How many pallets can I fit onto a trailer?

Question

Accepted Answer

Palletised freight capacity of a trailer depends on:

The pallet size
The trailer size

Pallets come in many sizes but the two most common are UK pallets (often called GKN pallets) and Euro Pallets

UK Pallet: 1200mm x 1000mm
Euro Pallet: 1200mm x 800mm

Considering a standard 13.7m curtainsider, you can fit 26 UK pallets (2 across the width and 13 down the length) or 33 Euro pallets (3 across the width and 11 down the length).

Double Deck Trailers

Double deck trailers can significantly increase the pallet footprint.

Straight-Frame Chassis

Straight-frame or Wedge style double deck trailers can double the capacity of a single deck resulting in a pallet footprint capacity of 52 UK pallets or 66 Euro pallets. Typically, the height of the payload can be restricted on this type of trailer so care needs to be taken with the design.

Step-Frame Chassis

Step-frame double deck trailers are considered by some to be inconvenient due the step but they provide increased height due to the ability to lower the floor height. 52 UK pallets or 66 Euro pallets can technically be placed on a step-frame double deck; however, care needs to be taken with the pallet height on the step (the section on the main deck in front of the step) as the height in this area is restricted. For this reason, many operators only opt for a 3/4 length upper deck which limits pallet capacity to 44 UK pallets or 56 Euro Pallets. This may be further reduced if the trailer is fitted with a tail-lift or requires additional supports.