How Many Pallets Fit on a Lorry? Practical UK Capacities from the Road

Ask how many pallets fit on a lorry and the honest answer is: it depends on pallet footprint, total weight, stackability and the vehicle that is actually available. Run the load through the CTS pallet calculator for a quick sense check before you request a rate or commit a collection. It compares floor space and payload across common vans, rigids and artics, then identifies the smallest likely vehicle for the load. There is no sign up, and the result can be downloaded as a PDF.

What the CTS pallet calculator does for transport buyers

Most buyers do not need a long technical discussion before every quote. They need to know whether a load looks like van work, rigid work or artic work, and whether the weight changes that answer. The calculator uses four inputs: pallet type, quantity, weight per pallet, and whether pallets can be stacked two high where height permits. UK and Euro pallets are built in, while custom loads can be entered by length and width in centimetres.

That makes it useful where a warehouse count becomes a transport requirement. A buyer can test the likely vehicle before speaking to an operator, while a traffic planner can spot a mismatch between spaces and tonnage. It also helps frame conversations about pallet distribution, especially where a load sits between vehicle classes or has unusual pallet dimensions. It is a planning check, not a substitute for the operator confirming the exact body and payload.

The figures behind real UK pallet capacity

A standard UK pallet measures 1200 x 1000 mm. A Euro pallet measures 1200 x 800 mm, which is why a 13.6 metre articulated curtain sider can typically take 26 UK pallets or 33 Euro pallets, with an approximate payload of 27,000 kg. That final figure matters. Twenty six heavy UK pallets can breach payload before the deck is full.

At the smaller end, a Luton van takes about 4 UK pallets with roughly 800 kg payload at 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. A 3.5 tonne curtain sider is around 6 pallets and 1,000 kg. A 7.5 tonne rigid is about 10 pallets and 2,500 kg. An 18 tonne rigid is roughly 14 pallets and 9,000 kg, while a 26 tonne rigid is about 16 pallets and 15,000 kg. A double deck artic can reach 52 UK pallets and roughly 26,000 kg, subject to load height on each deck.

These are typical specifications rather than promises. Body build, tail lift, axle configuration and pallet height all affect what can actually be loaded. Custom pallet sizes are fitted by geometric packing across a 2.4 metre deck, so the result is an approximation. Weight limits sit within UK Construction and Use rules and the standard 44 tonne gross combination weight for a six axle artic, as set out on gov.uk vehicle weights explained. Always confirm the exact capacity with the operator before booking.

Putting the load into the calculator properly

Good results start with honest load details. A pallet calculator cannot spot a badly measured pallet, a leaning stack or a weight guess that is miles out, so take a minute to get it right before you press calculate.

1. Pick pallet type, UK, Euro or enter custom length and width in cm.
2. Enter the number of pallets.
3. Add weight per pallet in kg.
4. Tick stackable two high if your pallets and product allow it.

Use the standard sizes as your baseline, UK 1200 x 1000 mm and Euro 1200 x 800 mm. If you have custom pallets, measure the footprint that actually sits on the deck, not the overhang you hope will tuck in. Be straight about weight. I have seen loads that look light tip a 3.5 tonne curtain sider over its payload while the floor still had space. Stacking can double your count on paper, but only if the product, packaging and vehicle height all line up on the day.

Reading the answer and turning it into a booking

The output names the smallest likely vehicle for your pallet count and weight, using the typical capacities covered earlier. Treat that as a starting point. The tool packs by floor across a 2.4 metre deck and applies typical payloads, so it is an estimate, not a promise.

Real vehicles vary with body build, tail lift, axle set up and kerb weight. Double deck capacity only works if your pallet height suits both decks. Weight usually bites before floor space. It is common for a full set of 26 heavy UK pallets to exceed payload limits even though they physically fit the trailer. Always confirm exact capacity with the operator against the specific vehicle offered before you book.

Run your load through the calculator here CTS pallet calculator. If you want firm prices from vetted operators, send the same details for quotes at request quotes through CTS. It keeps everyone aligned from the first call.

Frequently asked questions

How many pallets fit on a lorry in the UK?

A 13.6 metre articulated curtain sider typically takes 26 UK pallets or 33 Euro pallets with roughly 27,000 kg payload. Weight can limit the load before the deck is full.

What is the difference between UK and Euro pallets for transport?

A standard UK pallet is 1200 x 1000 mm and a Euro pallet is 1200 x 800 mm. The smaller Euro size means more can fit on the same trailer floor.

Can you stack pallets on a lorry to fit more in?

The calculator allows pallets to be stacked two high where vehicle height allows. Whether that works depends on the product, packaging strength and the actual trailer height available.