Last updated: June 03, 2022
If you’re looking to ship cargo internationally or domestically, you need to know if they can be easily carried, stored, and protected from damage. This is precisely what pallets are for. A pallet makes stacking and storing products easy in shipping containers, warehouses, or trucks. It also supports efficient loading and makes handling by forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyors easy. When choosing the right pallet and container for your goods, it is important to know the right size and dimensions. This is essential so that you don’t waste floor space and can ship your goods at a reasonable price.
Here we will talk about the different types of pallets, and how many can fit into different-sized containers. But first, let’s get a basic understanding of the internal dimensions of standard containers.
Table of contents
- Shipping container dimensions
- How many pallets will fit into various containers?
- How to choose the right pallet
- FAQs
Shipping container dimensions
The table shows the internal dimensions of commonly used containers for shipping and warehousing. Of these, 20-ft and 40-ft containers are widely used in export markets.
International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards specify the minimum or maximum values for dimensions. There can be slight variations in container dimensions with the same nominal size and type.
Read more about shipping container dimensions
How many pallets will fit into various containers?
International shipments commonly use the EUR pallet and the EUR2 pallet, but there are also GMA pallets, which are widely used in North America. While shipping internationally, you need to have the best pallet arrangement to optimally utilise the space. There are six ISO-approved pallets listed below, including details on how many of them can fit into 20-ft and 40-ft containers.
Euro pallet size (sanctioned by the European Pallet Association)
Standard pallets/EUR2/ISO2
These pallets weigh about 35 kg, making them ideal for very heavy industrial loads. Their base frame design allows for easy movement on chains or roller conveyors. They can carry a safe working load of 1,250 kg and a maximum additional load of 4,250 kg when stacking.
Standard EUR2/ISO2 pallet size: 1,200 x 1,000 mm (47.24 x 39.37 in)
Number of Standard EUR2/ISO2 pallets that will fit in a 20-ft container: 10
Number of Standard EUR2/ISO2 pallets that will fit in a 40-ft container: 20-21
EUR/EUR1/ISO1|
According to the EPAL, Euro pallets are the most widely-used exchange pallets in the world, with about 450-500 million currently in circulation. These can fit through a standard exterior door and have a safe working load of 1,500 kg.
Pallet size: 800 x 1,200 mm (31.50 x 47.24 in)
Number of pallets that will fit in a 20-ft container: 11
Number of pallets that will fit in a 40-ft container: 23-24
Other pallet sizes
North American standard pallets/GMA
The GMA pallet, sanctioned by the Grocery Manufacturers Association, is similar to standard/EUR pallets and is widely used in North America. These pallets are commonly used to transport grocery items.
Pallet size: 1,016 x 1,219 mm (40 x 48 in)
Number of pallets that will fit in a 20-ft container: 10
Number of pallets that will fit in a 40-ft container: 20
Here are some other popular sized pallets recognised by the ISO. These are used in Australia, North America, Asia, and Europe.
Australia
Pallet size:1165 x 1165 mm (44.88 x 44.88 in)
Number of pallets that will fit in a 20-ft container: 10
Number of pallets that will fit in a 40-ft container: 21
North America, Europe and Asia
Pallet size:1,067 x 1,067 mm (42 x 42 in)
These pallets are commonly used by the telecommunications and paint and technical coating industries.
Asia
Pallet size: 1,100 x 1,100 mm (43.3 x 43.3 in)
Number of pallets that will fit in a 20-ft container: 10
How to choose the right pallet
Apart from dimensions, here are some other key things to consider when choosing pallets for your goods:
Pallet types
Euro pallets (800 x 1,200 mm), block pallets (1,000 x 1,200 mm) and mini pallets (800 x 600 mm) are the most common variants for shipping. These feature 3 beams with a platform of slats to place the product. These pallets are also convenient to handle as they can be lifted with a forklift from all four sides.
Also known as the industrial pallet, the block pallet can be used for slightly heavier loads, whereas the mini pallet is commonly used for smaller loads.
Material
Wooden pallets are commonly used as they are strong, relatively affordable, and can carry a lot of weight. But they are not always easy to move manually. There are many variations of these pallets, including those made of pressed wood or styrofoam, but you may not be able to reuse them. On the other hand, plastic pallets last long and have high reusability.
Storage or shipping conditions
Where your pallets will be stored or how they will be shipped depends on your chosen material. If you choose wooden pallets for storage, they may not be great for humid environments. If you are transporting cargo internationally, the pallets will also have to comply with International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15).
Besides these, pallet arrangement is crucial. For example, putting the heavy items at the bottom creates a stable base and protects lighter goods.
FAQs
How many pallets fit into a 10-ft container?
A 10-ft shipping container has approximately 72 square feet of floor space and can hold 4 standard pallets and 5 official Euro pallets. These are ideal for a small volume of cargo and are commonly used overland, especially for efficient shipping on trucks. Some sea freight companies don't accept 10-ft containers. They prefer to ship 20-ft and 40-ft container units.
How many pallets fit into a 30-ft container?
Shipping companies do not commonly use these, but they are a very popular size for storage. You can fit up to 14 standard pallets and 18 Euro pallets in a 30-ft shipping container.
How many pallets fit into a 45-ft container?
45ft containers are ideal for large goods or if you need a large amount of storage space. A standard 45ft shipping container can hold 24 standard pallets and 27 Euro pallets.
What is the difference between Euro and a standard pallet?
Their size is the main difference. A standard pallet, largely used in the UK, is 1,200 x 1,000 mm (47.24 x 39.37 in), whereas a Euro pallet is 800 x 1,200 mm (31.50 x 47.24 in).
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Sam founded his first startup back in 2010 and has since been building startups in the Content Marketing, SEO, eCommerce and SaaS verticals. Sam is a generalist with deep knowledge of lead generation and scaling acquisition and sales.