P3 Pallet3D editorial team6 min readPublished: 14 October 2026
How many pallets fit on a lorry and a standard trailer?
For a KRONE trailer, the calculation gives 33 EPAL 1, 34 only geometrically, or 26 EPAL 2. Check the dimensions and layout constraints.
There is no single number that applies to every vehicle commonly called a lorry. For a KRONE Profi Liner trailer with an internal clear width of 13 620 × 2 480 mm, a 3 × 11 layout holds 33 EPAL 1 pallets; a 2 × 13 layout holds 26 EPAL 2 pallets. A 2 × 17 layout gives 34 EPAL 1 geometrically, but leaves only 20 mm along the trailer, so it is not a universal capacity or a guarantee of a feasible load.
In this article
In the KRONE trailer example given, the 3 × 11 layout holds 33 EPAL 1 pallets.
The 34 EPAL 1 pallet layout is possible only geometrically and does not provide a working length reserve.
EPAL 2 pallets with a base of 1200 × 1000 mm fit in this example in a 2 × 13 layout, i.e. 26 pieces in total.
The final number of places depends on the vehicle’s internal dimensions, the actual outline of the load, weight, weight distribution, and the method of securing.
Why the term “TIR” does not indicate capacity
The term “TIR” in the query does not specify the length or width of the floor of a particular trailer. To calculate the number of places, you need its internal dimensions, the actual outline of the pallets with goods, and loading conditions. The colloquial name of the vehicle does not replace technical data.
The result depends primarily on the length and width of the internal clear space, the pallet format, their arrangement, and the outline of the entire load unit. Also important are the elements inside the trailer, the available space by the doors, the unloading order, and additional packages.
You need to distinguish the geometric result from a feasible transport plan. Geometry shows whether the rectangular pallet bases fit on the floor. In practice, you must also check the condition of the pallets, protruding packaging, required clearances, load weight, weight distribution, axle loads, stability, and the method of fastening.
Calculation example for a specific trailer
Let us assume an internal clear space of 13 620 × 2 480 mm as given in the technical data sheet of the model described above. This is an example for these dimensions, not a standard for every vehicle described as a TIR.
Pallet format
Floor layout
Calculation
Result
Conclusion
EPAL 1, 3 × 11 layout
3 × 11
3 × 800 mm = 2 400 mm width; 11 × 1200 mm = 13 200 mm length
33 pallets
The layout uses 2 400 mm of the 2 480 mm width and 13 200 mm of the 13 620 mm trailer length.
EPAL 1, 2 × 17 layout
2 × 17, pallets turned
2 × 1200 mm = 2 400 mm width; 17 × 800 mm = 13 600 mm length
34 pallets geometrically
20 mm remains in length. Such a layout does not provide a margin for real tolerances and should not be treated as a fixed trailer capacity.
EPAL 2: 1200 × 1000 mm - source: EPAL
2 × 13, pallets turned
2 × 1200 mm = 2 400 mm width; 13 × 1000 mm = 13 000 mm length
26 pallets
The larger base dimension changes the layout and reduces the number of places compared with EPAL 1 pallets.
The number 33 therefore applies to 11 EPAL 1 pallets in each of the three rows of this layout. The number 34 results from turning the same pallets, but almost entirely uses the floor length. The difference in the clear space of another trailer, an uneven carrier, or packaging extending beyond the pallet may make this layout impossible to use.
The pallet format changes the loading result
Before preparing transport, you should determine not only the name of the pallet but above all its actual format. An EPAL 1 pallet measures 1200 × 800 × 144 mm, and EPAL 2 measures 1200 × 1000 × 162 mm; the parameters are given in separate EPAL 1 and EPAL 2 data sheets. A 200 mm difference in base width affects the number of pallets in a row and which arrangement will be possible in a given trailer.
The 1200 × 1000 mm format does not automatically mean an EPAL 2 pallet. The term “industrial pallet” refers to a category of use, not to one mandatory standard. A pallet with a base of 1200 × 1000 mm may have a different construction and different parameters than EPAL 2, so when planning you must confirm the actual type of load carrier and its dimensions.
For calculations, you need to use the outline of the entire unit, not only the base of the pallet itself. Boxes, bags, rolls, stretch film, corner protectors, or irregular goods may extend beyond its edges. Two pallets of the same nominal format do not always occupy the same amount of space in a vehicle.
How to calculate spaces for a specific load
The basic calculation should be performed for both pallet orientations. First, check how many carriers fit across the width, then how many full rows can be arranged along the length. The product of these values gives the geometric result for uniform pallets with a confirmed outline.
Check the internal clear space of the specific trailer rather than relying on its colloquial name.
Determine the actual outline of each unit: the pallets together with the goods, packaging, and protruding elements.
Calculate both directions of pallet placement and compare the number of full rows.
Take into account the space needed for tolerances, bodywork elements, loading and unloading.
Verify separately the total weight, weight distribution, axle loads, load height, stability, and method of fastening.
For a mixed load, it is not enough to add up the number of pallets. Additional packages may make use of free space, but they may also force a change in the arrangement or loading order. Likewise, stacking must be assessed taking into account the properties of the goods, weight, stability, and securing requirements.
The most common mistakes when estimating trailer capacity
Assuming one pallet count for every vehicle without checking its internal clear space.
Treating the geometric result as a ready and feasible transport plan.
Assuming that every pallet with a base of 1200 × 1000 mm has the parameters of an EPAL 2 pallet.
Ignoring packaging protruding beyond the pallet, carrier damage, and uneven load units.
Calculating only the floor area without checking the weight, weight distribution, axle loads, stability, and fastening.
Adding loose packages without re-evaluating the entire load arrangement.
When preparing a quote, it is worth separating the question of the number of pallets that fit geometrically from the question of the number of units that can actually be transported in a specific arrangement. Only comparing both assessments makes it possible to check whether the plan can be implemented.
Checking the arrangement before shipping
For unusual dimensions, mixed formats, or additional packages, analysis of the entire arrangement is helpful. Pallet3D allows you to enter the dimensions and weight of boxes or rolls, place them on pallets, and then arrange the pallets in a trailer or container in an interactive 3D view. Such analysis does not replace separate confirmation of weight limits, axle loads, stability, or the method of securing the load.
Verify the specific trailer, pallet formats, and additional packages before confirming the loading plan.
Plan your load in 3D
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