40ft gma pallet load
Learn about the payload limits, floor slots, and dimensional weight of a 40ft container with GMA pallets. Get insights into planning your cargo efficiently.
Formula SSC-2026.1
Floor grid · SSC-2026.1
Pallets on the floor
20
One level
Pallets in the box
20
1,260 cartons
Cargo volume
47.57 m³
1,680 ft³
Payload
38,600 lb
17,509 kg · limit 58,863 lb
Billable weight
38,600 lb
DIM 17,515 lb · actual 38,600 lb
Freight cost
$4,043.65
$3.21 per carton
Each rectangle is one pallet slot on the floor. A second level uses the same footprint when the stackable toggle and the internal height both allow it.
| Item | Net | Waste | Order | Unit price | Line total | Source Spec Material / Tool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US GMA 48×40 in pallets | 20 floor | single height | 20 pallets | Tare is included in payload | 800 lb | Source Spec Material / Tool |
| Cartons | 9 per layer | 7 layers | 1,260 cartons | 30.0 lb each | 37,800 lb | Source Spec Material / Tool |
| Freight | 47.57 m³ | DIM vs actual | 38,600 lb | USD | $4,043.65 | Source Spec Material / Tool |
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| Container | Floor slots | Pallets | m³ | ft³ | Payload | Limit | Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft dry | 9 | 9 | 21.41 | 756 | 17,370 lb | 62,170 lb | $1,819.64 |
| 40 ft dry | 20 | 20 | 47.57 | 1,680 | 38,600 lb | 58,863 lb | $4,043.65 |
| 40 ft high cube | 20 | 20 | 54.37 | 1,920 | 44,000 lb | 58,422 lb | $4,621.31 |
| 53 ft US trailer | 30 | 30 | 81.55 | 2,880 | 66,000 lb | 45,000 lb | $6,931.96 |
Show the deterministic formula
Floor slots are a non-overlapping grid. The count is the better of one orientation, two orientations side by side, or repeated columns across the internal width. Euro 1200×800 mm resolves to 11 slots in a 20 ft dry container and 25 in a 40 ft dry container.
Cartons per pallet are the same grid on the pallet deck, times the layers that fit above a 150 mm deck and below the internal height, with 50 mm of clearance. Stackable freight uses two levels only when both levels fit.
Cargo volume is the carton cube. Volumetric weight is 167 kg per cubic meter. Billable weight is the greater of actual payload, including pallet tare, and volumetric weight. A per-cubic-meter rate uses the carton cube. A per-tonne or per-pound rate uses the billable weight. Payload limits are planning figures, not a carrier scale ticket.
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Project: 40ft gma pallet load
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This sheet is an estimate for ordering and layout discussion. It is not a sealed design. Confirm the quantities with a licensed local professional and the authority having jurisdiction before you buy or build.
Engineering notes
When utilizing a 40ft container, it's essential to understand the implications of floor slots and dimensional weight. Floor slots refer to the designated areas within the container where pallets can be placed securely. For GMA pallets, which are not stackable, careful planning is necessary to maximize space without exceeding weight limits.
The dimensional weight of your cargo is calculated based on the volume it occupies, which in this case is 167 kg per cubic meter. This means that even if your cargo is lightweight, the space it occupies can affect the overall weight calculation for shipping. Always consider the payload limit as a planning figure to ensure compliance with shipping regulations and safety standards.
Code reference
Refer to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and local shipping regulations for compliance guidelines.
Field questions
- What are floor slots in a 40ft container?
- Floor slots are designated areas within the container where pallets can be placed securely. They help in organizing the cargo and ensuring stability during transport.
- What does dimensional weight mean?
- Dimensional weight is a pricing technique used by shipping companies that considers the volume of a package relative to its actual weight. For a 40ft container, the dimensional weight is calculated at 167 kg per cubic meter.
- Why is the payload limit considered a planning figure?
- The payload limit is a planning figure because it helps shippers determine the maximum weight that can be safely loaded into the container without exceeding legal and safety regulations.
- Can GMA pallets be stacked in a 40ft container?
- No, GMA pallets are not stackable, which means they must be arranged in a single layer within the container to ensure stability and safety during transport.