How many IBC tanks (1,000 L) fit in a 20ft reefer?
IBC tanks (1,000 L) of 1,200 × 1,000 × 1,160 mm (also called IBC totes, intermediate bulk containers) in a 20-foot refrigerated container (20RF) — inner dimensions 5,444 × 2,294 × 2,276 mm. Calculated by the Cubestow engine on 2026-09-08.
Upright, single layer (not stacked). 44% of the space used, 1 layer high, about 9,900 kg (36% of payload). Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (9 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 refrigeration unit and insulated walls take space, so a reefer is shorter, narrower and lower inside than a dry 20ft. Leave the T-floor and the air return clear.
The simple grid estimate is 4 along the length × 2 across × 1 high = 8. The engine found 9 — 1 more than either uniform grid — by mixing orientations so that the leftover strip along the wall is used. The top view above shows the pattern.
Variants
| Loading rule | Fits | Layers | Volume used | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upright, single layer (not stacked) (headline figure) | 9 | 1 | 44% | 9,900 kg (36% of payload) |
| IBCs stacked two high (permitted for many empty or rigid-caged IBCs) | 9 | 1 | 44% | 9,900 kg (36% of payload) |
How many 20ft reefers for a given order?
| IBC tanks (1,000 L) | 10 | 25 | 50 | 100 | 250 | 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft reefers needed | 2 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 28 | 56 |
| Last one filled to | 11% | 78% | 56% | 11% | 78% | 56% |
Mixed cargo, different carton sizes or delivery stops? Plan the exact shipment in 3D — free, in the browser, nothing uploaded.
Frequently asked
How many IBC tanks (1,000 L) fit in a 20ft reefer?
9 IBC tanks (1,000 L) of 1,200 × 1,000 × 1,160 mm fit in a 20ft reefer (inner dimensions 5,444 × 2,294 × 2,276 mm), upright, single layer (not stacked). That uses 44% of the 28.4 m³ available and weighs about 9,900 kg.
What are the inner dimensions of a 20ft reefer?
Typical inner dimensions are 5,444 mm long, 2,294 mm wide and 2,276 mm high (214.3 × 90.3 × 89.6 in), giving 28.4 m³ of space and a rated payload of about 27,400 kg. Individual units vary by a few centimetres, so check the actual box for tight loads.
How much does a full load of IBC tanks (1,000 L) weigh?
9 × 1,100 kg ≈ 9,900 kg, which is 36% of the 27,400 kg payload — so this load is limited by space, not weight.
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.