How many pallets fit in a 40ft reefer container?

What changes the answer most

Stacking changes the answer most: if two may go on top of each other and each loaded pallet is at most 46.5 in (118 cm) tall, 40 pallets fit.

20 pallets × 660 lb (299 kg) = 13,200 lb (5,987 kg), against a payload of 64,375 lb (29,200 kg). Each one may weigh up to 3,219 lb (1,460 kg) before the payload, not the space, sets the number.

The door is 89.6 × 97.3 in: a piece up to 97.3 in (247.1 cm) tall and 89.6 in (227.6 cm) wide goes through — the 40 in (101.6 cm) side of this pallet passes with room to spare.

What we assumed

• Pallet size 48 × 40 in (from our sourced pallet table), loaded to 48 in (121.9 cm) tall and 660 lb (299 kg) each.
• Stacking: no — nothing goes on top of a pallet.
• Pallets may be turned on the floor (long side along or across); they stay upright.
• Inside size 455.8 × 89.6 × 94.3 in; clearance kept: 2 in on length, 0.8 in across, 0.8 in up (so the door closes and cartons may bulge).
• Door check: on — every box must pass the 89.6 × 97.3 in door in the way it is placed.

The same pallet elsewhere