Box Truck, Sprinter Van, Step Deck and Container Dimensions
Compare interior dimensions, door openings and pallet-planning estimates for the equipment we arrange. Figures describe example configurations, not guaranteed shipment capacity. Send each piece’s length, width, height and weight. We confirm the actual equipment, loading access and allowable cargo weight with the carrier.
Last reviewed: November 2026
How Many Pallets Fit: Quick Answers
| Vehicle | Standard pallets (48" × 40") | Full table |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinter van | 3 on the 144" wheelbase; 4 on the 170" and 170" extended (single file) | Sprinter Van Dimensions |
| 16 ft box truck | 7 (8 in a body 96" or wider inside) | Box Truck Dimensions (10 to 26 ft) |
| 20 ft box truck | 9 (10 in a body 96" or wider inside) | Box Truck Dimensions (10 to 26 ft) |
| 24 ft box truck | 12 (14 in a body 96" or wider inside) | Box Truck Dimensions (10 to 26 ft) |
| 26 ft box truck | 13 (14 in a body 96" or wider inside) | Box Truck Dimensions (10 to 26 ft) |
| 53 ft dry van | 26 to 30 by loading pattern: 26 straight-loaded, 28 pinwheel, 30 turned | 53-Foot Dry Van Trailer Dimensions |
| 48 ft flatbed | 24 to 28 by loading pattern: 24 straight-loaded, 26 pinwheel, 28 turned | Flatbed Trailer Dimensions |
| 20 ft container | 8 straight, or 9 with one turned into the leftover length. Geometric estimate from the Hapag-Lloyd interior, not a published count. | Shipping Container Dimensions (20', 40', 40' High Cube, 45') |
| 40 ft container | 18 straight, or 19 with one turned into the leftover length. Geometric estimate from the Hapag-Lloyd interior, not a published count. | Shipping Container Dimensions (20', 40', 40' High Cube, 45') |
| 40 ft high cube | 18 straight, or 19 with one turned into the leftover length. The inside width used here is 2,350 mm. Geometric estimate, not a published count. | Shipping Container Dimensions (20', 40', 40' High Cube, 45') |
| 45 ft high cube | 22 straight. The leftover length is too short for another pallet without overhang. Geometric estimate, not a published count. | Shipping Container Dimensions (20', 40', 40' High Cube, 45') |
Single layer. In a 53 ft dry van, straight-loaded means the 48" side along the trailer, two across; pinwheel alternates pairs (a straight pair, then a turned pair); turned means the 40" side along the trailer, two across, which needs at least about 96" of inside width. Box truck counts use a manufacturer's inside lengths: the first number is for a body about 92" wide inside, with a lane of straight pallets beside a lane of turned pallets; the second is for a body 96" or wider inside, with every pallet turned. Actual counts depend on the trailer's inside length and width (reefers and some older vans are narrower) and on pallet overhang. Shippers should confirm the count with the carrier. The pallet calculator shows each pattern.
Not sure which vehicle fits? The load planner checks weight, floor space, height and docks for sprinter vans and box trucks. The pallet calculator counts pallets for trailers and containers too.
Compare Equipment Side by Side
Shippers choosing equipment usually weigh two or three options at a time. These tables compare door access, pallet counts, liftgates and loading; each name links to that equipment's full dimensions below.
Dry Van vs Flatbed vs Step Deck vs Conestoga
| Equipment | Door or Access | Pallets (48" × 40", Single Layer) | Liftgate | Loading Methods | Typical Freight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 ft Dry Van | Rear doors, 99" × 110" opening HT, VG | 26 to 30: 26 straight-loaded, 28 pinwheel, 30 turned | Loading arrangements are confirmed with the carrier. | Rear, at a dock; forklift or pallet jack inside | Palletized or floor-loaded general freight, retail goods, transload outbound | Enclosed freight that needs weather protection and a sealed door |
| 48 ft Flatbed | Open: no doors; deck 58-3/16" off the ground UF | 24 to 28: 24 straight-loaded, 26 pinwheel, 28 turned | Not standard | Forklift from either side, crane or overhead from the top, rear | Building materials, steel, machinery, crated freight | Freight loaded from the side or top, or too large for a door |
| Step Deck (Drop Deck) | Open: no doors; lower deck about 40" off the ground loaded UF, FV | 28 on 48 ft, 30 on 53 ft (6 on the upper deck plus the lower deck) | Not standard | Forklift from the side, crane from the top; ramps on some trailers JET | Taller machinery and equipment, vehicles | Taller freight than a flatbed carries within legal height |
| Conestoga | Full side and top access with the tarp rolled back. Aero lists standard system heights of 60, 72, 84, 96, 98, 100 and 102 inches, with 104 inches as non-standard, and states that Conestoga internal height is 3 inches less than the system height. | 28 on 48 ft, 30 on 53 ft, if the clear width is at least 96"; confirm the width at booking | Not standard | Forklift from either side or crane from the top once the tarp is open; rear | Machinery, coated steel, crated freight that needs cover | Flatbed-style loading with weather cover |
Sprinter Van vs 16, 20, 24 and 26 ft Box Trucks
| Equipment | Door or Access | Pallets (48" × 40", Single Layer) | Liftgate | Loading Methods | Typical Freight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter Cargo Van (144", 170", 170" Ext.) | Rear doors 61" wide × 61" or 73" high MB | 3 (144") / 4 (170") / 4 (170" ext.), single file | Not available on our Sprinter van service MX | Rear or side by hand, pallet jack or forklift; floor 27–31" high unloaded MB | Parts, cartons, small palletized orders | Small, time-sensitive shipments |
| 16 ft Box Truck | Roll-up, 88" or 94" × 73-1/4" to 103-1/4"; side door option MG | 7, or 8 in a body 96" or wider inside | Available when arranged MX | Rear at a dock, or liftgate to ground; pallet jack inside | Furniture, appliances, small pallet loads | Liftgate deliveries without a dock |
| 20 ft Box Truck | Roll-up, 88" or 94" × 73-1/4" to 103-1/4"; side door option MG | 9, or 10 in a body 96" or wider inside | Available when arranged MX | Rear at a dock, or liftgate to ground; pallet jack inside | Pallet loads, retail and trade-show freight | Local and regional pallet deliveries |
| 24 ft Box Truck | Roll-up, 88" or 94" × 73-1/4" to 103-1/4"; side door option MG | 12, or 14 in a body 96" or wider inside | Available when arranged MX | Rear at a dock, or liftgate to ground; pallet jack inside | Partial truckload-size pallet loads | More floor without a tractor-trailer |
| 26 ft Box Truck | Roll-up, 88" or 94" × 73-1/4" to 103-1/4"; side door option MG | 13, or 14 in a body 96" or wider inside | Available when arranged MX | Rear at a dock, or liftgate to ground; pallet jack inside | Larger pallet loads under truckload size | The most floor in a straight truck |
20 ft vs 40 ft vs 40 ft High Cube vs 45 ft Containers
| Equipment | Door or Access | Pallets (48" × 40", Single Layer) | Liftgate | Loading Methods | Typical Freight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft Standard | 7 ft 8-1/8 in × 7 ft 6-1/4 in (2,340 × 2,292 mm) HL | 8 straight, or 9 with one pallet turned into the leftover length. Geometric estimate, not a published Hapag-Lloyd count. | No liftgate | Rear doors only, at a dock from the chassis; cartons by hand or pallets by forklift | Dense freight: tile, stone, metals, beverages | Heavy freight that weighs out before it cubes out |
| 40 ft Standard | 7 ft 8-1/8 in × 7 ft 6-1/4 in (2,340 × 2,292 mm) HL | 18 straight, or 19 with one pallet turned into the leftover length. Geometric estimate, not a published Hapag-Lloyd count. | No liftgate | Rear doors only, at a dock from the chassis; cartons by hand or pallets by forklift | General cargo, retail goods | Mixed general cargo |
| 40 ft High Cube | 7 ft 8-1/8 in × 8 ft 6-1/4 in (2,340 × 2,597 mm) HL | 18 straight, or 19 with one pallet turned into the leftover length. Geometric estimate, not a published Hapag-Lloyd count. | No liftgate | Rear doors only, at a dock from the chassis; cartons by hand or pallets by forklift | Light, bulky retail goods, furniture, e-commerce | Freight that cubes out before it weighs out |
| 45 ft High Cube | 7 ft 8-1/8 in × 8 ft 6-1/4 in (2,340 × 2,597 mm) HL | 22 straight. The leftover length is too short for another pallet without overhang. Geometric estimate, not a published Hapag-Lloyd count. | No liftgate | Rear doors only, at a dock from the chassis; cartons by hand or pallets by forklift | Light, bulky goods | The largest interior of these Hapag-Lloyd examples; check road and chassis limits |
Pallet counts in this comparison are geometric planning estimates, not published Hapag-Lloyd counts. They assume a standard 48 × 40 in pallet, a single layer and no overhang. Two pallets sit across on the 40 in side, which fits an inside width of 2,350 or 2,352 mm. The 48 in side runs along the length. A leftover of at least 40 in can hold one more pallet turned. Two 48 in sides need 96 in and do not fit across these interiors.
Sprinter Van Dimensions
| Vehicle | Cargo floor (L × W) | Interior height | Rear door opening | Standard pallets (48" × 40") | Published configuration examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter van, 144" wheelbase | 133" (11'1") × 70"; 53" between wheel wells | 68" standard roof; 79" high roof | 61" wide × 61" high (standard roof) or 73" high (high roof) | May fit 3, 48 in side across the van | 3,781–4,211 lbs, 2026 Sprinter 2500 example |
| Sprinter van, 170" wheelbase | 173–174" × 70"; about 53" between wheel wells. Mercedes-Benz publishes both 173 and 174 in for this 2026 cargo length | 79" high roof | 61" × 73" | May fit 4, 48 in side across the van | 3,450–3,814 lbs, 2026 Sprinter 2500 example |
| Sprinter van, 170" extended | 189" (15'9") × 70"; 53" between wheel wells | 79" high roof | 61" × 73" | May fit 4, 48 in side across the van | 3,351–3,704 lbs, 2026 Sprinter 2500 extended example |
- The dimensions shown are examples for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 cargo vans. Three standard 48 × 40-inch pallets may fit in a 144-inch-wheelbase model; four may fit in a 170-inch or extended model, with the 48-inch side across the van. Actual capacity depends on door clearance, pallet height, weight and vehicle configuration. Liftgates are not available on our Sprinter van service.
- Rear-door height is separate from interior height. On these 2026 examples the rear opening is about 61 in wide, about 61 in high on a standard roof and about 73 in high on a high roof. The 73 in figure is the door, not the inside height. Interior height on the published examples is about 68 in for a standard roof and about 79 in for a high roof.
- Cargo length on the 144 in wheelbase example is 133 in. Mercedes-Benz publishes both 173 and 174 in for the 170 in wheelbase cargo length. The extended example is 189 in. The gap between the wheel wells is about 53 in.
- Published configuration examples for payload, 2026 Sprinter 2500: 3,781–4,211 lbs (144), 3,450–3,814 lbs (170), 3,351–3,704 lbs (extended). These are not guaranteed shipment capacity. Source: Mercedes-Benz 2026 Sprinter cargo van.
Box Truck Dimensions (10 to 26 ft)
| Vehicle | Interior (L × W × H) | Standard pallets (48" × 40") | Published configuration examples | Rear door | Dock height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft box truck | Varies by body | Varies by body | Varies; uncommon in brokered freight | Roll-up | Confirm floor height and dock compatibility. |
| 16 ft box truck | 15'11-1/2" × 92-3/8" or 98-3/8" × 79-1/8" to 109-1/8" | 7 (8 only for two 48 in pallets across, if clear width is at least 96 in; not every layout) | Confirm cargo weight for the assigned chassis. | Roll-up, 88" or 94" wide × 73-1/4" to 103-1/4" high | Confirm floor height and dock compatibility. |
| 20 ft box truck | 19'11-1/2" × 92-3/8" or 98-3/8" × 79-1/8" to 109-1/8" | 9 (10 only for two 48 in pallets across, if clear width is at least 96 in; not every layout) | Confirm cargo weight for the assigned chassis. | Roll-up, 88" or 94" wide × 73-1/4" to 103-1/4" high | Confirm floor height and dock compatibility. |
| 24 ft box truck | 23'11-1/2" × 92-3/8" or 98-3/8" × 79-1/8" to 109-1/8" | 12 (14 only for two 48 in pallets across, if clear width is at least 96 in; not every layout) | Confirm cargo weight for the assigned chassis. | Roll-up, 88" or 94" wide × 73-1/4" to 103-1/4" high | Confirm floor height and dock compatibility. |
| 26 ft box truck | 25'11-1/2" × 92-3/8" or 98-3/8" × 79-1/8" to 109-1/8" | 13 (14 only for two 48 in pallets across, if clear width is at least 96 in; not every layout) | Confirm cargo weight for the assigned chassis. | Roll-up, 88" or 94" wide × 73-1/4" to 103-1/4" high | Confirm floor height and dock compatibility. |
- Body dimensions, floor height and cargo capacity vary by truck. Pallet counts are planning estimates, not guaranteed capacities. We confirm the truck’s fit, dock compatibility and any requested liftgate. Liftgate lifting capacity is separate from the truck’s cargo capacity.
- Inside sizes and rear doors in the 16, 20, 24 and 26 ft rows are Morgan dry-freight van body examples: about 92-3/8 in wide inside on a narrower body and about 98-3/8 in on a wider body, with inside height about 79-1/8 to 109-1/8 in by model. The roll-up door example is about 6 in lower than the inside height. Source: Morgan dry freight van body brochure, page 4, Morgan brochure.
- The higher pallet count is a geometric estimate for two 48-inch-wide pallets across. It requires at least 96 inches of clear interior width. It is not a fit for every mixed layout. Counts also depend on usable length, weight, overhang and handling.
- A liftgate is available when arranged. Confirm floor height and dock compatibility. This page does not deduct a liftgate’s weight from cargo capacity and does not state a non-CDL gross-weight line as a cargo payload.
53-Foot Dry Van Trailer Dimensions
| Trailer | Interior (L × W × H) | Standard pallets (48" × 40") | Cargo-capacity planning range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53' dry van | 52'6" × 98.5"–101.5" × 110"–111", by manufacturer and wall type; rear door opening 99" × 110" | 26 to 30 by loading pattern: 26 straight-loaded, 28 pinwheel, 30 turned (single layer) | About 42,000–45,000 lbs, a planning range, not a guaranteed allowance |
- Interior dimensions and rear-door openings vary by trailer. Approximately 42,000–45,000 lbs is a cargo-capacity planning range, not an average shipment weight or guaranteed allowance. We confirm available capacity with the carrier.
- These are separate published examples. Hyundai Translead: interior about 52 ft 6 in long, 98.5 to 101.5 in wide and 110 in high, rear-door opening about 99 in × 110 in. Vanguard: interior about 52 ft 6 in × 101.25 in × 110 in, door about 99 in × 110 in. Utility 4000D-X composite: rear opening about 110.5 in. Sources: Utility 4000D-X; Hyundai Translead and Vanguard sheets; C.H. Robinson equipment guide.
- A count of 26 to 30 standard pallets is a one-layer planning estimate. It depends on clear width, inside length, overhang and orientation: 26 straight-loaded, 28 pinwheel, or 30 turned when the floor allows. It is not a guaranteed capacity.
Flatbed Trailer Dimensions
| Length | Deck width | Common use | Cargo-height planning allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 ft | 8'6" (102") | Regional and local work | About 8 ft 6 in on a nominal 5 ft deck, if the route allows 13 ft 6 in from the road to the top of the load. Not an oversize permit. |
| 45 ft | 8'6" (102") | Less common | About 8 ft 6 in on a nominal 5 ft deck, if the route allows 13 ft 6 in from the road to the top of the load. Not an oversize permit. |
| 48 ft | 8'6" (102") | Standard over the road, most common alongside 53 ft | About 8 ft 6 in on a nominal 5 ft deck, if the route allows 13 ft 6 in road-to-top. Not an oversize permit. A frame rating is not cargo payload |
| 53 ft | 8'6" (102") | Common maximum length in most states; standard over the road | About 8 ft 6 in on a nominal 5 ft deck, if the route allows 13 ft 6 in road-to-top. Not an oversize permit. A frame rating is not cargo payload |
- Cargo-height allowances depend on deck height and the route’s overall height limits. The measurements shown are configuration-specific planning examples. Piece placement also depends on usable deck length, weight distribution and securement.
- An allowance of about 8 ft 6 in on a nominal 5 ft deck assumes a 13 ft 6 in road-to-top route limit. It is not an oversize permit. Utility publishes a 48 ft flatbed deck height of about 58-3/16 in. A mainbeam or axle rating is not available cargo payload.
Conestoga Trailer Dimensions
| Length | Deck width | Usable inside (with tarp closed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flatbed configuration, ATS example | Example width 8 ft 4 in | ATS example, not a general fit: about 8 ft high × 8 ft 4 in wide | Flatbed configuration example |
| Step-deck configuration, ATS example | Example width 8 ft 4 in | ATS example, not a general fit: about 8 ft upper and 9 ft 8 in lower, × 8 ft 4 in wide | Step-deck configuration example |
- Usable space depends on the deck, frame and tarp system. We confirm the freight’s fit with the cover closed.
- The rows are ATS published examples, not a rule for every trailer: flatbed about 8 ft high by 8 ft 4 in wide; step deck about 8 ft on the upper deck and 9 ft 8 in on the lower deck by 8 ft 4 in wide. Source: ATS.
- Aero is the tarp-system manufacturer. Internal clearance is less where the tarp sags, and that sag varies. This page does not use a universal system-height-minus-two-inches formula or a guessed 8 ft 2 in width. Source: Aero Conestoga.
Step Deck Trailer Dimensions
| Total length | Upper deck | Lower deck | Deck width | Cargo-height planning allowance | Cargo payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 ft | 11 ft | 37 ft | 8'6" (102") | Upper deck about 8 ft 6 in on a nominal 5 ft deck if the route allows 13 ft 6 in road-to-top. Lower-deck allowance depends on loaded deck height | Not taken from the frame rating. Confirm allowable cargo weight with the carrier |
| 53 ft | 11 ft | 42 ft | 8'6" (102") | Upper deck about 8 ft 6 in on a nominal 5 ft deck if the route allows 13 ft 6 in road-to-top. Lower-deck allowance depends on loaded deck height | Not taken from the frame rating. Confirm allowable cargo weight with the carrier |
- Cargo-height allowances depend on deck height and the route’s overall height limits. The measurements shown are configuration-specific planning examples. Piece placement also depends on usable deck length, weight distribution and securement.
- Fontaine publishes lower-deck heights of about 36 in and 40 in loaded. An 8 ft 6 in figure on a nominal 5 ft upper deck assumes a 13 ft 6 in road-to-top route limit and is not an oversize permit. A distributed frame rating is not available cargo payload. Source: Fontaine Infinity spec sheet.
Shipping Container Dimensions (20', 40', 40' High Cube, 45')
These are published examples from Hapag-Lloyd’s dry-container fleet. Dimensions, door openings and payload ratings vary by manufacturer and container. We confirm the assigned equipment for the shipment.
| Container | Interior (L × W × H) | Door opening (W × H) | Published maximum payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft standard | 19 ft 4-5/16 in × 7 ft 8-5/8 in × 7 ft 10-5/16 in (5,900 × 2,352 × 2,395 mm) | 7 ft 8-1/8 in × 7 ft 6-1/4 in (2,340 × 2,292 mm) | 62,016 lb (28,130 kg) |
| 40 ft standard | 39 ft 5-11/16 in × 7 ft 8-5/8 in × 7 ft 10-5/16 in (12,032 × 2,352 × 2,395 mm) | 7 ft 8-1/8 in × 7 ft 6-1/4 in (2,340 × 2,292 mm) | 63,383 lb (28,750 kg) |
| 40 ft high cube | 39 ft 5-11/16 in × 7 ft 8-1/2 in × 8 ft 10-5/16 in (12,032 × 2,350 × 2,700 mm) | 7 ft 8-1/8 in × 8 ft 6-1/4 in (2,340 × 2,597 mm) | 63,052 lb (28,600 kg) |
| 45 ft high cube | 44 ft 5-11/16 in × 7 ft 8-5/8 in × 8 ft 10-5/16 in (13,556 × 2,352 × 2,700 mm) | 7 ft 8-1/8 in × 8 ft 6-1/4 in (2,340 × 2,597 mm) | 61,068 lb (27,700 kg) |
- Container payload ratings are not legal U.S. road cargo limits. We confirm allowable cargo weight for the actual container, chassis, tractor, axle configuration and route.
- The 40 ft high cube tabulated inside width is 2,350 mm. One Hapag-Lloyd illustration shows 2,352 mm. This table uses 2,350 mm.
- Sources: 20 ft standard, 40 ft standard, 40 ft high cube, 45 ft high cube.
Payload Ratings
| Equipment | Published Figure | What It Is |
|---|---|---|
| 53 ft Dry Van | 55,000 lbs UT | Payload capacity, Utility 4000D-X |
| 48 ft Flatbed | 80,000 lbs UF | Mainbeam rating, evenly distributed; not a legal payload |
| 53 ft Step Deck | 100,000 lbs FV | Frame rating, distributed; “GAWR and tire ratings determine legal payloads” |
| Conestoga | See the base flatbed or step deck | The tarp system adds weight to the trailer |
| Sprinter Cargo Van | 3,351–4,211 lbs on the 2026 Sprinter 2500 and Cargo Van WORKER examples in the dimension table MB | Published 2500 and WORKER examples by wheelbase, not a 4500 payload. Separate Cargo Van 4500 examples on the same Mercedes-Benz page are 6,250 lbs and 6,812 lbs. |
| 16–26 ft Box Truck | Not published for the body | Payload depends on the chassis; a truck under 26,001 lbs GVWR does not need a CDL driver CFR383 |
| 20 ft Container | 28,130 kg (62,016 lb), Hapag-Lloyd example HL | Maximum payload of the box |
| 40 ft Container | 28,750 kg (63,383 lb), Hapag-Lloyd example HL | Maximum payload of the box |
| 40 ft High Cube | 28,600 kg (63,052 lb), Hapag-Lloyd example HL | Maximum payload of the box |
| 45 ft High Cube | 27,700 kg (61,068 lb), Hapag-Lloyd example HL | Maximum payload of the box |
Container payload ratings are not legal U.S. road cargo limits. We confirm allowable cargo weight for the actual container, chassis, tractor, axle configuration and route. The figures above are Hapag-Lloyd’s published examples. Hapag-Lloyd publishes the 45-foot high-cube payload as 61,067 lb. Where this page shows 61,068 lb, that is 27,700 kg rounded to the nearest pound.
Equipment Dimensions FAQ
How many pallets fit in a 53-foot trailer?
Published examples of a 53-foot dry van include interiors about 52 ft 6 in long, about 98.5 to 101.5 in wide, and about 110 to 111 in high, with a separate rear-door opening. Utility’s 4000D-X composite example lists a rear opening of about 110.5 in. A single layer may fit 26 to 30 standard 48 × 40-inch pallets depending on clear width, inside length, overhang and orientation. Approximately 42,000–45,000 lbs is a cargo-capacity planning range, not an average shipment weight or a guaranteed allowance. We confirm available capacity with the carrier.
What is the difference between a dry van and a flatbed?
A dry van is enclosed and loads through the rear doors. Pallet counts depend on clear width, length, overhang and orientation. A flatbed loads from the side or from above. Cargo-height allowance depends on deck height and the route’s overall height limit. About 8 ft 6 in on a nominal 5 ft deck assumes a 13 ft 6 in road-to-top limit and is not an oversize permit. We confirm the trailer with the carrier.
What are the dimensions of a step deck trailer, and when is it used instead of a flatbed?
A step deck has a short upper deck and a longer lower deck. Published examples include an 11 ft upper deck and a lower deck of about 37 ft on a 48 ft trailer or about 42 ft on a 53 ft trailer. Cargo-height allowances depend on deck height and the route’s overall height limits. Fontaine publishes lower-deck heights of about 36 in and 40 in loaded. A frame rating is not available cargo payload. We confirm piece placement with the carrier.
What is a Conestoga trailer, and how big is it inside?
A Conestoga is a flatbed or step deck with a retractable tarp-and-frame system. Usable space depends on the deck, frame and tarp system. ATS publishes examples, not a general fit: about 8 ft high by 8 ft 4 in wide on a flatbed configuration, and about 8 ft on the upper deck and 9 ft 8 in on the lower deck by 8 ft 4 in wide on a step-deck configuration. We confirm the freight’s fit with the cover closed.
What are the inside dimensions of a 26 ft box truck?
A Morgan dry-freight body example is 25 ft 11-1/2 in long inside, 92-3/8 in wide in a 96 in body or 98-3/8 in wide in a 102 in body, and 79-1/8 to 109-1/8 in high depending on the model. Counts of 13 pallets, or 14 where two 48-inch-wide pallets fit across, are geometric estimates. The higher count requires at least 96 inches of clear interior width and is not a fit for every mixed layout. We confirm the truck’s fit and any requested liftgate.
Do box trucks have liftgates?
A liftgate is available when a box truck is arranged. Its lifting capacity is separate from the truck’s cargo capacity. Liftgates are not available on our Sprinter van service. We confirm floor height and dock compatibility.
What are the cargo dimensions of a Sprinter van?
The dimensions shown are examples for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 cargo vans, model year 2026. A 144-inch-wheelbase example has a cargo floor 133 inches long. Mercedes-Benz publishes both 173 and 174 inches for the 170-inch-wheelbase cargo length. An extended example is 189 inches. The gap between the wheel wells is about 53 inches, and the rear opening is about 61 inches wide. Rear-door height is about 61 inches on a standard roof and about 73 inches on a high roof; 73 inches is the door opening, not the interior height. Three standard 48 × 40-inch pallets may fit in a 144-inch-wheelbase model; four may fit in a 170-inch or extended model, with the 48-inch side across the van. Published payload examples are 3,781–4,211 lbs, 3,450–3,814 lbs and 3,351–3,704 lbs. Liftgates are not available on our Sprinter van service.
How much more does a 26 ft box truck hold than a Sprinter van?
A 26 ft Morgan body example may be planned for 13 standard pallets, or 14 where two 48-inch-wide pallets fit across at least 96 inches of clear width. A Sprinter 2500 example may fit three standard pallets on a 144-inch wheelbase or four on a 170-inch or extended model, single file. These are planning estimates, not guaranteed capacity.
How much weight can a 40-foot container carry on the road?
Container payload ratings are not legal U.S. road cargo limits. A Hapag-Lloyd 40 ft standard example lists a maximum payload of 28,750 kg (63,383 lb). We confirm allowable cargo weight for the actual container, chassis, tractor, axle configuration and route.
What is the difference between a 40 ft and a 40 ft high cube container?
In Hapag-Lloyd’s published examples, a 40 ft standard is 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,395 mm inside and a 40 ft high cube is 12,032 × 2,350 × 2,700 mm inside. The tabulated high-cube width is 2,350 mm, not the 2,352 mm on one illustration. We confirm the assigned container.
How big is a 45 ft container?
A Hapag-Lloyd 45 ft high-cube example is 13,556 mm long, 2,352 mm wide and 2,700 mm high inside (about 44 ft 5-11/16 in × 7 ft 8-5/8 in × 8 ft 10-5/16 in). The door opening is 2,340 × 2,597 mm. The published payload is 27,700 kg (61,068 lb). That rating is not a U.S. road cargo limit.
When does a 20 ft container make more sense than a 40 ft?
A shorter container can suit dense freight that reaches a payload rating before it runs out of floor space. A Hapag-Lloyd 20 ft standard example lists 28,130 kg (62,016 lb) maximum payload, and a 40 ft standard example lists 28,750 kg (63,383 lb). Those are container ratings, not legal U.S. road cargo limits. We confirm allowable cargo weight for the shipment.
How the Figures Were Built
Every dimension is from the manufacturer, rental-fleet, ocean-carrier or federal source listed under Sources; each figure names its source. Where sources disagree, the table uses the manufacturer's published figure, and where a range is shown it is a real spread across models or wall types, not uncertainty. Container figures on this page are Hapag-Lloyd published examples. Inch and pound values are conversions of those millimeter and kilogram figures. Pallet counts are standard 48" × 40" pallets, single layer, with no overhang, and are the best of straight, turned and pinwheel loading. They are computed by the same code as the Pallet Calculator. Equipment the calculator does not list (16, 20 and 24 ft box trucks, the 45 ft high cube, step decks, Conestogas and the 53 ft flatbed) is run through the same calculation using the inside dimensions shown on this page. A step deck count adds the upper and lower decks. Container pallet figures are geometric planning estimates from the Hapag-Lloyd interiors on this page. They are not a published pallet count or a maximum.
Sources
Checked November 2026. Specific trucks and trailers differ.
- MB: Mercedes-Benz Vans, 2026 Sprinter cargo van specifications (cargo bed length, width between wheel wells, interior height, rear door, load floor height unloaded, payload). www.mbvans.com (opens in a new tab)
- MX: Maxon Lift GPC X1-LDF cantilever liftgate for cargo vans, including the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; Maxon liftgates for van bodies and trailers. www.maxonlift.com (opens in a new tab), www.maxonlift.com (opens in a new tab); Maxon Slidelift (slider gates that stow under the truck or trailer). www.maxonlift.com (opens in a new tab)
- MG: Morgan Gold Star dry freight van body brochure (16, 20, 24 and 26 ft bodies, 96" and 102" wide: inside lengths, widths and heights, rear roll-up and side door openings). ststrailer.com (opens in a new tab)
- PEN: Penske Truck Rental commercial truck specifications (16 ft light duty 12,500 GVW; 16/18 ft cab-forward 17,500 GVW; 26 ft non-CDL; floor heights). www.pensketruckrental.com (opens in a new tab)
- RYD: Ryder 16 ft box truck rental spec (payload up to 6,000 lbs; liftgate up to 2,000 lbs). www.ryder.com (opens in a new tab)
- ENT: Enterprise Truck Rental 24 ft box truck spec (payload up to 10,000 lbs). www.enterprisetrucks.com (opens in a new tab)
- UT: Utility Trailer 4000D-X dry van specifications (inside height 110-1/2" front, 111" rear; inside width 100–101"; payload capacity 55,000 lbs). www.utilitytrailer.com (opens in a new tab)
- HT: Hyundai Translead 53 ft dry van specifications (interior 52'6"; width 98.5", 101" or 101.5" by wall type; inside and rear door height 110"; door opening 99" × 110"). breadnertrailers.com (opens in a new tab)
- VG: Vanguard 53 ft dry van specification sheet (inside 52'6" × 101.25" × 110"; door opening 99" × 110"). cdn.thomasnet.com (opens in a new tab)
- UF: Utility Trailer flatbed and drop deck specifications (48 ft × 102"; flatbed deck height 58-3/16"; drop deck 11 ft upper deck at 59-5/8", lower deck 40-1/4"; 80,000 lbs evenly distributed mainbeam rating). www.utilitytrailer.com (opens in a new tab)
- FV: Fontaine Velocity 53 ft drop deck build sheet, dealer copy (11 ft upper deck, 42 ft lower deck, 102" wide, rear deck 40" loaded; 100,000 lbs distributed frame rating). trailerimages.haletrailer.com (opens in a new tab)
- AERO: Aero Industries Conestoga order template (standard system heights 60" to 104"; tarp systems for flatbed and step-deck decks; internal clearance varies where the tarp sags). aeroindustries.com (opens in a new tab)
- JET: Jet Company drop deck trailers (beavertail and ramps, removable upper-deck ramps as options). www.jetcompany.com (opens in a new tab)
- HL: Hapag-Lloyd dry-container examples (interior, door opening and maximum payload). 20 ft standard (opens in a new tab), 40 ft standard (opens in a new tab), 40 ft high cube (opens in a new tab), 45 ft high cube (opens in a new tab).
- SW: Stevens West Trailer Selector Guide (legal freight dimensions and weights). www.stevenswest.com (opens in a new tab)
- DSV: DSV step deck trailer page. www.dsv.com (opens in a new tab)
- CFR658: 23 CFR 658.17, federal vehicle weight limits on the Interstate system (80,000 lbs gross). www.ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
- LEN: 23 CFR 658.13 (states must allow semitrailers of at least 48 ft). www.ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
- CFR383: 49 CFR 383.5, commercial motor vehicle definition (26,001 lbs GVWR). www.ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)