Pallets are one of the basic equipments used for the transport, distribution and storage of cargoes. Many different kinds of pallets are used worldwide. The difference of standards between countries leads to less efficient use of pallets. For example, exported goods have to be sometimes repalletized to fit into the transport equipment used in the country of destination. The International Standards Organization established standard dimensions for container pallets. However different dimensions of pallets continue to exist.
The most widely used pallet types are Euro pallets and Standard pallets. The dimensions are as follows:
Euro pallet dimensions: Width 800 mm x Length 1200 mm
Standard pallet dimensions: Width 1000 mm x Length 1200 mm
20 feet container dimensions: Length 5900 mm x Width 2350 mm x Height 2390
40 feet container dimensions: Length 12000 mm x Width 2350 mm x Height 2390
Container dimensions indicated above are approximate and can vary depending on the manufacturer.
Based on 20’ and 40’ container dimensions, pallets can be positioned in one row as indicated below. In case the height of the pallet, its strength and the type of commodity permits it, more pallets can be stuffed into the container by stacking them on top of each other. Carton boxes or cargo should not stick out beyond the pallet. Also payload of the container should be taken into account while planning the stuffing of the container. Pallets should be stacked into the container by taking all the precautions to prevent damage to the cargo.
A 20 ft container can hold 11 Euro pallets or 9-10 standard pallets in one row.
A 40 ft container can hold 23-24 Euro pallets or 20-21 standard pallets in one row.
