Choosing a trailer involves more than checking its length. Your cargo must fit through the loading opening, sit safely on the deck and remain within the vehicle's permitted weights and the route's clearances.
This guide is for arranging freight collected or delivered in the UK. The dimensions below are operator-published examples, not a UK legal standard or a statement of AJF's own fleet. Equipment must be confirmed for each booking, especially on international routes.
Enclosed trailer examples
Dimensions are in metres. Internal length × width × height describes cargo space. Door sizes are width × height; side opening is the available height, which may be less than the internal height.
| Trailer type | Internal space L × W × H (m) | Rear opening W × H (m) | Side opening height (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard curtainsider | 13.62 × 2.48 × 2.70 | 2.45 × 2.67 | 2.65 |
| Mega curtainsider | 13.62 × 2.48 × 2.94 | 2.45 × 2.90 | 2.87 |
| Box trailer | 13.62 × 2.46 × 2.70 | 2.46 × 2.70 | Not applicable to this example |
| Refrigerated trailer | 13.31 × 2.48 × 2.60 | 2.46 × 2.60 | Not applicable to this example |
Sources: DSV UK specifications for curtainsiders, mega trailers, box trailers and refrigerated trailers, checked on 8 November 2026. Manufacturers, model years and operator specifications vary.
Curtainsiders
Curtains provide side access for suitable loading operations, while rear doors support dock loading. Confirm which side or rear opening will actually be used, including obstructions from pillars and roof rails. Curtains are not automatically a substitute for an appropriate load-securing system.
Mega trailers
Mega trailers provide extra internal height compared with standard examples. They commonly use a lower deck arrangement; some have a lifting roof to assist loading. A raised loading roof does not authorise travel above the equipment's operating envelope. Check loading height, roof operation, deck height and compatibility with the tractor, ramps and loading dock.
Box and refrigerated trailers
Box trailers have rigid sides and normally rely on rear access unless specifically equipped otherwise. Refrigerated trailers have insulated bodies and temperature-control equipment that can reduce usable space. Airflow requirements can further affect loading. Agree the required temperature, product preparation and loading pattern rather than filling every apparent gap.
Other equipment to discuss
- Flatbeds: open decks for suitable cargo and loading methods. Confirm deck dimensions, weather protection, lifting and securing points.
- Step-frame and low-loader trailers: potentially useful for taller or heavier equipment; usable deck sections, ramps and ground clearance are specific to the vehicle.
- Double-deck trailers: provide separate loading levels for suitable freight. Each deck has its own height and weight limits; do not treat the overall body as one clear loading space.
- Rigid vehicles and smaller trailers: may suit restricted-access sites or smaller consignments, with different payloads, deck lengths and loading facilities.
These descriptions are equipment options to assess, not a guarantee that every type is available through AJF on every route. Ask for the proposed vehicle's dimensions and suitability before committing a load.
How many pallets will fit?
As a floor-layout calculation, the example curtainsider's 13.62 × 2.48 m space can accommodate 26 UK-footprint pallets (1.20 × 1.00 m, two across and 13 rows) or 33 Euro-footprint pallets (1.20 × 0.80 m, three across and 11 rows), assuming no overhang and suitable orientation.
Those are geometric examples, not guaranteed booking capacities. Actual clearances, securing space, pallet condition, axle loading and total weight can reduce the number. A refrigerated trailer or a double-deck load needs its own plan. See our pallet sizes and types guide.
Weight and UK route checks
Do not confuse the plated gross weight of an articulated vehicle combination with its cargo payload. The tractor, trailer, fuel, equipment and packaging also contribute to the loaded weight. Permitted gross and axle weights, load distribution and the particular vehicle determine what can be carried.
A published trailer design capacity is not permission to carry that weight on a UK road. Obtain the operator's confirmed payload for the proposed combination and route. Overall travelling height includes deck and body structure; it is not the internal cargo height. Bridges, site entrances, ferry or rail legs and overseas routes also need checking.
Before booking
Send the packed dimensions and gross weight of every item or pallet, whether it is stackable, and the loading method required. Tell us about side or crane loading, tail lifts, loading docks, ramps, restricted access, temperature requirements or goods that cannot be tilted. Include full collection and delivery addresses.
Contact AJF to discuss a suitable road-freight arrangement. For sea freight, use the separate container sizes guide.