Truck Loading Guide
How many items fit on different truck types? Get the numbers you need for logistics planning.
Common Truck Types
53' Dry Van(Most Common)
Size: 53' L × 8.5' W × 9.5' H
Max Weight: 34,000 lbs
48' Dry Van
Size: 48' L × 8.5' W × 9.5' H
Max Weight: 34,000 lbs
26' Box Truck
Size: 26' L × 8' W × 8' H
Max Weight: 26,000 lbs
Loading Quantities
| Product | 53' Trailer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Wood Pallets 48×40×5.5 inches 37-42 lbs | 400-500 pallets | Stack 8-10 high, weight limited |
Gaylord Boxes 48×40×36 inches 15-25 lbs | 60-80 boxes | Stack 8-10 high when empty |
IBC Totes 48×40×46 inches 130-150 lbs (empty) | 60-65 totes | Single layer only when loaded |
Metal Drums 22.5×34.5 inches 35-45 lbs (empty) | 200-250 drums | Can stack 2-3 high depending on contents |
Plastic Drums 22.5×34.5 inches 15-25 lbs (empty) | 180-220 drums | Lighter than steel, can optimize for space |
Bulk Bags 35×35×35 inches 3-8 lbs (empty) | 800-1,000 bags | High compression when empty |
Wood Crates Various sizes Varies | Varies | Standard loading practices apply |
Plastic Pallets Various sizes Varies | Varies | Standard loading practices apply |
Wooden Spools Various sizes Varies | Varies | Standard loading practices apply |
Plastic Crates Various sizes Varies | Varies | Standard loading practices apply |
Cardboard Bales Various sizes Varies | Varies | Standard loading practices apply |
Shipping Boxes Various sizes Varies | Varies | Standard loading practices apply |
Lumber Various sizes Varies | Varies | Standard loading practices apply |
Moving Boxes Various sizes Varies | Varies | Standard loading practices apply |
Equipment Various sizes Varies | Varies | Standard loading practices apply |
Loading Tips
Weight vs Space
Dense materials like liquids in drums usually hit weight limits before space limits. Light materials like empty gaylord boxes fill space first.
Stacking Height
IBC totes can't be stacked when full. Gaylord boxes stack 8-10 high. Drums can stack 2-3 high depending on contents.
Loading Patterns
Pallets load in optimized patterns for maximum efficiency. Drums and totes load more flexibly but follow weight distribution rules.
Weight Distribution
Heavy items go toward the front and center of the trailer. Distribute weight evenly side-to-side to avoid tipping.
Calculation Examples
Example 1: Empty Gaylord Boxes
Item: Empty gaylord boxes (48×40×36), 15 lbs each
Truck: 53' trailer (34,000 lb limit)
Calculation: 34,000 ÷ 15 = 2,267 boxes (weight limit)
Reality: 550 boxes (proper packing optimization)
Result: Space is the limiting factor, not weight
Example 2: Full IBC Totes
Item: 275-gal IBC totes full of water (2,400 lbs each)
Truck: 53' trailer (34,000 lb limit)
Calculation: 34,000 ÷ 2,400 = 14 totes (weight limit)
Reality: 14 totes (weight limit reached first)
Result: Weight is the limiting factor, not space