Pallet of Water: How Many Cases, What It Weighs and What It Costs
Ordering water by the pallet comes down to space, weight and price per can. Here is how operations teams estimate cases per pallet, how much a pallet of canned water weighs, how to store it and how volume changes the cost.
The order looked simple on paper: "a couple of pallets of water for the event." Then the questions started. Will it fit in the loading dock? Can the freight elevator take the weight? Where do we store it for a week? How many cans is that, really, and did we just order twice what we need?
Buying water by the pallet is one of the best ways to lower the cost per can, but it brings real operations questions about space, weight and timing. This guide gives you the numbers and the method to plan a pallet order with confidence, whether you run a hotel, a venue, an office or an event.
What is a pallet of water?
A pallet of water is a large, stacked load of water cases on a wooden or plastic platform, wrapped in stretch film so it can be moved by forklift or pallet jack and shipped by freight truck. In the US, the most common pallet footprint is 48 by 40 inches. How many cases sit on it depends on the case size, the can size and how high the supplier stacks the load.
For canned water, a case typically holds 24 cans. That makes math easy once you know how many cases your supplier puts on each pallet.
How many cases of water are on a pallet?
The number of cases on a pallet depends on two things: how many cases fit on one layer, and how many layers high the pallet is stacked. In logistics this is called the Ti-Hi: "Ti" is cases per layer and "Hi" is the number of layers. Multiply them and you have cases per pallet.
Here is how to work it out for any supplier:
- Ask for the case dimensions. Length, width and height of one full case.
- Ask for the Ti-Hi. Your supplier will have a standard pattern for each can size.
- Multiply Ti by Hi. That is your cases per pallet.
- Multiply by 24. That is your cans per pallet.
Because 12oz and 16oz cans have different heights, the same pallet holds a different number of cases for each size. Always ask for the Ti-Hi for the exact can you are ordering. Our team confirms the pallet configuration with every quote.
How much does a case of canned water weigh?
Water weighs about 8.34 pounds per US gallon, or roughly 1.04 ounces per fluid ounce. That makes it easy to estimate case weight from the can size. A 24-can case of 12oz cans holds about 18.8 pounds of water, so the full case lands at roughly 20 pounds once you add the cans and the carton. A 24-can case of 16oz cans holds about 25 pounds of water, so plan for roughly 26 to 27 pounds per case.
Here is the simple math:
- 12oz can: 12 fluid ounces of water weighs about 0.78 pounds.
- 16oz can: 16 fluid ounces of water weighs about 1.04 pounds.
- 24 cans of 12oz: about 18.8 pounds of water, plus packaging.
- 24 cans of 16oz: about 25 pounds of water, plus packaging.
These are estimates for planning. Exact gross weights depend on the can, the carton and the pallet itself, and your supplier lists them on the shipping documents.
How much does a pallet of water weigh?
A pallet of water usually weighs well over a thousand pounds, which is why it needs a forklift or pallet jack and why floor and elevator limits matter. To estimate the weight of your pallet, multiply the cases per pallet by the weight per case, then add the weight of the pallet itself, which is commonly around 30 to 50 pounds for a standard wooden pallet.
Example of the method, using round numbers:
- Cases per pallet (from your supplier's Ti-Hi): X
- Weight per case: about 20 pounds for 12oz or 26 to 27 pounds for 16oz
- Pallet weight: about 30 to 50 pounds
- Total: (X times case weight) plus pallet weight
Before delivery, check three limits at your site:
- Dock and liftgate. Can the truck unload at a dock, or do you need a liftgate delivery?
- Floor load. Upper floors, rooftops and mezzanines may have weight limits.
- Freight elevator capacity. Confirm it can take a full pallet plus a pallet jack and a person.
How much space does a pallet of water need?
A standard US pallet takes up a 48 by 40 inch footprint, a bit more than 13 square feet, plus room to move it. Plan for clear aisle space for a pallet jack and for breaking down the pallet into service coolers or storage shelves.
Good storage habits keep water tasting its best:
- Keep it cool and dry. Avoid hot loading docks, attics and direct sun.
- Keep it off bare concrete when possible. Leave it on the pallet or shelving.
- Rotate stock. Use older cases first so nothing sits past its best-by date.
- Do not stack pallets unless the supplier approves it. Crushed cases are a waste.
Our guide on how long canned water lasts explains best-by dates and storage in more detail.
How much does a pallet of canned water cost?
The cost of a pallet of canned water depends on how many cans it holds, the print method, the can size, the water type and freight. For branded cans at We Can It, digitally printed cans range from $0.90 to $2.50 per can depending on volume, with lower per-can prices at higher volumes. Labeled cans are very competitive. Sparkling adds a small premium per can. Freight is billed at cost, with no markup.
The biggest cost drivers, in plain terms:
- Volume. Larger orders lower the price per can.
- Print method. Labels suit smaller runs. Digital print on the aluminum suits larger runs and full-wrap designs.
- Can size. 16oz cans hold more water and cost more per can than 12oz.
- Water type. Still, alkaline or sparkling.
- Freight. Distance, delivery type (dock or liftgate) and timing.
For a deeper breakdown, read our guide to private label water cost and price drivers. For exact numbers for your order, the calculator gives you an estimate in a minute.
Do you need a full pallet? Sizing your order
Many teams default to "a pallet" because it sounds like the unit water comes in. But the right order is the one that matches real consumption. With We Can It, labeled cans start at 21 cases (504 cans), so a smaller event does not need a full pallet, and larger programs can order multiple pallets at better per-can prices.
A simple sizing method:
- Count your outlets. Rooms, bars, coolers, gift bags, meeting rooms or event stations.
- Estimate cans per outlet per day or per event.
- Multiply by days or events in the period you want to cover.
- Add a buffer. About 10 to 15 percent for heat, staff and surprises is a common starting point.
- Compare to your storage. If it does not fit, split the order into scheduled deliveries.
Our post on how operations teams forecast bulk private label canned water walks through forecasting for hotels and venues in more depth.
Pallet delivery checklist
Before your pallet ships, run through this list with your team.
- Confirm delivery address, receiving hours and on-site contact.
- Confirm dock delivery or liftgate.
- Confirm the path from truck to storage, including elevators and doors.
- Confirm storage space is cool, dry and clear.
- Confirm who breaks down the pallet and stocks coolers.
- Confirm what happens to the empty pallet and packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How many cans are on a pallet of water?
Multiply the cases per pallet by the cans per case. Canned water typically comes 24 cans per case, and the number of cases per pallet depends on the can size and the supplier's stacking pattern (Ti-Hi). Ask your supplier for the Ti-Hi of the exact can you are ordering.
How much does a case of 24 cans of water weigh?
A case of 24 12oz cans holds about 18.8 pounds of water and weighs roughly 20 pounds with packaging. A case of 24 16oz cans holds about 25 pounds of water and weighs roughly 26 to 27 pounds.
How heavy is a pallet of water?
Most pallets of water weigh well over a thousand pounds. Multiply cases per pallet by the weight per case and add 30 to 50 pounds for the pallet itself. Check floor, dock and elevator limits before delivery.
What is the minimum order for branded canned water?
At We Can It, labeled cans start at 21 cases, which is 504 cans, and digitally printed cans start at 100 cases. You do not need to order a full pallet to get your own branded water.
Is buying water by the pallet cheaper?
Usually, yes. Higher volumes lower the price per can. Freight is also more efficient per can on full pallets. Balance the savings against storage space and how quickly you will use the water.
How long does it take to receive a pallet of custom canned water?
Production takes about 2 to 3 weeks from artwork approval, then shipping time depends on your location. Confirm your delivery date with our team when you order.
Get a pallet quote for canned water
A pallet of water is easy to manage once you know the case count, the weight and the space it needs. Tell us your volume, can size and delivery details and a product advisor will confirm the pallet configuration and send you numbers you can plan around.
