Skip to content The number of pallets that fit in a truck varies by vehicle type, ranging from 12 to 36 units. A 7.5-tonne rigid truck typically holds 12 to 15 pallets, while a standard 40-tonne semi-trailer with 13.6 metres of loading area can carry up to 33-34 Euro-pallets or around 25 industrial pallets. The exact number depends on three factors: pallet dimensions, truck dimensions, and the chosen arrangement (crosswise, lengthwise, or stacked where height allows).
Precise pallet capacity planning has a direct impact on transport costs, utilisation, and CO2 emissions. Studies show that optimal loading can reduce CO2 emissions by 20 to 30 percent – simply by avoiding empty runs and under-utilised transports. In this article you will find all the information you need on common pallet types, the main truck types, concrete calculation methods with examples, a handy overview table, and answers to frequently asked questions about pallet transport.
Common Pallet Sizes in Freight Transport
Choosing the right pallet size is the foundation of every loading-space calculation. Standard dimensions enable efficient logistics and make planning for goods transport considerably easier.
Euro-pallet (EPAL): The Euro-pallet, measuring 1,200 x 800 mm (144 mm high), is the standard in European freight transport. Standardised under DIN EN 13698-1, it offers a static load capacity of up to 4,000 kg and a dynamic load capacity of 1,000 to 1,500 kg. Its 800 mm width allows three pallets to be placed side by side on a standard loading area.
Industrial pallet: At 1,200 x 1,000 x 144 mm, the industrial pallet is larger and is mainly used in machinery and plant engineering. However, the extra width means only two pallets fit side by side crosswise on a truck loading area – which reduces the number of spaces per vehicle.
Other common formats:
- Half-pallet: 800 x 600 mm – ideal for smaller quantities and point-of-sale goods
- Display pallet: 600 x 400 mm – optimised for retail display areas
- One-way pallets: variable dimensions, usually pressed wood, for single-use shipments
A practical advantage: many special pallets follow the Euro-pallet grid (multiples of 400 mm). This makes combining them in a truck easier and minimises gaps in the load when shipping different products.
How to Calculate Pallet Spaces on a Truck
Calculating Euro-pallet spaces follows a simple principle: loading area dimensions (length x width) combined with pallet dimensions and orientation give you the number of spaces. Anyone working in logistics should know these basics.
The standard width of truck loading areas is almost universally 2.45 metres (2,450 mm). This width allows either two industrial pallets crosswise (1,000 mm each) or three Euro-pallets lengthwise (800 mm each) side by side.
The calculation rule is:
(loading area length in mm ÷ pallet length or width in mm) × pallets per row = number of pallets
Example 1: 7.5-tonne rigid truck
A typical 7.5-tonne rigid truck has a loading area of about 6.00 x 2.45 m (6,000 × 2,450 mm).
- Industrial pallets (1,200 × 1,000 mm): 6,000 ÷ 1,200 = 5 rows × 2 pallets crosswise = 10 pallets (in practice, with optimised lengthwise rows, often 12)
- Euro-pallets (1,200 × 800 mm): 6,000 ÷ 1,200 = 5 rows × 3 pallets = 15 pallets
Example 2: 40-tonne semi-trailer
The standard semi-trailer has a loading area of approx. 13,600 × 2,450 mm.
- Euro-pallets: 13,600 ÷ 1,200 ≈ 11 rows × 3 pallets = 33 pallets (up to 34 with an optimised layout and an extra crosswise row)
- Industrial pallets: 13,600 ÷ 1,200 ≈ 11 rows × 2 pallets = 22 to 25 pallets
Note that the theoretical number of spaces is often reduced by 1 to 2 pallets in practice. Front-wall reinforcements, load-securing elements, or door-locking mechanisms take up valuable space. For more complex loads with mixed pallet sizes or partial loads, digital pallet calculators and simulation tools are recommended, which can reduce utilisation losses to under 5 percent.
Overview: Pallet Spaces for Different Truck Types
For daily planning, this overview gives a quick comparison of the most common truck sizes and their pallet capacities. The values apply to standard bodies without a tail lift or on-board forklift.
Truck type | Inner dimensions (L × W × H) | Euro-pallet spaces | Industrial pallets | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7.5-tonne rigid truck | 6.00 x 2.45 x 2.40 m | 15 | 12 | approx. 2.8 t |
12-tonne rigid truck | 7.20 x 2.45 x 2.70 m | 17-18 | 14 | approx. 6 t |
40-tonne semi-trailer | 13.60 × 2.45 × 2.50 m | 33-34 | 25 | approx. 24 t |
Swap-body semi-trailer | 2 × 7.30 x 2.45 × 2.40 m | 36-40 (total) | 28 | approx. 24 t |
Mega trailer | 13.60 × 2.45 × 3.00 m | 33-34 (potentially double if stacked) | 25 | approx. 24 t |
Figures for loading metres and floor area vary depending on the vehicle’s specific configuration. When planning, always check the exact dimensions with your carrier.
An important note: besides the number of spaces, the permitted payload also limits how many pallets can actually be transported. With a 40-tonne truck with a 24 t payload and heavy pallets weighing 1.5 t each, capacity drops to just 16 pallets – regardless of the space available in the load compartment.
Optimal Weight Distribution in a Truck
The question “how many pallets fit in a truck” is only half the answer. Just as crucial is where the load is positioned – both for safety and legal compliance in truck transport.
The permitted gross vehicle weight of 40 t in Germany, as well as axle loads (e.g. 11.5 t front axle, 18 t tandem axle), must never be exceeded under any circumstances. This rule applies to every journey on public roads.
Practical load distribution:
- Heavy pallets belong over the axles and close to the centre of the vehicle
- Lighter goods are positioned higher up and towards the rear
- About 60 percent of the load should be in the front section of the load compartment
Consequences of incorrect loading:
- Reduced braking performance (up to 15 percent longer braking distance)
- Unstable handling in corners and evasive manoeuvres
- Increased tyre wear
- Potential damage to the chassis
- Fines of up to 500 euros per violation
Important regulations:
- StVZO (German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations): Governs permitted axle loads and gross weights on German roads
- UVV (accident prevention regulations): Defines safety requirements for loading
- VDI Guideline 2700: The central set of standards for load securing and weight distribution
If in doubt, it is advisable to use a load distribution plan from the vehicle manufacturer or carrier. Modern trucks also have sensors for real-time axle load monitoring.
How to Correctly Load a Truck With Pallets
The path from goods in the warehouse to a secured pallet in the truck follows a proven process. This step-by-step guide shows the key factors for safe cargo.
Preparation in the warehouse:
Pallets are first packed stably – ideally in an interlocking pattern with staggered layers. Cartons should sit flush on the pallet; overhangs of more than 10 cm should be avoided. Stack height depends on the truck’s interior height and the load-bearing capacity of the lower layers.
Transport to the ramp:
Depending on weight and infrastructure, different equipment is used:
- Forklifts (up to 3 t lifting capacity)
- Electric pallet trucks
- Hand pallet trucks for lighter pallets
Loading order:
The arrangement in the load compartment follows the route and unloading plan. Pallets for the last stop are loaded first (right at the front), while goods for early stops go towards the back. Heavy pallets belong at the bottom and over the axles; sensitive products are placed in the protected inner area.
Load securing:
- Anti-slip mats: friction coefficient of at least 0.5
- Lashing straps: at least 2 t pre-tensioning force per pallet
- Locking bars and load bars: prevent longitudinal shifting
- Nets: secure stacked or unstable loads
- Form-fit loading: keep gaps under 100 mm or close them with filler material
For taller loads, additional tip-over protection is required. Securing equipment must always be matched to the specific pallet type and stack height.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Number of Pallets in a Truck
Here you will find answers to the most important practical questions about the pallet capacity of different trucks.
How many pallets fit in a 7.5-tonne truck?
A 7.5-tonne rigid truck with a standard body (approx. 6.00 x 2.45 m loading area) typically holds 12 industrial pallets or 15 Euro-pallets. The exact number varies depending on the body type and whether loading aids such as a tail lift are fitted.
How many pallets fit in a 40-tonne truck?
A standard 13.6 m semi-trailer holds around 33 to 34 Euro-pallets or about 25 industrial pallets. The actual number depends on whether weight and load distribution stay within the permitted range – for heavy goods, the payload of roughly 24 t can be the limiting factor.
How do I calculate pallet spaces myself?
The basic formula is: loading length (mm) ÷ pallet length (mm) × pallets per row = total number. For a 40-tonne truck with Euro-pallets: 13,600 ÷ 1,200 × 3 ≈ 34 pallets. For more complex scenarios with mixed sizes, online pallet calculators are recommended.
Can I combine pallets of different sizes?
Yes, as long as the pallets fit the Euro-pallet grid (multiples of 400 mm). Half-pallets, for example, can efficiently fill gaps. It is important to draw up a loading plan in advance to avoid utilisation losses of 10 to 20 percent.
What role does stack height play?
With sufficient interior height – such as in mega trailers with 3 m – pallets can be stacked. The requirement: the goods and pallets must be designed for it (static load over 6,000 kg), and load securing must be adjusted accordingly. With more than two layers, the risk of instability rises significantly. For detailed guidance on methods and equipment, see DEKRA’s overview of professional load securing.
How does pallet planning affect cost optimisation?
Precise space planning significantly improves efficiency. Industry studies show that 80 percent of all full truckloads (FTL) run at under 90 percent utilisation. Every additional pallet per trip saves transport costs and reduces the environmental footprint of goods transport.
With these basics and the overview table, you can quickly determine pallet capacity for any common truck type. For everyday use, we recommend keeping the table handy and using digital planning tools for complex loads. This ensures every transport is optimally utilised – to the benefit of your costs and the environment.
