Skip to content
SiteSpecCalc

Length imperial. Weight lb. Currency USD. Weight uses 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg. Currency converts US-dollar planning prices and does not change volumes, counts, or geometry.

40hc gma pallet load

Learn about the payload limits, dimensional weight, and floor slots of a 40HC container with GMA pallets. Ensure efficient planning for your shipping needs.

Formula SSC-2026.1

Floor grid · SSC-2026.1

Pallets on the floor

20

One level

Pallets in the box

20

1,440 cartons

Cargo volume

54.37 m³

1,920 ft³

Payload

44,000 lb

19,958 kg · limit 58,422 lb

Billable weight

44,000 lb

DIM 20,017 lb · actual 44,000 lb

Freight cost

$4,621.31

$3.21 per carton

Container floor planLive scaled blueprint
40 ft high cube · 20 floor slots · 1 levelPayload 75% of planning limit

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
ItemNetWasteOrderUnit priceLine totalSource Spec Material / Tool
US GMA 48×40 in pallets20 floorsingle height20 palletsTare is included in payload800 lbSource Spec Material / Tool
Cartons9 per layer8 layers1,440 cartons30.0 lb each43,200 lbSource Spec Material / Tool
Freight54.37 m³DIM vs actual44,000 lbUSD$4,621.31Source 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
ContainerFloor slotsPalletsm³ft³PayloadLimitFreight
20 ft dry9921.4175617,370 lb62,170 lb$1,819.64
40 ft dry202047.571,68038,600 lb58,863 lb$4,043.65
40 ft high cube202054.371,92044,000 lb58,422 lb$4,621.31
53 ft US trailer303081.552,88066,000 lb45,000 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.

Engineering notes

The 40HC container is designed for optimal space utilization, but understanding its payload capacity and dimensional weight is crucial for effective shipping. With a dimensional weight of 167 kg per cubic meter, it’s important to calculate your cargo's weight and volume to avoid overloading.

When using GMA pallets in a 40HC container, note that they are not stackable, which impacts how you arrange your cargo. Floor slots must be considered to maximize space while adhering to safety regulations.

Code reference

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

Field questions

What is the dimensional weight of a 40HC container?
The dimensional weight of a 40HC container is 167 kg per cubic meter, which is used to calculate shipping costs based on volume rather than just weight.
What does it mean that GMA pallets are not stackable?
Not stackable means that GMA pallets cannot be placed on top of each other, which affects how you load the container and the overall payload capacity.
What is the payload limit for a 40HC container?
The payload limit is a planning figure that should be calculated based on the weight of the cargo and the dimensional weight, ensuring it does not exceed the container's maximum capacity.
How do I calculate the payload for my cargo?
To calculate the payload, consider both the actual weight of the cargo and the dimensional weight. Use the formula: Dimensional Weight = (Length x Width x Height) / 1000000, and compare it to the actual weight to determine which is greater.

Explore Related Engineering Calculations