Pallet Types and Container Loading: EUR or Standard Pallet?
EUR (120×80) vs standard (120×100) pallets, roughly how many fit in 20' and 40' containers, the ISPM 15 heat-treatment requirement and tips for safe stacking.
Palletised loading allows goods to be loaded and unloaded faster in bulk imports and protects them better during the journey. However, the pallet size directly determines how many pallets fit in a container, and therefore how efficient the shipment is. In this article we look at common pallet types, container capacities and the rules to keep in mind.
The Most Common Pallet Sizes
- EUR pallet (Euro pallet): 120 × 80 cm. Widely used in Europe and Turkey. Retail and warehouse systems are often designed around this size.
- Standard pallet (industrial / ISO pallet): 120 × 100 cm. Frequently seen in shipments from the Far East. The 48 × 40 inch pallet used in North America (about 122 × 102 cm) is very close to this size.
Which pallet to use should depend on the carton size of the product, the warehouse layout at the destination and container efficiency.
How Many Pallets Fit in a Container?
The figures below are approximate, for a single tier (not stacked) in standard containers. The orientation of the pallets, overhang and the container's internal dimensions can change the result.
| Pallet type | 20' container | 40' container |
|---|---|---|
| EUR pallet 120×80 | approx. 11 | approx. 23-24 |
| Standard pallet 120×100 | approx. 9-10 | approx. 20-21 |
If the products and packaging allow, pallets can be double-stacked, which roughly doubles the capacity. This decision must always take into account the total weight limit and the stacking strength of the cartons. Pallet height must also stay below the container door height (approximately 2.28 m in standard containers).
ISPM 15: Heat Treatment for Wooden Pallets
Wooden pallets and wood packaging used in international transport must comply with the ISPM 15 standard to prevent pests from spreading between countries. Turkey is among the countries that apply this standard.
- The wood is typically heat treated (HT) at a specified temperature for a specified time.
- A treated pallet must carry a stamp with the IPPC logo, country code, producer number and treatment code.
- Unmarked or non-compliant wood packaging may be rejected, fumigated or destroyed on arrival, which means extra cost and delays.
- Plastic, metal and processed wood pallets such as pressed wood or plywood are generally exempt from this requirement.
Asking the supplier in writing to use stamped pallets before shipment prevents most of these problems.
Stacking and Securing Tips
- Place heavy pallets at the bottom and distribute weight evenly across the container floor; do not concentrate it at one end.
- Stack cartons with aligned corners and without overhanging the pallet edges.
- Wrap pallets in stretch film and use corner boards and strapping where needed.
- Fill gaps between pallets and at the door end with inflatable dunnage bags or timber bracing.
- Mark fragile or crushable goods with a "do not stack" label.
- Consider desiccants against moisture; condensation on long sea voyages can damage goods.
- Having photos taken during loading makes any damage claim easier.
Conclusion
The right pallet choice and a solid loading plan help you use container space efficiently and get your goods delivered undamaged. At TurnOn Global we follow packaging and pallet conditions during production and manage loading planning on your behalf. If you have questions about pallets or loading for your shipment, you can reach us via WhatsApp or the contact form.
