Export & Logistics
Container loading calculations for forklifts and warehouse trucks — by truck type, with the packing method that decides the real number.
Last updated: 11 October 2026
This comes up in almost every export enquiry, and the answer depends far more on how the trucks are packed than on how big they are.
The container dimensions that matter
- **40ft High Cube (40HC)** — internal 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m, about 76 m³. The standard choice for forklifts.
- **40ft standard** — 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m, about 67 m³. 30 cm less height rules out many counterbalance trucks.
- **20ft** — 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m, about 33 m³. Only stackers and pallet trucks.
Typical loads by truck type
| Truck type | 40HC | Packing method |
|---|
| Hand pallet truck | 180 – 240 | Nested, wheels removed on some models |
| Electric pallet truck | 60 – 90 | Nested and stacked two high |
| Semi-electric stacker | 40 – 60 | Mast laid down or removed |
| Walkie stacker | 24 – 36 | Mast folded, two rows |
| Stand-on stacker | 16 – 24 | Two rows, masts lowered |
| Reach truck | 8 – 12 | Mast removed, shipped separately |
| Counterbalance forklift (1.5 – 2.0 t) | 4 – 6 | Mast removed and laid alongside |
| Counterbalance forklift (3.0 t+) | 2 – 3 | Mast removed, one row |
| Order picker | 6 – 10 | Mast lowered, nested |
These are indicative. The actual number is fixed by three decisions:
The three decisions that set the number
- **Mast removed or not.** A counterbalance truck with its mast on cannot be stacked. Removing the mast is normal for export and typically doubles the number that fits. It must be re-fitted and re-tested at destination.
- **Stacked two high or not.** Stackers and pallet trucks can be crated and stacked if the crate is designed for it. Counterbalance trucks almost never can.
- **Wheels fitted or not.** Removing wheels saves 80 – 150 mm per truck of height, which is sometimes exactly what is needed to stack.
What to tell your supplier
- Quantity and model for each type
- Whether you can re-fit masts and wheels at destination
- Whether you need them crated (some ports and some buyers require it)
- Destination port and whether you have a forklift to unload at your end
That last point matters more than people expect. A container of counterbalance trucks with masts removed cannot be unloaded without a forklift at destination. If you do not have one, say so before loading.
Need help choosing the right truck?
Send us your load weight, lifting height and aisle width — we will recommend the right model.
Frequently asked questions
How many forklifts fit in a 40 ft container?
It depends on the model. Walkie stackers can reach 20–30 units; four-wheel forklifts usually 3–6. Confirm against overall dimensions and the dismantling plan.
Does dismantling the mast help?
Considerably. Removing the mast lowers overall height so machines can be stacked — but agree in the contract who reassembles at destination.
Who produces the loading plan?
The supplier should issue a loading drawing showing each unit position and lashing points, to avoid damage discovered on arrival.
