July 24th, 2024

How Many Pallets Fit on a Truck or Trailer?

Size and Efficiency Matters for Goods Transport Operations

In an increasingly competitive business world revolving around logistics and supply chains, there is an essential element that every business must embrace in realising operational efficiency – the pallet. They are the indispensable building blocks of the modern logistics environment.

Another essential piece of equipment is a reliable shipping platform – a truck or trailer. These shipping platforms serve various purposes, from maximising space to securing loose boxes stacked together.

One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a pallet for your shipment is the size. A proper fit prevents damage and gives carriers an evenly shaped, stackable load to work with. Depending on the shipment, one may need to choose a specific pallet size that fits on a standard platform.

So, what benefits do pallets offer to UK business owners and why is it important to know pallet trailer capacity? Let’s have some of your frequently asked questions answered by illustrating how many pallets fit in a truck based on the most common trailer and pallet sizes.

For further context on wooden pallets, their use cases, sizes, types and safety guidelines, please check out our comprehensive wood pallet resource which explains all.

Now, assuming you’ve got the right pallets in mind, let’s explore how best to make use of the logistics space you’ll be using to transport your pallets!

Benefits Pallets Provide for UK Business Owners

Pallets act as a foundation for efficient logistics, allowing easy movement, storage, and handling of products. Without them, the transportation and distribution process would be significantly more challenging and time-consuming. Below are some key benefits pallets provide for UK business owners:

Improves Flexibility

Pallets can be stacked and loaded onto trucks, moved around warehouses and storerooms, and used for temporary storage of goods. They are also collapsible, meaning they can be easily stored when not in use, saving valuable floor space.

This flexibility allows businesses to efficiently transport and store a wide range of products with varying load capacity across different stages of the supply chain.

Reduced Product Damage

Pallets provide a stable and secure platform for the transportation of goods. By properly stacking and securing products on pallets, the risk of damage during handling and transportation is minimised. This reduces the need for costly replacements and returns, saving businesses both time and money.

Maximise Efficiency

Roll pallets streamline the transportation and distribution process, allowing for quicker loading and unloading of goods.

Palletised shipments can be handled more efficiently, reducing labour costs and saving time. This efficiency translates into faster order fulfilment and improved customer satisfaction.

Cost Savings

By optimising space utilisation and minimising the risk of product damage, roll pallets contribute to cost savings. Businesses can transport more goods in fewer trips, reducing transportation costs. Goods that are palletized are also less likely to be damaged during handling and transportation, reducing the need for costly replacements.

For instance, using stackable pallet cages increases the number of goods carried by one truck, saving more space and reducing fuel costs that come with multiple vehicles.

Inventory Management

Pallets enable better inventory management by providing a standardised and organised method of storing products.

Goods can be easily counted, tracked, and accessed, improving inventory accuracy and reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking. This leads to improved supply chain visibility and better overall inventory control.

Commonly Used Pallet Types in Europe

There are different kinds of pallets, depending on their size, their composition, and much more. In this article, however, our main focus will be inclined towards two main types of pallets commonly used in Europe – depending on their dimension and maximum weight thresholds.

Euro EPAL Pallet

EPAL support covers standard pallet sizes whose measurements are 800x1200x144mm. This type of pallet is regulated by EPAL (European Pallet Association). European industry and logistics use Euro Pallet as the main support to facilitate the flow of goods and their grouping in the transport and storage process.

There are many advantages associated with using this type of pallet. It can be used in any storage system, but above all, it is ideal for automated warehouses. It can be handled, without restrictions, by any type of forklift or handling equipment.

In addition, the dimensions (800 x 1200 mm) – the most common pallet size here in the UK – are multiples of standard plastic boxes, which makes it easier to group goods and products.

Block Pallet

A block pallet offers four-way entry, meaning a forklift can insert its tines and lift the platform from any side. Block pallets are a popular option because they simplify material handling logistics. You can be organised lengthwise or widthwise in a warehouse or transport truck.

This type of pallet comprises 9 blocks of solid wood placed in all four corners of the pallet. Normally, the dimensions of a block pallet are 100 x 120cm, and it can be lifted using a forklift on any of the four sides. The block pallet is also known as a four-way pallet.

So, how many pallets fit in a standard or a mega truck? Let’s begin with the Euro Pallet.

How Many Euro Pallets Fit in a Trailer or Truck?

There are two important things to consider when determining how many pallets can be shipped in a standard trailer or a mega trailer. The type of trailer will determine load value and the pallet dimensions best suited to efficiently transport your goods.

For example, a standard 53-foot trailer is often used in logistics with a cargo hold loading space height of 2.70m, while mega trailer is used to transport slightly larger loads with a cargo hold height of 3.00m.

These two variables that must be considered to maximise trailer space:

• Are pallets stackable? If pallets are stackable and do not exceed the standard height, it is possible to fit one on top of the other to maximise trailer space.

For instance, a standard trailer usually has room for 33 pallet spaces. Each pallet space can be stacked up to 16 to 19 (Euro) pallets high. As a result, a truck with a standard trailer can transport a maximum of between 528 and 561 empty Euro pallet-sized pallets, while a mega trailer can transport between 594 and 627 pieces.

• Are pallets nestable? The pallets are alternately twisted together before they enter the cargo hold hence, an extra load can be loaded in each stack.

With nested loading, there is room for 28 pallet spaces with stacks of 25 to 29 pieces high. A standard trailer with nested Euro pallets holds up to 700 pieces, while a fully loaded mega trailer can hold up to 812 shipping pallets.

How Many Block Pallets Fit in a Trailer or Truck?

The same principle used for Euro Pallets above applies here. Both types of trailers can accommodate 26 stacked pallet spaces as standard, with a stacking height between 18 and 20 block pallets. This means that a maximum of 468 industrial pallets can fit in a standard trailer, while 520 pallets can be stacked in a mega trailer.

For the nesting block pallets, it can reach stacks of 25, with a maximum load of 650 pieces in a standard trailer. In a mega trailer, it equates to a stacking height of 29 pieces and a load of 754 industrial pallets, maximising potential savings on shipping costs for your business.

Recommendations for Loading Goods on Pallets

The correct loading and weighing of pallets ensure safe and efficient transportation of your goods, minimising the risk of damage and accidents.

Here are some recommended dos and don’ts of pallet loading:

• Do not leave any gaps between the pallets to avoid unbalanced stacking. If boxes slide around in transit, the outer layer protecting the goods and the items inside the boxes may be damaged.
• Wrap your pallets: Once you have correctly loaded the pallet properly the final step is to wrap the pallet. Wrapping the pallet ensures its got extra protection during transit and from moisture and dirt. When you have a load with different size boxes that isn’t uniform on the pallet, it is important you use a higher grade wrap to prevent it from tearing on box edges.
• Place the pallets crosswise if they are to be transported by trucks or any other means of transport.
• The load must not exceed the dimensions of the pallet; if it does, shrink-wrap the load.
• Know the height and weight of the load. Overweight vehicles, for instance, compromise road safety and can lead to accidents. Properly declared weights ensure compliance with government regulations, avoiding fines and legal complications.
• The goods should ideally be placed in such a way that makes it easier for the forklift to handle the pallet*.

*Always remember manual handling safety (free printable guide) when loading heavy, bulky good for transport.

RollPallet UK Can Help You With Your Pallet Needs

Logistics and transportation require efficient and precise use of all the resources a company has at its disposal to increase profitability and avoid waste.

By understanding the information presented in this article, you can finally choose the best vehicle for the load, optimise the truck space provided, and even improve logistics in the supply chain in the long run.

So, are you in the market for a new pallet provider and still not sure how you can load those pallets effectively? RollPallet UK not only offers a wide range of pallets at the best prices possible but also covers all of your palletisation needs. Our ability to service both a small-scale individual customer and larger, multinational customers globally is a strong value add-in our portfolio.

We understand the information around pallet truck capacity may be a bit complex – reach out to us today and our dedicated sales representative will assist in the best way possible.