A loading metre (LDM) is one metre of trailer length across its full width of about 2.4 m. The formula: length × width of the cargo in metres ÷ 2.4. A 120×80 euro pallet takes 0.4 LDM, a 120×100 pallet 0.5 LDM, and a full 13.6 m trailer 13.6 LDM. Part loads are usually priced by LDM.
What a loading metre is
A loading metre (LDM) is one metre of trailer length across its full width of about 2.4 m. Put simply, it is a “slice” of trailer floor of roughly 2.4 m². A full 13.6 m trailer equals 13.6 LDM.
LDM is used because nothing is usually placed on top of a pallet: cargo takes up floor area, not cubic metres. Even if a pallet is low, the space next to it and above it is already lost to other customers.
The formula
If the goods can be double-stacked, divide the result by two: two pieces take up one floor space.
Examples
- 1 euro pallet 120×80: 1.2 × 0.8 ÷ 2.4 = 0.4 LDM
- 10 euro pallets: 10 × 0.4 = 4 LDM — about 29% of a trailer
- 10 euro pallets double-stacked: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 LDM
- Crate 3.0 × 1.5 m: 3.0 × 1.5 ÷ 2.4 ≈ 1.9 LDM
LDM table for common pallets
| Pallet | Size, cm | 1 pc | 10 pcs | 20 pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro pallet | 120×80 | 0.4 | 4.0 | 8.0 |
| Industrial | 120×100 | 0.5 | 5.0 | 10.0 |
| Square | 120×120 | 0.6 | 6.0 | 12.0 |
| Half pallet | 80×60 | 0.2 | 2.0 | 4.0 |
Values are for a single layer. For double-stacked goods, divide by 2.
Loading metre calculator
Choose the pallet type and quantity — the calculator works out the LDM and shows how much of the trailer your cargo will take. You can send the result straight into a request.
A part load (LTL) fits — you pay only for your space
Indicative calculation: we'll confirm the exact rate after your request.
Why LDM is often a little higher in practice
Pallets stand in rows in the trailer: euro pallets go three across. So 5 euro pallets take 2 LDM by the formula but physically occupy two rows, i.e. 2.4 m of length. Some carriers round up to the rows occupied. Clarify this in advance — especially if you have only a few pallets.
Weight versus space
With heavy cargo, the limit is weight rather than space: 25 t for a full trailer. That is why many groupage tariffs equate 1 LDM to a certain weight — usually around 1,500–1,850 kg, depending on the carrier. You pay for whichever is greater: loading metres or weight converted into metres.
When a full truck is cheaper
The more LDM you need, the closer a part load gets to the price of a dedicated truck. From about 5–6 LDM (around 14 euro pallets) it is worth comparing both options: a full truck may cost only a little more, and it travels faster and without transhipment. More in “FTL vs LTL: when a full truck pays off”.
Common calculation mistakes
- Not saying whether the goods can be stacked. Without this, they will be priced as a single layer — which costs more.
- No dimensions for non-standard pieces. A 130×110 crate is not “one pallet” but 0.6 LDM.
- Forgetting overhang. If goods stick out beyond the pallet edge, the real dimensions count.
- Forgetting weight. Heavy cargo is charged by weight, even if it takes little space.
For how many pallets of each type fit in a full trailer, see “How many pallets fit in a truck”.
Questions and answers
How many LDM are in a trailer?
13.6 — the loading length of a standard semi-trailer.
How many LDM does a euro pallet take?
0.4 LDM: 1.2 × 0.8 ÷ 2.4.
How is LDM calculated for stacked goods?
Divide the result by the number of layers — usually by 2.
Why count metres rather than cubic metres?
Because nothing is usually placed on top of a pallet: the cargo takes floor space, and that space can no longer be sold to other customers.
Writes for shippers about trip planning, truck loading and paperwork.