LTL freight · trailer space
Pallet linear feet calculator.
Enter pallet size, count and your trailer interior to get linear feet of floor, pallets per row, rows, whether it fits, and total cubic feet.
Pallets and trailer
Result
Enter your numbers.
How it works
Pallets sit in rows across the trailer. Pallets per row = floor(trailer width ÷ pallet width across the trailer). Positions = pallets ÷ layers, rounded up, and rows = positions ÷ pallets per row, rounded up. Linear feet = rows × pallet length along the trailer ÷ 12. Total cube = pallets × length × width × loaded height ÷ 1,728. The tool tries both orientations and reports the shorter one that fits. Worked example: 10 pallets of 48 × 40 × 48 in in a 100 in wide trailer, not stacked. Turned so 40 in runs along the trailer, 2 fit across (96 in), giving 5 rows and 200 in, or 16.67 linear feet. With 48 in along the trailer and 40 in across, 2 still fit across (80 in), giving 5 rows and 240 in, or 20 linear feet.
Stacking is only counted when you allow it and the loaded height fits under the roof height you enter; the tool never stacks more layers than fit.
What this does not decide
Linear feet is a way to describe floor space. Carriers decide when to switch to a volume or spot quote and how they round, so check their tariff. Real loads can mix pallet sizes, use pinwheel patterns or have weight and stacking limits that this tool ignores. Pallets must be identical for this calculation; for mixed sizes run each size separately and add the results. This is general information, not a carrier quote or professional advice.
Sources (each retrieved 2026-10-16): Utility Trailer, dry van specifications (inside width 101 in at the wear band, inside height 110½ in front and 111 in rear, 53 ft 0 in length for one model; the tool defaults are set slightly below these). The geometry is arithmetic, not a published rule.
FAQ
How many linear feet is one pallet?
A standard 48 x 40 inch pallet placed so that 40 inches runs along the trailer uses 40 / 12 = 3.33 linear feet if it is the only pallet in its row, but two fit side by side across a trailer about 100 inches wide, so each pair of pallets uses 3.33 linear feet together.
How do I calculate linear feet for LTL?
Divide the trailer width by the pallet width across to get pallets per row, divide the number of pallet positions by that to get rows, then multiply rows by the pallet length along the trailer in inches and divide by 12.
How many pallets fit in a 53 foot trailer?
It depends on pallet size, orientation and stacking. Use the calculator with your pallet size and the trailer interior. Straight rows of 48 x 40 inch pallets in a 100 inch wide trailer fit 2 per row; the tool shows the capacity for your numbers.
Does stacking reduce linear feet?
Yes, if the loaded pallet is short enough to stack two high under the roof and the freight is stackable, positions drop by about half. Carriers may charge or refuse stacking, so confirm with them.
Is linear feet the same as the freight class?
No. Linear feet measures floor space; freight class is based on density, stowability, handling and liability. Check your carrier’s tariff or the NMFC for the class.