but you will usually hit the container's weight limit before you run out of space.
Key takeaways
- 40ft container: 20–21 standard pallets, 23–25 Euro pallets (single tier).
- 20ft container: 9–10 standard pallets, 11 Euro pallets (single tier).
- 40ft high cube: same floor space as a 40ft, but about 30 cm more height, which makes double-stacking easier.
- Weight often limits you before space does. Heavy loads may also need a tri-axle chassis for the road leg.
Pallet capacity by container size
| Container | Standard pallets 48" × 40" | Euro pallets 1200 × 800 mm | Double-stacked (if cargo allows) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 9–10 | 11 | 18–20 standard |
| 40ft standard | 20–21 | 23–25 | 40–42 standard |
| 40ft high cube | 20–21 | 23–25 | 40–42 standard, more headroom |
The exact number depends on the pallet pattern (straight or turned), overhanging cargo and how carefully the container is loaded.
Why the numbers vary
The inside floor of a 40ft container is about 12.03 m × 2.35 m (39'5" × 7'8"). A 48" × 40" pallet (1.22 m × 1.02 m) doesn't divide evenly into that width, so loaders either place pallets:
- Straight (all the same direction): two pallets across, 10 rows deep = 20 pallets.
- Turned (mixed pattern): some rows rotated to use the leftover space = up to 21 pallets.
Euro pallets are narrower, so three can sometimes sit across the width, which is why a 40ft holds more of them.
Container dimensions that matter for pallets
| 20ft standard | 40ft standard | 40ft high cube | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside length | ~5.90 m (19'4") | ~12.03 m (39'5") | ~12.03 m (39'5") |
| Inside width | ~2.35 m (7'8") | ~2.35 m (7'8") | ~2.35 m (7'8") |
| Inside height | ~2.39 m (7'10") | ~2.39 m (7'10") | ~2.69 m (8'10") |
| Door opening height | ~2.28 m | ~2.28 m | ~2.58 m |
| Typical max payload | ~28,000 kg | ~26,500–28,000 kg | ~26,500–28,000 kg |
Figures vary slightly by manufacturer; always check the data plate on the container door. For more detail on the 40ft box itself, see our 40ft shipping container guide.
Weight: the limit most shippers hit first
A container's maximum payload is only part of the story. For the road leg in Canada, the truck, chassis and container together must stay within provincial axle and gross weight limits. A container that is legal at sea can still be too heavy for a standard chassis. In that case the drayage carrier needs a tri-axle or quad-axle chassis, which usually costs more. Tell your carrier the real gross weight when you ask for a quote.
Tips to fit more pallets
- Use the turned pattern to get the 21st standard pallet in a 40ft.
- Avoid overhang. Cargo hanging over the pallet edges can cost you a full row.
- Double-stack stable, lighter goods and use a high cube if the stack is tall.
- Consider floor-loading (no pallets) for cartons. It can raise volume by 10–20% but takes longer to unload.
- Secure the load with airbags, straps or blocking so it doesn't shift during rail and road moves.
Live unload or drop?
If you have many pallets and one dock, ask your drayage carrier for a drop and pick instead of a live unload. The driver drops the container, you unload on your schedule, and the empty is collected later. This avoids hourly waiting-time charges. Carriers in our Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver directories list whether they offer drop service.
Frequently asked questions
How many standard pallets fit in a 40ft container?
Twenty standard 48" × 40" pallets fit on a single tier with a straight pattern, and 21 with a turned pattern.
How many Euro pallets fit in a 40ft container?
Between 23 and 25 Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm) fit on a single tier, depending on the loading pattern.
How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?
A 20ft container holds 9 to 10 standard pallets or 11 Euro pallets on a single tier.
Does a 40ft high cube hold more pallets?
It has the same floor space, so it holds the same number of pallets on the floor. The extra height helps when you double-stack.
What is the maximum weight in a 40ft container?
Most 40ft containers allow a payload of about 26,500–28,000 kg, but road limits in Canada may be lower. Check with your drayage carrier before loading.