Quick answer: a standard 20ft shipping container fits 11 Euro pallets, while a standard 40ft shipping container fits up to 25 Euro pallets in an optimised single-layer layout. Euro pallets measure 1,200 × 800mm. Practical capacity can be lower when loads overhang, wrapping adds width or handling clearance is required.
| Container | Optimised Euro pallet capacity | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 11 pallets | Single layer |
| 40ft standard | 25 pallets | Optimised mixed orientation |
| 40ft high cube | 25 pallets | Same floor area; more internal height |
Capacity reference: Kuehne+Nagel’s container placement guide shows 11 Euro pallets in a 20ft container and 25 in a 40ft container. The European Pallet Association specifies the Euro pallet footprint as 800 × 1,200mm.
Need a container for palletised stock? Tell us the pallet quantity, loaded height, approximate weight and delivery postcode for a delivered quote.
For UK pallets and the full size comparison, use our main guide: How Many Pallets Fit in a Shipping Container?
What Are Euro Pallets and Why Do They Matter?
Euro pallets are standardised pallets widely used across Europe, measuring 1200mm × 800mm.
A Euro pallet is narrower than a UK pallet, which allows more pallets to fit within the same container width.
This matters because:
- More pallets per container reduces transport cost per unit
- Better space efficiency improves storage planning
- Standard sizing simplifies logistics across UK and EU supply chains
Euro pallets measure 1200mm × 800mm and are designed for efficient transport and storage across European logistics networks.
For a full breakdown of pallet differences, see our guide UK vs Euro Pallet Sizes (Container Fit Guide)
Why Euro Pallets Fit More Efficiently in Containers
Euro pallets fit more efficiently because of their reduced width.
Key reasons:
- Narrower footprint allows tighter packing
- Less wasted space along container walls
- More flexible loading patterns
- Better optimisation in 40ft containers
An optimised 40ft shipping container layout can hold up to 25 Euro pallets because the smaller footprint allows more efficient mixed-orientation placement.
If you want a broader comparison including UK pallets, see How Many Pallets Fit in a Shipping Container? (20ft & 40ft Guide).
How Many Euro Pallets Fit in a 20ft Shipping Container
A 20ft shipping container typically fits 11 Euro pallets in a single layer.
Typical loading layout:
- 2 pallets across the width
- 5 full rows along the length
- 1 additional pallet fitted due to tighter spacing
Total: 11 Euro pallets
A 20ft container provides approximately 33 cubic metres of internal storage space.
20ft Container Euro Pallet Capacity
The table below shows the internal dimensions of a standard 20ft shipping container and how those dimensions directly determine how many Euro pallets can fit inside.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal length | ~5.9m |
| Internal width | ~2.35m |
| Euro pallet size | 1200mm × 800mm |
| Typical capacity | 11 pallets |
Euro pallets allow slightly more efficient use of space in a 20ft container compared to UK pallets.
For full measurements and layout planning, see 20ft Shipping Container Dimensions UK.
20ft shipping containers are commonly used for pallet storage where space is limited but secure storage is still required.
How Many Euro Pallets Fit in a 40ft Shipping Container
A standard 40ft shipping container fits up to 25 Euro pallets in an optimised single-layer layout. Straight-row loading, pallet overhang or extra handling clearance can reduce the practical total.
A 40ft shipping container provides the highest pallet capacity for most UK businesses storing Euro pallets.
Typical loading layout:
- Mixed pallet orientation to reduce unused floor space
- Precise positioning within the internal width and door clearance
- Loads kept within the pallet footprint with no wrapping overhang
Optimised maximum: 25 Euro pallets
A 40ft shipping container provides approximately 67 cubic metres of internal storage capacity, making it ideal for high-volume pallet storage.
40ft Container Euro Pallet Capacity
The table below outlines the internal dimensions of a 40ft shipping container and how those measurements influence Euro pallet capacity and loading efficiency.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal length | ~12.03m |
| Internal width | ~2.35m |
| Euro pallet size | 1200mm × 800mm |
| Optimised capacity | 25 pallets |
Euro pallets achieve higher capacity in 40ft containers due to improved packing efficiency over longer internal length.
For exact measurements and planning guidance, see 40ft Shipping Container Dimensions UK.
Businesses looking to buy shipping container UK often choose a 40ft unit when storing palletised goods at scale.
Best Way to Load Euro Pallets in a Shipping Container
The published maximums assume an optimised floor plan. A 20ft container uses a mixed-orientation layout for 11 Euro pallets; a 40ft uses a more complex mixed-orientation layout for 25.
Why practical capacity can be lower
- Pallet overhang or wrapping: anything extending beyond 800 × 1,200mm consumes the designed clearance
- Door and equipment clearance: forklift approach angles and manual handling may require working space
- Load security: dunnage, bracing and separation space can reduce the usable floor plan
- Weight: total cargo, pallets and securing materials must remain within the individual container’s CSC payload rating
Use 11 and 25 as optimised planning maximums, not a promise that every wrapped or irregular load will fit. Confirm the actual loaded dimensions and the supplied container’s internal measurements before dispatch.
Choosing the right container from your pallet count
- Up to 11 Euro pallets: start with a 20ft container
- 12 to 25 Euro pallets: start with a 40ft container
- Tall or double-stacked loads: check loaded height and consider a high-cube container
Euro Pallet Capacity vs UK Pallet Capacity
The table below compares Euro pallet capacity against standard UK pallet capacity in both 20ft and 40ft shipping containers. This helps buyers understand how pallet choice directly affects container storage efficiency.
| Container Size | UK Pallets | Euro Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft container | 10 | 11 |
| 40ft container | 21 | 25 |
Euro pallets allow more units per container because of their narrower width.
A 40ft container can carry up to 4 more Euro pallets than UK pallets due to improved space utilisation.
Common Buyer Concerns About Euro Pallet Storage
In real use, not all containers will achieve maximum pallet capacity due to door clearance, pallet overhang, or uneven loading
Does pallet height affect capacity?
Yes. Height affects stacking but not floor capacity.
A high cube container allows more vertical stacking but does not increase pallet count on the floor.
Do weight limits reduce pallet numbers?
Yes. Weight limits can restrict how many loaded pallets can be safely stored.
A container may physically fit 25 Euro pallets, but heavy goods may require fewer pallets to stay within the individual unit’s payload limit.
Are Euro pallets better for UK storage?
It depends on your supply chain.
- UK warehouses often use UK pallets
- Export or mixed logistics often use Euro pallets
Euro pallets are more space-efficient inside containers.
When Euro Pallets Make More Sense
Euro pallets are often used when:
- Exporting goods to Europe
- Maximising container capacity
- Reducing cost per pallet in transport
- Working with standardised EU logistics systems
Euro pallets are commonly used in export logistics because they maximise container space efficiency.
Why Bosh Boxes Is the Best Choice
Choosing the right container size depends on how your goods are stored and handled.
Bosh Boxes helps buyers match pallet capacity to the correct container.
- UK-wide container delivery using HIAB and sidelifter
- All containers supplied wind and watertight
- Stock of 20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers
- Clear advice on access, ground conditions, and placement
- New and used shipping containers available
- Support for container conversions and custom builds
- Fast turnaround on quotes and delivery
Every container is inspected before delivery to ensure it is suitable for secure storage.
How to Get Started
Start by calculating how many Euro pallets your business needs to store.
Simple rule:
- Up to 11 pallets → 20ft container
- 12 to 25 pallets → 40ft container
Request a delivered container price with your Euro pallet count, approximate loaded weight and delivery postcode.
