40HQ Traffic Cone Loading Guide

When importing traffic cones from China, one of the first questions buyers usually ask is:

How many traffic cones can fit in a container?

There isn't one fixed answer.

The final quantity depends on the cone size, base dimensions, pallet configuration and the number of cones loaded on each pallet.

For pallet-packed traffic cones, there is also an important difference between 20GP and 40HQ containers.

As a general loading arrangement, we normally work with:

• 20GP: up to 10 pallets

• 40HQ: up to 20 pallets

The total number of cones can then be calculated from the actual quantity per pallet.

20GP vs. 40HQ Traffic Cone Loading

For palletized traffic cone shipments, a typical arrangement is:

This does not mean that every traffic cone order will always load exactly 10 or 20 pallets.

The actual arrangement can vary depending on the pallet dimensions, loading method and the specific product.

But this is a useful starting point when estimating container capacity.

How Do You Calculate the Total Number of Cones?

The basic calculation is:

Pieces per pallet × Number of pallets = Total quantity

For example, our typical 40HQ pallet loading may look like this:

• 45cm traffic cones: 1,040 pcs/pallet

• 70cm traffic cones: 504 pcs/pallet

• 90cm traffic cones: 324 pcs/pallet

If you want to mix different cone sizes in one 40HQ container, the pallet space can be allocated according to the quantities you need.

For example, one possible loading plan could be:

• 5 pallets of 45cm cones = 5,200 pcs

• 10 pallets of 70cm cones = 5,040 pcs

• 5 pallets of 90cm cones = 1,620 pcs

That gives you a total of 20 pallets in one 40HQ container, with approximately 11,860 traffic cones in total.

This is only an example. The actual loading plan depends on the pallet dimensions, cone base size, stacking arrangement and the specific products.

For mixed-container orders, we can adjust the number of pallets for each size according to your required quantities.

What About 20GP?

A 20GP can be useful for smaller orders or when the customer does not need a full 40HQ.

For our pallet loading calculations, a typical arrangement is around:

10 pallets / 20GP

But because the container is lower than a 40HQ, the pallet stacking height may need to be adjusted.

This means the quantity per pallet can be lower.

The final quantity should therefore be calculated based on the actual product.

What About 40HQ?

For larger traffic cone orders, a 40HQ is normally more suitable.

A typical pallet arrangement is around:

20 pallets / 40HQ

The greater container height also gives us more flexibility when arranging the pallets.

For high-volume orders, this can significantly improve the total number of cones loaded into one container.

Why We Recommend Confirming the Container Type Early

When you request a quotation, it is useful to tell the supplier whether you are planning to use:

20GP or 40HQ

as early as possible.

This allows the supplier to calculate:

• Pallet height

• Pieces per pallet

• Number of pallets

• Total loading quantity

It also helps avoid changing the packing plan after production has already started.

Recommended Traffic Cone Pallet Loading Table From Sloan Safety