Pallet Loading
Pallets per container
(T11, T12, EUR)
Pallet count is determined by pallet footprint and container floor area. From Korea/Asia's T11 standard to Europe's EUR pallet, here's how many fit in each container, single-layer.
Standard pallet sizes
Common pallet standards by region
| Type | Size (L×W) | Common region |
|---|---|---|
| T11 | 1100 × 1100 | Korea, Japan, wider Asia standard |
| T12 (ISO) | 1200 × 1000 | North America, mixed export use |
| EUR / EPAL | 1200 × 800 | European standard |
Pallets per container
Single-layer (1-tier) floor loading
| Pallet | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft HC |
|---|---|---|---|
| T11 (1100×1100) | 10 | 20 | 20 |
| T12 (1200×1000) | 10 | 20–21 | 20–21 |
| EUR (1200×800) | 11 | 24–25 | 24–25 |
A 40ft HC has the same floor area as a standard 40ft, so single-layer counts are identical — but its extra internal height lets you double-stack short cargo for up to double the quantity.
Conditions for double-stacking
Check three things before stacking 2-high
Height
Two stacked pallets combined must fit within the container's internal height (239cm for 40ft, 269cm for HC).
Load bearing
The bottom pallet's cargo needs to withstand the weight of the pallet stacked on top (compressive strength).
Weight limit
Even with more pieces from stacking, you still can't exceed the container's max payload.
When the table does not hold
The counts above assume cargo sits within the pallet footprint. In practice overhang changes them. If the pallet is 1100 × 1100 but the cartons reach 1150, the calculation has to run on the cargo outline rather than the pallet. That is usually where one unit per row disappears.
It can work the other way too. Wrapped loads sometimes come in tighter than the nominal size, and an extra row becomes possible — worth re-checking with measured figures when the count is tight.
Double stacking has one more hurdle after height, load bearing and payload are all satisfied: can the forklift place the upper pallet safely. Stacking deep inside a container needs both mast height and working clearance, and that is a site question rather than a calculation.
Simulate your pallet or box load directly
Enter your pallet or box dimensions and get an automatic piece count and layout drawing per container — both single- and multi-layer supported.
Open the Loading SimulatorFAQ
Common questions about pallet loading
How many T11 pallets fit in a 20ft container?
About 10, single-layer — 2 across the 2.35m width and 5 rows along the 5.89m length.
How many EUR pallets fit in a 40ft?
24–25, single-layer. Mixing orientations (a pinwheel layout) can get you up to 25.
Does double-stacking really double the count?
Only if height, load-bearing and weight limits are all satisfied. When conditions allow, quantity does double — but heavy cargo tends to hit the weight limit first.