A 40ft reefer container can accommodate 20 industrial or 23 Euro pallets. If you are preparing a shipment and don’t know how to get these numbers, read on, and I will teach you how to compute them.
This guide explains the math and simple rules to help you load pallets perfectly.
Internal Dimension of 40ft Reefer Container
A 40ft reefer container has a volume of 59.3 m³. It is 11.56m long, 2.28m wide, and 2.25m high. Because the door is also 2.28m wide and 2.25m high, you can move your goods in and out without any trouble.
The empty container weighs 4800kg, and you can load it with up to 27,700 kg of cargo.
| 40ft Reefer Container Specification | |
| Length | 11.56m / 37.9ft |
| Width | 2.28 / 7.5ft |
| Height | 2.25m / 7.4ft |
| Area | 59.3 m³ |
| Door Size | 2.28m (w) x 2.25m (h) |
| Tare Weight | 4,800kg |
| Payload Capacity | 27,700kg |
Pallet Types
The pallets that you can fit in a 40ft reefer container depend on the type. These differences exist because shipping standards vary by region to maximize the available space in different transport modes.
GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) Pallet 1219mm x 1016 mm (48” x 40”)
This measures 1219mm x 1016 mm (48” x 40”). They are the ideal choice in North America’s grocery and retail industries.
Euro Pallets 1200mm x 800mm
These measure 1200mm x 800mm and are used across Europe. They were originally built for land transport, like rail systems and direct deliveries to shops. Their 800mm width is perfect for passing through standard European doorways, which are usually 850mm wide.
Industrial Pallet (EUR2) 1200mm x 1000mm
These measure 1200mm x 1000mm and are a standard industrial size in Europe, especially in the UK, as well as an ISO standard for international trade.
Asian Standard Pallet 1100mm x 1100mm
These measure 1100mm x 1100mm and are widely used throughout Japan and Southeast Asia for electronics and export goods.
Australian Standard Pallets 1165mm x 1165mm
Measuring 1165mm x 1165 mm, this square pallet was specifically designed to fit Australia’s RACE (Railway Container Express) system.
Square Pallet 1067mm x 1067mm
Often used for chemicals, paints, and telecommunications equipment, these measures 1067mm x 1067mm (42” x 42”) and are used across North America, Europe, and Asia.
How to Compute the Available Space
To determine how many pallets can fit inside a 40ft reefer, do these three steps to maximize the space.
Step 1: Measure Internal Space
Before loading, you need to know the exact room inside the reefer container. For a 40ft reefer container, the internal measurements are usually 11.56m (11560mm) long, 2.28m (2280mm) wide, and 2.25m (2250mm) high.
These dimensions give you a volume or storage space of 59.3 m³. It is also helpful to note that the door matches the interior’s dimensions. If an item fits inside the container, it will fit through the door.
Step 2: Check Your Pallet Size
The dimensions of your pallets are the measurements you need to compute your total capacity. Most international shipments use one of several main sizes.
| Pallet Types and Their Sizes | |
| GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) Pallet | 1219mm x 1016 mm |
| Euro Pallets | 1200mm x 800mm |
| Industrial Pallet (EUR2) | 1200mm x 1000mm |
| Asian Standard Pallet | 1100mm x 1100mm |
| Australian Standard Pallets | 1165mm x 1165mm |
| Square Pallet | 1067mm x 1067mm |
Step 3: Apply the Pinwheel Calculation
A pinwheel layout is a method where you place pallets in different directions, some lengthwise and some widthwise, to make the most of the floor space.
Checked the Combined Width: First, look at the width of the container, which is 2280 mm. For example, a GMA pallet is 1219 mm long and 1016 mm wide. Placing them on their sides (1219mm + 1016mm) gives you a total width of 2235mm. This is less than the maximum 2280mm width of the container.
Calculate Rows Using the Length: Identify how many pairs fit along the 11560 mm length of the container. On one side (lengthwise), dividing 11560 mm by the pallet’s length of 1219 mm (11560 mm ÷ 1219 mm) gets you 9 pallets in a row. On the other side (widthwise), dividing 11560 mm by the width of 1016 mm (11560 mm ÷ 1016 mm), gets you 11 pallets.
Total Capacity: Adding the two rows together (9 + 11), you will fit 20 GMA pallets in a 40ft reefer container for a single unstack layer.
| Pallet Types | Pallet Size | Pallets Fit in 40ft Reefer Container |
| GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) Pallet | 1219mm x 1016 mm | 20 Pallets |
| Euro Pallets | 1200mm x 800mm | 23 Pallets |
| Industrial Pallet (EUR2) | 1200mm x 1000mm | 20 Pallets |
| Asian Standard Pallet | 1100mm x 1100mm | 20 Pallets |
| Australian Standard Pallets | 1165mm x 1165mm | 9 Pallets |
| Square Pallet | 1067mm x 1067mm | 20 Pallets |
Factors to Consider when Determining your Pallet Count
When loading a 40ft reefer container, these factors are the guidelines that determine your final pallet count.
Internal Floor Dimension
The physical floor area is 11.56m (11560mm) long and 2.28m (2280mm) wide. These measurements determine the maximum number of pallet units that can fit in a single layer.
Wall Clearance Allowance
Leaving a gap of 25mm to 50mm between the pallets and the wall is necessary for two reasons.
First, cold air circulates around the cargo so that heat from the outside does not reach your products.
Second, it provides the physical room needed to load and unload with a forklift without hitting the sides.
Payload and Weight Limits
A container may still have available space when you look; however, if the weight of the cargo is heavy, you might hit the weight limit of approximately 27,700kg before the floor is full. In these cases, weight (not the floor space) is what limits your pallet count.
Airflow
The design of reefer containers allows air to circulate through the floor and around the goods to maintain temperature. If you pack pallets too tightly or block the floor vents, the cooling system will fail. Meaning you may need to reduce your pallet count for spacing.
Red Line Rule
This is the limit for stacking. If you plan to stack pallets to double your count, you must stop at the red line. Going over it blocks the fan and ruins the temperature control for the entire container.
Types of Goods
The products themselves affect the loading density. For example, fresh produce needs more breathing room for air circulation than frozen meat. The frozen meat can be packed more tightly, impacting how many pallets you can safely fit.
Loading Style
The arrangement determines how much of the floor space you use. Turning some pallets sideways, which is a method often used to maximize a 40ft reefer, can fit more units into the container.
Using this specific layout allows you to reach a full capacity of 20 GMA pallets or 23 Euro pallets, whereas a standard straight layout would leave you with wasted dead space.
Door Clearance
The door frame is the last to check. If your pallet layout is too wide or too high to pass through the door, you will have to remove units or change the layout, regardless of how much room is available inside.
Distribution of Weight
If you want to keep the container stable and meet road safety requirements, the weight must be spread across the entire floor. If your cargo is heavy, you might only be able to place pallets over the strongest parts of the floor, which could lower the total pallet count.
Overall
To determine how many pallets fit in a 40ft reefer container, you have to align your layout with the cooling system. By turning some pallets sideways, you can reach the full capacity of a 20 standard or 23 Euro pallets. Planning for the flow of air and weight limit avoids wasted space while keeping your cargo in top condition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you stack pallets in a reefer container?
Yes, you can stack pallets if the cargo is durable and the height does not exceed the container’s vertical limits and maximum weight requirements.
How many pallets fit in a 20ft reefer container?
A 20ft reefer container usually holds 10 to 11 standard pallets or 12 Euro pallets on the floor, depending on the actual internal size of your 20ft reefer and how the pallets are organized.
What is the red line in a reefer container?
The red line is a mark on the inside walls that shows the height limit. If you load above this line, you block the fans, which stops cold air from circulating and can ruin your goods.
Why is the loading style important for pallets?
The arrangement of your cargo determines how much of the floor space is actually used versus wasted. By turning some units sideways, you can eliminate dead space and maximize the space.
How many pallets can fit in a 40ft high cube reefer container?
A 40ft high cube reefer container can accommodate the same number of pallets on the floor as a standard 40ft reefer container. A 40ft high cube reefer container can hold up to 20 standard pallets and/or 23 Euro pallets.
The only difference is the extra height, which is used for stacking to reach a total of 40 standard or 46 Euro pallets, as long as you stay under the 27,700 kg weight limit and do not exceed the red line.
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