A standard 13.7m articulated curtainsider trailer will typically carry 26 UK pallets or 33 Euro pallets. Actual capacity depends on the pallet size and the design of the trailer. Specialised types such as Double Deck Trailers and Longer Semi-Trailers (LSTs) can significantly increase pallet counts, offering major efficiency gains for high-volume operations.
Pallet sizes
- UK pallet: 1200mm × 1000mm
- Euro pallet: 1200mm × 800mm
Euro pallets are narrower, so more can be positioned across the trailer width, giving a higher total count.
Standard single-deck trailers
On a conventional 13.7m (45ft) articulated curtainsider trailer:
- 26 UK pallets (2 across × 13 down)
- 33 Euro pallets (3 across × 11 down)
Double Deck Trailers
Double Deck Trailers add a second load floor, almost doubling volumetric efficiency. Capacity depends on trailer design and the loaded pallet height.
Straight-frame double deck
These can carry up to 52 UK pallets or 66 Euro pallets, subject to pallet height restrictions caused by reduced headroom in the forward section.
Step-frame double deck
These trailers feature a lowered main deck to the rear ¾ length, providing greater vertical load aperture. The step section, however, limits headroom in front of the step. In practice:
- 44 UK pallets or 56 Euro pallets (¾-length upper deck, per Don-Bur SCUASH layout simulations)
- Up to 52 UK / 66 Euro pallets possible with a full-length upper deck
Tail-lifts can reduce usable pallet spaces.
Longer Semi-Trailers (LSTs)
Since May 2023, Longer Semi-Trailers up to 15.65m in length have been permanently authorised in Great Britain. The additional 2.0m over a standard 13.7m trailer allows extra pallet rows:
- 30 UK pallets (single deck)
- 38 Euro pallets (single deck)
LST Double Deck
Configured as a double deck, an LST can carry up to 60 UK pallets or 76 Euro pallets (38 per deck), representing the highest pallet capacity of any road-legal articulated trailer in the UK.
Pallet capacity comparison
| Trailer Type | UK Pallets | Euro Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 13.7m Curtainsider | 26 | 33 |
| Straight-Frame Double Deck | 52 | 66 |
| Step-Frame Double Deck (¾ deck) | 44 | 56 |
| Step-Frame Double Deck (full deck) | 52 | 66 |
| Longer Semi-Trailer 15.65m (single deck) | 30 | 38 |
| Longer Semi-Trailer Double Deck | 60 | 76 |
Summary
Pallet capacity varies with trailer type, configuration and pallet height. A standard 13.7m curtainsider carries 26 UK pallets, while a straight-frame double deck can more than double this. A step-frame double deck realistically provides 44 UK or 56 Euro pallet spaces, and an LST double deck achieves up to 60 UK or 76 Euro pallets. For operators moving high pallet flows, double decks — and particularly LST double decks — represent the most significant efficiency gain available today.
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