How many IBC tanks (1,000 L) fit in a 13.6 m trailer?
IBC tanks (1,000 L) of 1,200 × 1,000 × 1,160 mm (also called IBC totes, intermediate bulk containers) in a 13.6 m curtainsider / box trailer (EU) — inner dimensions 13,600 × 2,450 × 2,700 mm. Calculated by the Cubestow engine on 2026-09-08.
Upright, single layer (not stacked). 32% of the space used, 1 layer high, about 23,100 kg (96% of payload). Payload-limited: 26 would fit by space alone. Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (21 on the floor)
Side view — first row along the wall (1 layer)
The answer in detail
A standard 1,000-litre IBC on its pallet base measures about 1,200 × 1,000 × 1,160 mm and weighs roughly 1,100 kg full. A full container of IBCs is limited by payload, not floor space — which the numbers here make obvious.
The standard European semi-trailer. Curtainsiders are loaded from the side, so pallets can be turned freely; the 2,450 mm inner width is what makes three EUR pallets (3 × 800) fit across.
The simple grid estimate is 11 along the length × 2 across × 1 high = 22, or 13 × 2 × 1 = 26 with every piece turned. The engine's validated plan holds 21, below the raw grid because the payload limit cap the load.
Variants
| Loading rule | Fits | Layers | Volume used | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upright, single layer (not stacked) (headline figure) | 21 | 1 | 32% | 23,100 kg (96% of payload) |
| IBCs stacked two high (permitted for many empty or rigid-caged IBCs) | 21 | 2 | 32% | 23,100 kg (96% of payload) |
How many 13.6 m trailers for a given order?
| IBC tanks (1,000 L) | 10 | 25 | 50 | 100 | 250 | 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.6 m trailers needed | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 24 |
| Last one filled to | 48% | 19% | 38% | 76% | 90% | 81% |
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Frequently asked
How many IBC tanks (1,000 L) fit in a 13.6 m trailer?
21 IBC tanks (1,000 L) of 1,200 × 1,000 × 1,160 mm fit in a 13.6 m trailer (inner dimensions 13,600 × 2,450 × 2,700 mm), upright, single layer (not stacked). That uses 32% of the 90.0 m³ available and weighs about 23,100 kg.
What are the inner dimensions of a 13.6 m trailer?
Typical inner dimensions are 13,600 mm long, 2,450 mm wide and 2,700 mm high (535.4 × 96.5 × 106.3 in), giving 90.0 m³ of space and a rated payload of about 24,000 kg. Individual units vary by a few centimetres, so check the actual box for tight loads.
Why does the payload limit matter for IBC tanks (1,000 L)?
Geometrically 26 IBC tanks (1,000 L) would fit, but at about 1,100 kg each the 13.6 m trailer's 24,000 kg payload is reached at 21. 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 rotation on the floor plane only, no stacking 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.