Direct answer. A standard semi-trailer (about 13.6 meters long) can hold up to 33 Euro pallets (EUR/EPAL, 1200 × 800 mm) arranged on the floor on a single level, at a rate of two pallets per row across the width of the vehicle. This reference figure serves as the basis for most fill-rate and per-pallet transport-cost calculations.
A benchmark to adjust based on the actual load
This 33-pallet benchmark corresponds to a floor load, with no stacking, of standard EUR/EPAL-sized pallets. In practice it varies depending on several factors: stacking light pallets on two levels when the height and the strength of the goods allow it, the use of half-pallets or US pallets with different dimensions, or a mixed loading plan adapted to heterogeneous parcels. Total weight also remains a limiting factor, independent of the number of pallets: the vehicle's GVW (gross vehicle weight) can be reached before the floor space is fully occupied, particularly for dense goods.
This 33-pallet benchmark is the one most often cited by carriers and logistics professionals to quickly estimate a per-pallet transport cost or size a loading plan, before refining the calculation based on the actual weight of the goods and the precise type of trailer used.
This entry is deliberately kept short: for the full calculation, variants by trailer type (tautliner, box trailer) and stacking scenarios, see our dedicated article.
FAQ
Is 33 pallets a valid figure for every type of semi-trailer?
It's the standard benchmark for a classic 13.6 m semi-trailer loaded on the floor with EUR/EPAL pallets, with no stacking. It can vary depending on the trailer type, the available height and whether the goods can be stacked on a second level.
Can you exceed 33 pallets with stacking?
Yes: if the goods are light and can be safely stacked, stacking part of the load on a second level lets you exceed this 33-pallet floor benchmark, within the vehicle's total authorized weight (GVW) limit.
Related terms
EUR / EPAL Pallet · Tautliner · Palletizing · Loading dock / dock leveler · Groupage.
To go further: how many pallets fit in a semi-trailer?
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