How Many Pallets Fit In A 20ft Container?
Get a quote20ft Container Pallet Capacity
Key Takeaways
- A standard 20ft container has external dimensions of 20ft (L) x 8ft (B) x 8.6ft (H)
- You can fit up to 10 standard American pallets (48”x40”) or 11-12 European pallets (47.24"x39.37") in a 20ft container.
- Conexwest provides container rentals and sales with quick delivery and customization.
Dimensions Of A 20ft Container
Specification | External Dimensions | Internal Dimensions | Weight | Doors |
Length | 20 ft (6.058 m) | 19 ft 4 13/16 in. (5.902 m) | Tare Weight: 4,850 lbs (2,200 kg) | |
Width | 8 ft (2.438 m) | 7 ft 8 1/8 in. (2.352 m) | Payload: 55,126 lbs (25,000 kg) | 7 ft 8 1/8 in. (2.34 m) |
Height | 8 ft 6 in. (2.591 m) | 7 ft 9 7/8 in. (2.385 m) | Gross Weight: 59,526 lbs (27,200 kg)
| 7 ft 5 3/4 in. (2.28 m) |
Conexwest, a leader in shipping and storage solutions based in Northern California, offers new, used, and refurbished containers from 10ft to 45ft, with fast delivery within 3-7 days and container fabrication options like adding shelves and locks. We serve over 10,000 customers nationwide, including prestigious clients like the U.S. Navy and Google. As an ISO 9001 and AWS-certified company, we ensure top quality and competitive pricing. |
How Many Pallets Fit In A 20ft Container
Pallet Capacity of a 20ft Container
- For standard pallets, which measure 48 inches by 40 inches, the container can accommodate 10 pallets. This arrangement involves loading the pallets in two rows of 5 pallets each.
- When using European pallets, measuring 47.24 inches by 31.5 inches, the capacity increases slightly to 11-12 pallets. The smaller width of these pallets allows for a more optimized loading layout within the container.
Here are some examples in terms of items to give you a better idea about the volume of a 20ft container.
- Washing Machines: Up to 20-30 standard-sized washing machines.
- Flat Screen TVs: Approximately 200 flat-screen TVs.
- Household Goods: Everything you need for a two-bedroom flat, including furniture, appliances, and personal items.
Ways To Optimize Space In A 20ft Container
- Maximize Vertical Space: By stacking items, you can take advantage of the vertical space available. Consider using shelving or pallets to create tiers so that heavier items are placed at the bottom.
- Use Uniform Pallet Sizes: Using only Euro pallets or standard pallets allows for easier calculations of how many can fit within the container. A single pallet size maximizes the use of the floor area and vertical space.
- Optimize Pallet Orientation: Experimenting with different configurations—placing some pallets lengthwise and others widthwise—can help identify the most space-efficient arrangement.
- Pack Tightly and Securely: Goods should be packed tightly together to reduce movement during transport and maximize space usage. Use packing materials such as bubble wrap or foam to fill any gaps and to protect fragile items.
- Disassemble Large Items: If possible, dismantle larger items before loading them into the container. This approach allows for more compact packing, as individual components can be arranged more efficiently than whole items.
- Use High Cube Containers: Because they have an extra foot of height, High cube containers can be useful for storing taller items or for creating multi-level storage solutions without expanding the container's footprint.
Common Use Cases Of 20ft Containers

Conexwest provides ready-made 20ft mobile office shipping containers
- Mobile Offices: By adding windows, insulation, and electrical fittings, these containers can serve as temporary or permanent offices on construction sites.
- Workshops and Studios: Artists, mechanics, and carpenters can customize the interior to create functional and secure workspaces.
- Pop-Up Retail Spaces: A 20ft container can be modified into an attractive storefront for small businesses and food vendors.
- Housing Solutions: 20ft containers are increasingly used in housing projects, especially in areas with housing shortages or after natural disasters. Their durability and modular construction allow them to be stacked or arranged in various configurations to create multi-unit dwellings.
- Food and Beverage Outlets: With modifications, a 20ft container can serve as a food truck or a small cafe. Equipped with serving windows and kitchen equipment, these containers can be used for events or as permanent installations.
Choose Conexwest For Your Shipping Container Needs

Conexwest has new as well as used and refurbished 20ft shipping containers
We are a leading supplier of standard and modified shipping and storage containers in the United States. We provide a wide range of shipping containers for sale and rent, including new, used, and refurbished containers in various sizes from 10ft to 45ft.
We are a vertically integrated company, which means we fabricate, sell, rent, and service the containers ourselves. This allows us to offer competitive pricing and maintain industry-leading quality standards.
Services Provided By Conexwest
Our services include:
- Container Sales: We have a variety of new, used, and refurbished containers for sale. Each of our containers comes with a warranty of up to 10 years.
- Container Rentals: Our rental terms are flexible, with 4-week rental periods and automatic renewals.
- Customization: We can modify containers by adding shelving, windows, doors, HVAC, and insulation.
- Delivery Services: We provide quick and reliable delivery services, often within 3 to 7 days.
We are your one-stop shop for all your container needs. So, reach out to us to get a free quote for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are there different 20ft containers available?
Yes, there are several types of 20ft containers available, including standard containers, high cube containers (which provide an extra foot of height), refrigerated containers for temperature-sensitive goods, and insulated containers for climate control.
- What should I consider when choosing between a 20ft and a larger container?
When deciding between a 20ft container and larger options like a 40ft container, consider factors such as the volume of goods you need to transport, budget constraints, and the area you have for placing a container.
- What is the cost of purchasing a 20ft container?
The cost of purchasing a 20ft container can vary widely based on factors such as condition (new vs. used), location, and market demand. Used containers are more affordable than new containers and can save you around $1,000 or more.
- How long do 20ft shipping containers last?
With proper maintenance, a well-constructed 20ft shipping container can last 30 years or more.
- What sets Conexwest apart from other container providers?
- Competitive prices
- A wide selection of new and used containers
- Extensive customization by our in-house fabrication team
- Excellent customer service with prompt responses and reliable delivery
- Comprehensive services including engineering, repair, moving, and storage
- Warranties on all containers