Truck Internal Dimensions
Understanding internal dimensions is crucial for freight planning and cargo optimization. This guide provides detailed measurements for all common truck types to help you plan your shipments effectively.
Truck DimensionsCargo SpaceFreight Planning
Dry Van
Volume: 4,050 cubic feetPallet Capacity: 26-30 standard pallets
Internal Dimensions
length:53 feet (636 inches)
width:8.5 feet (102 inches)
height:9 feet (108 inches)
door Height:8.5 feet (102 inches)
door Width:8.5 feet (102 inches)
Important Notes
- •Most common trailer type
- •Rear door loading only
- •Standard pallet positions: 13 per side
Dry Van (48 ft)
Volume: 3,672 cubic feetPallet Capacity: 24 standard pallets
Internal Dimensions
length:48 feet (576 inches)
width:8.5 feet (102 inches)
height:9 feet (108 inches)
door Height:8.5 feet (102 inches)
door Width:8.5 feet (102 inches)
Important Notes
- •Shorter version of dry van
- •Better for urban deliveries
- •Standard pallet positions: 12 per side
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Volume: 3,800 cubic feetPallet Capacity: 26 standard pallets
Internal Dimensions
length:53 feet (636 inches)
width:8.5 feet (102 inches)
height:9 feet (108 inches)
door Height:8.5 feet (102 inches)
door Width:8.5 feet (102 inches)
Important Notes
- •Slightly less space due to insulation
- •Temperature control equipment reduces volume
- •Refrigeration unit at front
Flatbed
Volume: No volume restrictionPallet Capacity: 26-30 standard pallets (if stacked)
Internal Dimensions
length:48-53 feet (576-636 inches)
width:8.5 feet (102 inches)
height:No height restriction
deck Height:5 feet from ground
max Height:8.5 feet (legal height limit)
Important Notes
- •Open deck design
- •Side and rear loading
- •Height limited by road clearances
- •Tie-down points every 2 feet
Step Deck
Volume: Variable by sectionPallet Capacity: 24-26 standard pallets
Internal Dimensions
upper Deck:11 feet long
lower Deck:42 feet long
width:8.5 feet (102 inches)
upper Height:8.5 feet clearance
lower Height:10 feet clearance
deck Height:3.5 feet (upper), 18 inches (lower)
Important Notes
- •Two-level deck system
- •Accommodates taller cargo
- •Ramps between levels
- •Total combined height: 13.5 feet
Lowboy
Volume: Maximum height utilizationPallet Capacity: Not typically used for pallets
Internal Dimensions
length:53 feet (636 inches)
width:8.5 feet (102 inches)
deck Height:18-24 inches from ground
max Height:11.5 feet (legal limit)
well Depth:2-3 feet
Important Notes
- •Extremely low deck
- •Detachable neck design
- •Maximum height capacity
- •Specialized for oversized cargo
Standard Pallet Sizes
Common pallet dimensions for freight planning
Standard GMA Pallet
Dimensions:48" x 40"
Height:5.5"
Most common pallet size in North America
Euro Pallet
Dimensions:47.2" x 31.5"
Height:5.7"
Standard European pallet size
Block Pallet
Dimensions:48" x 40"
Height:5.5"
Four-way entry, more durable
Half Pallet
Dimensions:48" x 20"
Height:5.5"
Half the size of standard pallet
Dimension Calculation Tips
Pallet Loading
- • Standard 48"x40" pallets: 26 pallets in 53' trailer
- • Leave 2-3 inches clearance on each side
- • Account for pallet overhang and product dimensions
- • Consider weight distribution for safety
Volume Calculations
- • Volume = Length × Width × Height
- • Account for packaging and void space
- • Consider cube vs. weight limitations
- • Factor in loading/unloading accessibility