Pallet position
Also called: pallet space, pallet slot, pallet location
A pallet position is the space for one pallet: a floor spot in a trailer or container, or a slot in a warehouse rack. Carriers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) often count capacity and charge storage by pallet position.
In depth: Pallets per truck and container
A pallet position is a unit of space, not a pallet. The same position may hold a short pallet or a full-height one, and the charge is usually the same.
Typical counts (single stacked)
| Vehicle | Pallet | Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 53 ft US trailer | 48 × 40 in, straight | 26 |
| 53 ft US trailer | 48 × 40 in, turned | 30 |
| 13.6 m European trailer | 1200 × 800 mm (EUR) | 33 |
| 13.6 m European trailer | 1200 × 1000 mm | 26 |
Counts for other sizes, trailers and containers are in the pallets per truck calculator and the pallets per container guide.
In warehousing
3PLs commonly bill storage per pallet position per month, often with a maximum height and weight per position. An oversized or overweight pallet may be charged as two positions.
Why it matters for pallet design
A pallet that overhangs its position, or is too tall for the slot, costs extra positions. A footprint that fits the trailer or container well raises positions per load. Pallet height decides whether loads can be double stacked, which doubles the use of each floor position.
On a spec sheet or RFQ
State the storage or trailer constraints (rack opening, maximum height, trailer type) with the pallet size. If a 3PL has a per-position height limit, include it.
Common confusions
"Pallet spaces" on an LTL quote and "pallet positions" in a warehouse contract are both space measures, but carriers and 3PLs set their own rules for oversize units.
Related
- CalculatorsPallets per truck and containerHow many pallets fit in a 53 ft or 48 ft trailer, a box truck, or a 20 ft, 40 ft or 45 ft container, straight, turned or mixed, with a top-view load plan.
- GuidesHow many pallets fit in a truck? 53 ft and 48 ft trailer countsA 53 ft dry van holds 26 standard 48 × 40 in pallets loaded straight (two across, 13 rows) or 30 loaded turned (15 rows), single stacked. Double stacking doubles that if the loads allow. A 48 ft trailer holds 22 to 24 straight or 28 turned. Weight often runs out first, at about 42,000 to 45,000 lb of cargo.
- GuidesHow many pallets fit in a 20 ft and 40 ft container?A 20 ft container fits 11 EUR pallets (1200 × 800 mm), 9 pallets of 1200 × 1000 mm and 9 to 10 US 48 × 40 pallets on the floor. A 40 ft or 40 ft high cube fits 23 to 25 EUR, 20 to 22 of 1200 × 1000 mm and 20 to 21 of 48 × 40. The inside width of 2.35 m (92.6 in) is what limits most layouts.
- GlossaryFTL (full truckload)FTL (full truckload) is a shipment that uses a dedicated trailer from origin to destination, with no terminal handling. A 53 ft dry van takes 26 standard 48 × 40 in pallets loaded straight or 30 turned, single stacked, subject to the legal weight limit.
- GlossaryCube utilizationCube utilization is the share of the available volume, in a pallet footprint up to its height limit, a trailer or a container, that is actually filled with product. It is usually expressed as a percentage.
More in Loading and shipping
- GlossaryColumn stackingColumn stacking is a stacking pattern where every case sits directly on top of the case below, with corners and walls aligned through the full height of the load. It keeps the most compression strength but is less stable than interlocking.
- GlossaryFloor loadingFloor loading is shipping cases or bags stacked directly on the floor of a trailer or container, without pallets. It fits more product in the vehicle but must be loaded and unloaded by hand or with special equipment. The term is also used for the load a floor can bear per unit area.
- GlossaryFreight densityFreight density is the weight of a shipment divided by the volume it occupies, measured at its outside dimensions with the pallet included. In the US it is given in pounds per cubic foot (pcf) and is the main factor in most LTL freight classes.
- GlossaryInterlocking stackingInterlocking stacking is a stacking pattern where alternate layers are rotated or shifted so each case bridges the joints between cases in the layer below, like bricks in a wall. It ties the load together but reduces compression strength compared with column stacking.
- GlossaryLoad barA load bar is an adjustable steel or aluminum bar fixed across the inside of a trailer or container, either wedged between the walls or locked into wall track, to keep pallets from sliding during transit. Horizontal decking beams also let a second tier of pallets be carried.
- GlossaryLoad overhangLoad overhang is any part of a unit load that extends beyond the edges of the pallet's top deck. Unsupported case edges lose compression strength, get damaged in handling, and increase the measured size of the shipment.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 267 words.