PET preforms are the essential raw material for producing bottles used in beverages, cosmetics, food packaging, and chemicals. As demand for bottled water and soft drinks continues to grow, procurement officers and distributors often ask: how many PET preforms can fit on a truck or in a shipping container?
Factors Affecting PET Preform Loading Capacity
PET Preform Size and Weight
PET preforms are available in different neck finishes and weights:
- 28mm and 30mm PET preforms – commonly used for water and soft drink bottles.
- 38mm PET preforms – suitable for juice or milk bottles.
- 55mm wide neck PET preforms – designed for 5-gallon water bottles or jars.
The heavier and larger the preform, the fewer units can be loaded per truck.
Packaging and Palletization
PET preforms are usually packed in cartons, woven jumbo bags, or directly on plastic pallets. Palletized packaging ensures better stability during shipping and easier loading/unloading.
Truck Size and Container Type
- 20ft container (20GP): Typically used for smaller shipments.
- 40ft high cube container (40HQ): Standard choice for bulk PET preform exports.
- Domestic trucks: Loading capacity varies by regional logistics rules.
Stacking and Safety Requirements
PET preforms must be transported carefully to prevent deformation. Many buyers request food-grade PET preform packaging standards, which include protective wrapping and controlled stacking height.
Typical Truck Loading Quantities
Here is a reference table showing PET preform truck and container loading capacities by neck size, weight range, and packaging method:
| Neck Size (mm) | Weight Range (g) | Carton Packing (pcs/carton) | 40HQ Capacity (pcs) | 20FT Capacity (pcs) |
| 28 Neck (1881) | 10 – 35 | 480–1500 | 520,000 – 1,400,000 | 214,080 – 576,000 |
| 28 High Neck (1810) | 14 – 55 | 370–1000 | 1,100,000 – 4,400,000 | 452,000 – 1,809,300 |
| 29/25 Neck (Carbonated) | 10.5 – 32 | 650–1300 | 610,000 – 1,200,000 | 250,900 – 494,000 |
| 30 Neck (3025) | 13 – 35 | 450–1150 | 560,000 – 1,000,000 | 230,400 – 411,700 |
| 38 Neck (3830 Hot Fill) | 28 – 75 | 168–520 | 168,000 – 520,000 | 6,917 – 21,411 |
| 55 Neck | 650 – 750 | 26 | 35,000 | 14404 |
How to Optimize PET Preform Transportation
- Use lightweight PET preforms – Reduces freight cost per unit.
- Adopt efficient palletization – Plastic pallets allow safer stacking and minimize wasted space.
- Combine with accessories – Many buyers request shipping PET preforms with caps and handles in the same container, saving logistics costs.
- Work with professional suppliers – A reliable PET preform factory in China, like Enlightening Plast, can design custom pallet packaging to maximize truck capacity.
Conclusion
The number of PET preforms that fit on a truck or container depends on preform size, weight, packaging style, and transport conditions. While a 20ft container may carry around 200,000–250,000 pcs, a 40ft container can load up to 900,000 pcs under optimized bulk packaging.
For international buyers, working with an experienced PET preform manufacturer ensures not only high-quality products but also cost-effective shipping solutions. Enlightening Plast, a leading custom PET preform supplier in China, provides color, weight, and neck size customization, along with caps and handles, making it a one-stop solution for global bottling and packaging companies.
FAQ
Q1: How many PET preforms fit in a 20ft container?
Typically 200,000–250,000 pcs, depending on size and packaging.
Q2: How many PET preforms fit in a 40ft container?
Between 450,000 and 900,000 pcs, depending on whether cartons or jumbo bags are used.
Q3: Can PET preforms and caps be shipped together?
Yes, many PET preform wholesale suppliers ship preforms with caps and handles in the same container.
Q4: Do PET preform manufacturers offer customized shipping solutions?
Yes. Leading suppliers such as Enlightening Plast provide custom PET preform packaging, helping clients maximize truck space and reduce costs.
