Pallet & Trailer Load Calculator
Estimate how many pallets or skids fit in common trucking equipment and how much trailer floor space a shipment uses. Choose a dry van, reefer, flatbed, Conestoga, straight truck, box truck, cargo van or custom dimensions, then enter pallet size, count, weight and stackability.
Equipment
Typical editable interior estimate. Actual trailer dimensions and legal payload vary.
Pallets / skids
How to use the Pallet & Trailer Load Calculator
- Choose an equipment preset or enter actual usable cargo dimensions.
- Enter pallet or skid length, width, height, weight and quantity.
- The calculator tests straight and rotated pallet orientation when rotation is allowed.
- It estimates pallets per row, rows available, floor capacity and linear feet used.
- Stackable freight can use multiple tiers when the entered equipment height permits.
- Shipment weight is compared with the editable payload estimate.
Examples
Standard 48 × 40 pallet in a 53 ft dry van
A common 53 ft dry van arrangement fits 26 standard 48 × 40 inch pallets in 13 rows of two when the 48 inch side runs along the trailer.
Ten standard pallets
Ten 48 × 40 inch pallets loaded two per row require five rows. With the 48 inch dimension running lengthwise, that uses about 20 linear feet.
Reefer planning
Reefer trailers usually provide less usable interior width, length and height than dry vans because of insulation and refrigeration equipment, so actual equipment dimensions should be confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
How many standard pallets fit in a 53 foot dry van?
A common planning figure is 26 standard 48 × 40 inch pallets loaded straight in a single layer. Different orientations can sometimes fit more, but actual capacity depends on usable dimensions, weight and loading constraints.
How do I calculate linear feet for LTL pallets?
Linear feet depend on how many pallets fit across the trailer and how much length each row consumes. For example, ten standard pallets loaded two per row require five rows.
Does a reefer hold the same number of pallets as a dry van?
Not always. Refrigerated trailers generally have less usable interior space because of insulation, the refrigeration unit and airflow requirements.
Can this calculator guarantee a pallet layout?
No. It provides a geometric planning estimate. Door openings, wheel wells, cargo shape, load securement, axle distribution and actual equipment dimensions can change the practical loading plan.
Can I use custom skid sizes?
Yes. Enter the actual pallet or skid dimensions and adjust the usable equipment dimensions if needed.
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