A standard 13.60-metre curtainsider semi-trailer holds 33 Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) or 26 industrial pallets (120 × 100 cm) in a single layer. If the pallets can be stacked, the number can double; however, the trailer's payload limit of roughly 24–26 tonnes is often reached before the floor space runs out.
Which dimensions is the calculation based on?
The number of pallets is determined by the floor area of the trailer. A standard curtainsider has an internal length of about 13.60 m and an internal width of 2.45–2.48 m. Capacity depends on how the short and long sides of the pallet are aligned with these two dimensions. Dimension differences by trailer type are given in semi-trailer internal dimensions.
| Pallet type | Size | Layout | Single-layer quantity | LDM per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro pallet (EPAL 1) | 120 × 80 cm | 0.80 m side across, 3 abreast, 11 rows | 33 | 0.4 |
| Euro pallet | 120 × 80 cm | 1.20 m side across, 2 abreast, 17 rows | 34 (tight tolerance) | 0.4 |
| Industrial pallet | 120 × 100 cm | 1.20 m side across, 2 abreast, 13 rows | 26 | 0.5 |
Why 33 Euro pallets, and sometimes 34?
Three Euro pallets placed side by side on their 80 cm sides make 2.40 m and fit the trailer width. Since each row takes 1.20 m of depth, 11 rows fit into 13.60 m, i.e. 33 pallets, leaving 40 cm free at the back. If the pallets are loaded two abreast with the 1.20 m side across, 17 rows × 80 cm make exactly 13.60 m and 34 pallets fit. This layout leaves no tolerance at all; because of pallet overhang or the door seals, 33 is used as the basis in practice.
How do you get 26 industrial pallets?
120 × 100 cm pallets are placed two abreast with the 1.20 m side across, taking up 2.40 m of width. Each row is 1 m deep; 13 rows fit into 13.60 m and capacity reaches 26 pallets. If the pallet is turned 90 degrees, 45 cm of width is wasted and the number drops to 22.
How do stacking and weight change capacity?
The internal height of a curtainsider is about 2.70 m, and around 3 m in a mega trailer. If pallets no higher than 1.35 m that can take load on top are double-stacked, 66 Euro pallets can be carried. At this point weight becomes the limit:
- Article 128 of the Road Traffic Regulation (Karayolları Trafik Yönetmeliği) limits the gross weight of a combination with five or more axles to 40 tonnes. After deducting the tare of the tractor and trailer, the payload is about 24–26 tonnes.
- 24 tonnes of cargo divided over 33 pallets averages 727 kg per pallet; divided over 66 pallets it drops to 364 kg.
- According to EPAL, the safe working load of a Euro pallet is 1,500 kg; in a stack, the load on the bottom pallet must not exceed 5,500 kg.
- Heavy pallets must be distributed along the trailer. Load concentrated at the front or rear can exceed the axle load even if the gross weight stays below the limit.
Example loading layouts
- Light cargo: 33 Euro pallets × 650 kg = 21.5 tonnes. Both floor space and weight limit are fine.
- Heavy cargo: 26 industrial pallets × 1,000 kg = 26 tonnes. The floor is full and the weight approaches the upper end of the limit; the vehicle tare should be confirmed.
- Mixed cargo: 10 industrial pallets (5 LDM) and 21 Euro pallets (8.4 LDM) add up to 13.4 LDM and fit into a single trailer. The logic of the loading metre is explained in LDM (loading metre).
In a container, the same calculation is applied to a narrower floor: a 20' container holds about 11 Euro or 9–10 industrial pallets, and a 40' container 23–24 Euro or 20–21 industrial pallets.
Common mistakes
- Not stating the pallet size in the order form; the difference between Euro and industrial pallets changes capacity by 7 pallets
- Not adding overhanging packaging to the pallet dimensions
- Declaring non-stackable goods as stackable
- Giving net weight instead of gross weight
For an accurate price, the quote request should include the number of pallets, their size, height, stackability and gross weight together; the required information is listed in road freight quote. A load that fills the whole trailer is planned as full truckload (FTL), and a load of a few pallets as groupage (LTL).