Four Euro pallets
4 Euro pallets, each 1.2 m by 0.8 m, in a standard trailer.
Length 1.2 m, Width 0.8 m, Qty 4, Trailer 2.4 m(1.2 x 0.8 x 4) / 2.4 = 1.6 LDMLDM Calculator (Loading Meters)
Convert cargo dimensions into loading meters to estimate trailer space.
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How it works
Loading meters measure how much of a truck's floor length a shipment uses. One loading meter equals one meter of trailer length across the full trailer width.
Carriers use LDM to quote part-load and groupage freight because floor space often matters more than weight alone. Calculating LDM early helps compare rates and plan capacity more accurately.
This calculator assumes a standard internal trailer width of 2.4 meters unless you choose a different option.
Formula
LDM = (Length x Width x Quantity) / Trailer width
Length - Length of one item, in metersWidth - Width of one item, in metersQuantity - Number of identical itemsTrailer width - Internal trailer width
- A standard semi-trailer offers about 13.6 loading meters.
- Non-stackable cargo is usually charged on its full floor footprint.
Examples
Two industrial pallets
2 pallets of 1.2 m by 1.0 m placed in a standard trailer.
Length 1.2 m, Width 1.0 m, Qty 2, Trailer 2.4 m(1.2 x 1.0 x 2) / 2.4 = 1.0 LDMFrequently asked questions
What is a loading meter?
A loading meter is one meter of truck floor length across the trailer width. It expresses how much trailer space a shipment occupies.
How many loading meters does a trailer have?
A standard 13.6 meter semi-trailer offers about 13.6 loading meters of floor space.
Why is LDM used in road freight?
It helps carriers price partial loads based on occupied floor space instead of weight alone.