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Freight Tool

Trailer Loading
Optimizer

Professional load planning for warehouse managers, shipping departments, and carriers. Get cube, weight distribution, and axle analysis before you book.

Quick Presets— pre-fill all fields instantly
Measurement Units:

Step 1 — Trailer Type

Step 2 — Product Type (optional)

Step 3 — Pallet Groups

Stackable

Frequently Asked Questions

How do carriers calculate linear footage for a palletized LTL shipment?
Most LTL carriers estimate linear footage as the number of standard pallet positions your freight requires on the trailer floor, multiplied by 40 inches (a standard GMA pallet length), then converted to feet. A two-column floor plan is assumed: pallets are loaded two across (side by side), so a single pallet requires 40 inches of length, and two pallets side by side also occupy 40 inches. Once your shipment exceeds roughly 10-12 linear feet, carriers may re-rate it as a volume or partial truckload shipment.
What is the standard pallet size used in Canadian LTL freight?
The most common pallet size in Canadian LTL is the GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallet: 48 inches deep by 40 inches wide. This fits two across a standard 96-inch (8 ft) wide dry van trailer. European pallets (1,200 x 800 mm / 47 x 31 in) and half pallets are also encountered, especially in retail and consumer goods. Pallet size affects how many positions fit in the trailer and therefore the linear footage charge.
How can I reduce LTL freight costs by optimising my pallet configuration?
The main levers are: maximise pallet height (stack items to the carrier's height limit, commonly 60-72 inches including pallet, to reduce the number of pallets needed); minimise overhang (freight overhanging the pallet edges counts as extra width and may require additional positions); use a footprint closer to 48x40 inches to avoid wasted deck space; and consolidate multiple small orders onto fewer pallets when possible. Fewer pallets at maximum legal weight reduces the cost-per-unit shipped.
What is the maximum pallet weight for a standard LTL shipment in Canada?
Most Canadian LTL carriers accept individual pallets up to 2,500 lbs (approximately 1,135 kg). Pallets above this threshold may be classified as heavy freight and require special handling equipment at the destination terminal. The trailer's legal payload limit in Canada is typically 20,000-24,000 lbs net cargo depending on axle configuration, which constrains total shipment weight independent of individual pallet weight.
About this tool

What it calculates

Calculates how many pallets fit in a standard 53-ft dry van trailer and helps you optimize your load configuration for maximum utilization.

Who it's for

Shippers and warehouse managers planning floor loads, estimating FTL utilization, or deciding whether to consolidate shipments.

What you'll need

Pallet dimensions (length and width), pallet count, and whether pallets can be double-stacked.

How to use the result

Use utilization results to identify whether freight needs a full trailer or whether partial truckload or LTL consolidation makes sense.

Key assumptions

Calculation assumes a standard 53-ft × 102-in trailer. Reefer trailers are shorter due to insulation. Actual loading configurations depend on pallet weight distribution and stackability.

When to confirm with a specialist

For oversized pallets, mixed freight, or temperature-controlled loads, contact OTR Logistics Solutions to confirm trailer fit and capacity before booking.

Need help with this shipment?

OTR Logistics Solutions specialists available 24/7 — no account required.

1-855-247-OTR0

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