Pallets-per-truck calculator

How the calculator works

The pallets-per-truck calculator computes exact capacity using floor arithmetic on pallet-to-trailer orientation. Standard dry-van 53-foot trailer interior dimensions: 636 inches long by 102 inches wide. Standard GMA 48x40 pallet single-stack configuration fits 26 per 53-foot dry-van (10 pallets long x 2 wide + 6 pallets rotated). Double-stack doubles the count to 52 where height permits.

Standard FTL configurations

Double-stack feasibility

Double-stacking depends on: pallet load height (total pallet + cargo stack height must be below 110 inches for 53-foot dry-van), cargo compressive load tolerance (upper-pallet cargo must support lower-pallet cargo weight), and specific receiving-dock audit flow requirements. For many enterprise programs, single-stack is standard; double-stack is used for lightweight cargo (empty pallets being delivered, specialty light-weight consumer goods, specialty paper and pulp products).

Volume economics

For FTL volume programs (5+ trucks/week), lane-based CME-indexed pricing applies with volume-tiered discount structure. For specialty applications (aerospace ASTM D1185, pharma cGMP, custom-engineered), per-piece pricing is quoted per spec. For specific program pricing, request a quote above - your calculator inputs pre-fill the quote form.

Frequently asked questions

How many GMA 48x40 pallets fit in a 53-foot dry-van?

26 single-stacked or 52 double-stacked. Standard dry-van 53-foot trailer interior dimensions: 636 inches long by 102 inches wide. GMA 48x40 fits in a 10-long by 2-wide configuration plus 6 pallets rotated.

Can I always double-stack?

Double-stacking depends on: pallet load height (total pallet + cargo stack height must be below 110 inches for 53-foot dry-van), cargo compressive load tolerance, specific receiving-dock requirements. For many enterprise programs, single-stack is standard. Double-stack is used for lightweight cargo (empty pallets, specialty light-weight consumer goods, specialty paper and pulp products).

How many pallets fit in a 40-foot ocean container?

Standard 40-foot ocean container interior dimensions: 472 inches long by 92 inches wide. GMA 48x40 fits approximately 20 single-stacked. For ISPM-15 heat-treated international export via ocean container, consider cargo-weight limits and specific destination customs requirements.

How many pallets fit in a 28-foot pup trailer?

Standard 28-foot pup trailer interior dimensions: 336 inches long by 102 inches wide. GMA 48x40 fits approximately 14 single-stacked. Pup trailers are used for specialty LTL and specialty short-haul distribution.

What's the difference between 48x40 standard and 40x48 reversed?

Dimensionally identical - the difference is pallet orientation. 48x40 standard = 48-inch stringer by 40-inch deck. 40x48 reversed = 40-inch stringer by 48-inch deck. Different orientations may fit different cargo load patterns and different receiving-dock audit flow requirements.

How does weekly truck count affect pricing?

Volume-tiered discount structure applies at 5-truck/week, 10-truck/week, 20-truck/week, 50-truck/week bands. Higher weekly volume = lower per-piece price with lane-based CME-indexed pricing. Standing-weekly programs with destination buyback credit at $2-$6 per piece further reduce effective per-cycle cost.

What specialty FTL configurations does USP support?

Reefer FTL (for pharma cold-chain -20C to -80C), flatbed FTL (for specialty industrial component transport), specialty specialty-industrial trailer FTL (for utility pole, transformer, generator transport), specialty aerospace FTL (ASTM D1185 engineered construction). For specific specialty FTL requirements, specify in the quote form.

Updated 2026-10-13