How many 48 × 40 in pallets fit in a 12 t truck?
48 × 40 in pallets of 1,219 × 1,016 × 1,200 mm (also called GMA pallets, standard US pallets) in a 12-tonne box truck — inner dimensions 7,300 × 2,480 × 2,500 mm. Calculated by the Cubestow engine on 2026-09-08.
Single layer, floor-loaded (standard practice). 36% of the space used, 1 layer high, about 5,500 kg (100% of payload). Payload-limited: 14 would fit by space alone. Open this load in the 3D planner →
Top view — floor layer (11 on the floor)
Side view — first row along the wall (1 layer)
The answer in detail
The 48 × 40 in GMA pallet is the North American standard. Its 40 in width is what lets two fit side by side in a 53ft trailer either way round ("straight" or "turned").
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 5 along the length × 2 across × 1 high = 10, or 7 × 2 × 1 = 14 with every piece turned. The engine's validated plan holds 11, below the raw grid because the payload limit cap the load.
Variants
| Loading rule | Fits | Layers | Volume used | Total weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single layer, floor-loaded (standard practice) (headline figure) | 11 | 1 | 36% | 5,500 kg (100% of payload) |
| Double-stacked (only if each loaded pallet is at most 1,250 mm tall and rated to carry another) | 11 | 2 | 36% | 5,500 kg (100% of payload) |
How many 12 t trucks for a given order?
| 48 × 40 in pallets | 10 | 20 | 33 | 50 | 100 | 250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 t trucks needed | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 23 |
| Last one filled to | 91% | 82% | 100% | 55% | 9% | 73% |
Mixed cargo, different carton sizes or delivery stops? Plan the exact shipment in 3D — free, in the browser, nothing uploaded.
Frequently asked
How many 48 × 40 in pallets fit in a 12 t truck?
11 48 × 40 in pallets of 1,219 × 1,016 × 1,200 mm fit in a 12 t truck (inner dimensions 7,300 × 2,480 × 2,500 mm), single layer, floor-loaded (standard practice). That uses 36% 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 48 × 40 in pallets?
Geometrically 14 48 × 40 in pallets would fit, but at about 500 kg each the 12 t truck's 5,500 kg payload is reached at 11. 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.