Initially designed to hold cargo, utilising space to warehouse stock in a unit is extremely common. When considering how many pallets will fit inside your unit, you need to think about the most efficient way to store the pallets inside.
The number of pallets that can be stored inside the unit will of course depend on a few things; the size of the container, the size and type of pallet used, and how the pallets are arranged.
Types of pallets
There are two types of pallets that are commonly used. These are EUR Pallets, or Euro-Pallets, that are 1.2m x 0.8m, and Standard Pallets that are 1.2m x 1.0m. EUR Pallets are the most common.
Containers also come in a range of sizes. The most common sizes are 10ft – 40ft. The size of the unit depends on the number of pallets you can store inside them:
How many pallets fit in a 10ft Container
10ft containers are ideal for a small amount of stock to store, or if you need a storage option for a confined space. A 10ft unit usually has approximately 72 square feet of floor space. This can hold five EUR or 4 Standard Pallets.
How many pallets fit in a 20ft Container
One of the most popular sizes is 20ft and can be used for both domestic warehousing or for exporting goods. A 20ft container has a floor space of approximately 150 square feet. This can store eleven EUR or ten Standard Pallets.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft Container
40ft containers are the largest standard size available with an approximate floor space of 305 square foot, so offer the most floorspace. If you are looking to send large shipments, or need large stockpiling capabilities, a 40ft unit would be well suited for your needs. This can hold 23-24 EUR or 20-21 Standard Pallets.
Tips for Packing Pallets
How the pallets are packed will have an impact on the amount that can be stored inside. The more efficiently the pallets can be packed, the greater space is on offer:
Load Height
Building the height of the pallet will help increase storage space, but they must be carefully loaded to avoid accidental damage. When packing, consider how tall your pallets will be and if they can be double stacked to increase the floor space. The height of your pallets will change depending what items are loaded onto them, but building up to 1 – 1.15m will enable double stacking, creating further space.
Load Weight
Weight might be a determining factor in the amount that can be stored. If you are planning on transporting the goods to another location, there may be weight restrictions on what can be loaded. If your pallets are heavy, you might not be able to have as many in your unit for transport. If remaining permanently onsite, with no plans to move it with goods inside, you are much less restricted by weight.
