How many pallets fit in a reefer container?
A 40ft high cube reefer fits about 23 Euro pallets or 20 US pallets (48 × 40 in) in one layer. A 20ft reefer fits about 10 Euro or 9 US pallets. Refrigerated cargo is usually loaded single tier, with space left above the pallets for air flow.
Pallets per reefer container
| Pallet | 20ft reefer | 40ft HC reefer | 40ft dry (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro 120 × 80 cm | 10 | 23 | 25 |
| US 48 × 40 in | 9 | 20 | 20 |
| 1200 × 1000 mm | 9 | 20 | 22 |
| 1100 × 1100 mm | 8 | 20 | 20 |
| 1165 × 1165 mm (Australia) | 4 | 9 | 20 |
The reefer floor is shorter (the refrigeration unit sits inside the front wall) and narrower (insulated walls), so it holds 2–3 fewer pallets than a dry container of the same length. Square 116.5 cm pallets are the extreme case: two do not fit side by side in the 229 cm width.
Reefer loading rules that affect pallet count
- Stay below the red load line on the walls, typically 10–15 cm below the ceiling.
- Do not block the T-floor with loose cardboard or slip sheets that stop air flow.
- Use cartons with ventilation holes lined up for fresh produce; frozen cargo is block-stowed tightly instead.
Frequently asked questions
How many pallets fit in a 40ft reefer?
About 23 Euro pallets or 20 US pallets in one layer.
How many pallets fit in a 20ft reefer?
About 10 Euro pallets or 9 US pallets.
Can you double-stack pallets in a reefer?
Rarely. Pallet loads are usually tall enough that two tiers would cross the load line; low, strong pallets of frozen goods are the exception.