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Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 24/2026
The number of cartons and pallets that fit in a container is found two ways: by volume (CBM) for loose cargo, and by the number of pallets that fit the floor for palletised cargo. Getting it right helps budget cost, choose the container type and avoid “out of space but short on cargo” or “overweight while still half empty”.
Internal dimensions and container capacity
| Type | Internal L×W×H (m) | Volume | Max cargo weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft (20GP) | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 | ~33 m³ | ~28 t |
| 40ft (40GP) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | ~67 m³ | ~26.5 t |
| 40ft high-cube (40HC) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | ~76 m³ | ~26.5 t |
These are nominal figures; in practice only 75-85% of the volume is usable due to gaps, cargo shape and clearance.
Method 1: by volume
For loose cargo and cartons: Packages = (container volume / volume per package) × efficiency factor (0.80-0.85). Example: a 0.5 × 0.4 × 0.3 m box = 0.06 m³; a 20ft holds (33 / 0.06) × 0.85 ≈ 467 boxes. The 0.80-0.85 factor accounts for unfillable gaps.
Method 2: by pallets on the floor
Palletised cargo should be counted by pallets fitting the floor, since pallets cannot be cut to fill gaps:
| Pallet size | 20ft (1 tier) | 40ft / 40HC (1 tier) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,100 × 1,100 mm | ~10 pallets | ~20-21 pallets |
| 1,200 × 1,000 mm | ~10-11 pallets | ~20-21 pallets |
If container height and cargo rigidity allow double-stacking pallets, double these numbers, then multiply by boxes per pallet for the total.
Do not look at volume alone - check the weight limit
Heavy cargo (tiles, chemicals, machinery) often hits the weight limit (~28 t for a 20ft) before filling the space. Always calculate volume and weight in parallel and use whichever limit is reached first. Overloading is dangerous, fined and damages the container; for heavy cargo use a 20ft rather than a 40ft to avoid “maxed weight, half-empty box”.
Tips to optimise loading
Choose a pallet size matching the container floor module to reduce gaps; stack cartons in multiples of the pallet footprint; try rotating packages to find the best fit; for exports use slip sheets instead of pallets to save a layer of height and add packages. Distribute weight evenly across both ends to keep the center of gravity balanced.
Common mistakes
First, not adding the pallet’s height and weight to the cargo. Second, using 100% of theoretical volume and forgetting the 0.80-0.85 factor. Third, optimising space while ignoring the weight limit. Fourth, choosing the wrong pallet size, leaving tens of centimetres per tier and wasting 10-15% of volume.
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Frequently asked questions
How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?
About 10 pallets of 1,100×1,100 mm or 10-11 of 1,200×1,000 mm single-tier; double it if you can stack two tiers.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
About 20-21 pallets single-tier for both 1,100×1,100 and 1,200×1,000 mm formats.
Why multiply by a 0.85 factor when using volume?
Because you cannot pack 100% tight; gaps, cargo shape and clearance lose 15-20% of theoretical volume.
Which container suits heavy cargo?
Heavy cargo often hits the weight limit (~28 t) before filling space, so use a 20ft to avoid a half-empty but overweight box.
How can I fit more cartons?
Use a pallet matching the floor module, stack cartons in multiples of the pallet footprint, and consider slip sheets to save height.
Contact ICD Vietnam
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd - pallets, plastic crates, stretch film, forklifts and packaging solutions.
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat on Zalo
