How many 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes fit in a 12 t truck?
500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes of 500 × 400 × 400 mm (also called 50 × 40 × 40 cm cartons) 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. 88% of the space used, 9 layers high, about 5,500 kg (100% of payload). Payload-limited: 540 would fit by space alone. Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (102 on the floor)
Side view — first row along the wall (9 layers)
The answer in detail
A large parcel carton just under the 80 L mark, common for household goods and for consolidating smaller cartons.
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 14 along the length × 6 across × 9 high = 756. The engine's validated plan holds 500, 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) | 500 | 9 | 88% | 5,500 kg (100% of payload) |
| Boxes kept this-side-up (turned on the floor plane only) | 500 | 6 | 88% | 5,500 kg (100% of payload) |
How many 12 t trucks for a given order?
| 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes | 100 | 250 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,500 | 5,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 t trucks needed | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Last one filled to | 20% | 50% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Mixed cargo, different carton sizes or delivery stops? Plan the exact shipment in 3D — free, in the browser, nothing uploaded.
Frequently asked
How many 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes fit in a 12 t truck?
500 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes of 500 × 400 × 400 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 88% of the 45.3 m³ available and weighs about 5,500 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 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes?
Geometrically 540 500 × 400 × 400 mm boxes would fit, but at about 11 kg each the 12 t truck's 5,500 kg payload is reached at 500. 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.