How many 18 × 18 × 16 in boxes fit in a 12 t truck?
18 × 18 × 16 in boxes of 457 × 457 × 406 mm (also called 3 cubic foot boxes, medium moving boxes) in a 12-tonne box truck — inner dimensions 7,300 × 2,480 × 2,500 mm. Calculated by the Cubestow engine on 2026-09-08.
Boxes may be laid on any side. 73% of the space used, 5 layers high, about 5,488 kg (100% of payload). Payload-limited: 478 would fit by space alone. Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (79 on the floor)
Side view — first row along the wall (5 layers)
The answer in detail
The "3.0 cubic foot" medium moving box (18 × 18 × 16 in) is the box most US movers use for the bulk of a household. Lying it on its side gains height in some containers, which is why the any-orientation count is higher.
A 7.3 m rigid body with around 5.5 t of payload — the usual size for regional pallet distribution.
The simple grid estimate is 15 along the length × 5 across × 5 high = 375. The engine's validated plan holds 392, below the raw grid because the payload limit cap the load.
Variants
| Loading rule | Fits | Layers | Volume used | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxes may be laid on any side (headline figure) | 392 | 5 | 73% | 5,488 kg (100% of payload) |
| Boxes kept this-side-up (turned on the floor plane only) | 392 | 6 | 73% | 5,488 kg (100% of payload) |
How many 12 t trucks for a given order?
| 18 × 18 × 16 in boxes | 100 | 250 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,500 | 5,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 t trucks needed | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
| Last one filled to | 26% | 64% | 28% | 55% | 38% | 76% |
Mixed cargo, different carton sizes or delivery stops? Plan the exact shipment in 3D — free, in the browser, nothing uploaded.
Frequently asked
How many 18 × 18 × 16 in boxes fit in a 12 t truck?
392 18 × 18 × 16 in boxes of 457 × 457 × 406 mm fit in a 12 t truck (inner dimensions 7,300 × 2,480 × 2,500 mm), boxes may be laid on any side. That uses 73% of the 45.3 m³ available and weighs about 5,488 kg.
What are the inner dimensions of a 12 t truck?
Typical inner dimensions are 7,300 mm long, 2,480 mm wide and 2,500 mm high (287.4 × 97.6 × 98.4 in), giving 45.3 m³ of space and a rated payload of about 5,500 kg. Individual units vary by a few centimetres, so check the actual box for tight loads.
Why does the payload limit matter for 18 × 18 × 16 in boxes?
Geometrically 478 18 × 18 × 16 in boxes would fit, but at about 14 kg each the 12 t truck's 5,500 kg payload is reached at 392. Heavy cargo fills the weight allowance before the space.
How was this number calculated?
By running the Cubestow 3D load-planning engine on the exact dimensions above, allowing all six orientations, stacking with at least 80% base support and the container's payload limit, then re-validating the plan for overlaps, support and weight. Real loads leave room for dunnage, door clearance and uneven cartons, so treat the figure as the practical maximum.