What are floor slots in a 40HC container?

Floor slots are designed grooves in the container's floor that allow for secure placement and anchoring of pallets, ensuring that they remain stable during transport.

What does a dimensional weight of 167 kg per cubic meter mean?

A dimensional weight of 167 kg per cubic meter indicates that the shipping cost may be calculated based on the volume of the cargo rather than its actual weight, depending on which is greater.

Why is the payload limit considered a planning figure?

The payload limit is a planning figure because it serves as a guideline for loading the container. Actual weight and dimensions of the cargo should always be verified to ensure compliance with shipping regulations.

40hc epal pallet load

Learn about the payload limits of 40HC containers with EPAL pallets, the significance of floor slots, and how dimensional weight affects shipping calculations.

Formula SSC-2026.1

Floor grid · SSC-2026.1

Pallets on the floor

One level

Pallets in the box

1,000 cartons

Cargo volume

37.76 m³

1,333 ft³

Payload

31,378 lb

14,233 kg · limit 58,422 lb

Billable weight

31,378 lb

DIM 13,901 lb · actual 31,378 lb

Freight cost

$3,209.24

$3.21 per carton

Container floor planLive scaled blueprint

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.

Bill of materials and shopping list
Item	Net	Waste	Order	Unit price	Line total	Source Spec Material / Tool
Euro EPAL 1200×800 mm pallets	25 floor	single height	25 pallets	Tare is included in payload	1,378 lb	Source Spec Material / Tool
Cartons	5 per layer	8 layers	1,000 cartons	30.0 lb each	30,000 lb	Source Spec Material / Tool
Freight	37.76 m³	DIM vs actual	31,378 lb	USD	$3,209.24	Source Spec Material / Tool

Source links open a product search on the Amazon storefront for the selected currency. SiteSpecCalc may earn a commission. The link does not change the quantities above.

Side-by-side container comparison for this pallet and carton
Container	Floor slots	Pallets	m³	ft³	Payload	Limit	Freight
20 ft dry	11	11	14.54	513	12,156 lb	62,170 lb	$1,235.56
40 ft dry	25	25	33.04	1,167	27,628 lb	58,863 lb	$2,808.09
40 ft high cube	25	25	37.76	1,333	31,378 lb	58,422 lb	$3,209.24
53 ft US trailer	40	40	60.41	2,133	50,205 lb	45,000 lb	$5,134.79

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.

Contractor sign-off

Project: 40hc epal pallet load

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Date

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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

The 40HC container, or 40-foot high cube container, is designed for maximum cargo capacity. When using EPAL pallets, it's important to note that these pallets are not stackable, which affects how cargo is loaded and secured within the container. The floor slots in the container are specifically designed to accommodate the pallets securely, ensuring stability during transport.

When calculating the payload, it's essential to consider the dimensional weight, which is calculated at 167 kg per cubic meter. This means that the volume of the cargo can impact the overall weight calculation, potentially limiting the amount of actual cargo that can be loaded. Always remember that the payload limit is a planning figure and should be verified against actual cargo weight and dimensions to ensure compliance with transport regulations.

Code reference

Refer to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines for container shipping and handling.

Field questions

What are floor slots in a 40HC container?: Floor slots are designed grooves in the container's floor that allow for secure placement and anchoring of pallets, ensuring that they remain stable during transport.
What does a dimensional weight of 167 kg per cubic meter mean?: A dimensional weight of 167 kg per cubic meter indicates that the shipping cost may be calculated based on the volume of the cargo rather than its actual weight, depending on which is greater.
Why is the payload limit considered a planning figure?: The payload limit is a planning figure because it serves as a guideline for loading the container. Actual weight and dimensions of the cargo should always be verified to ensure compliance with shipping regulations.