Loading meters (LDM): how to calculate them
In European road freight, space on a truck is measured in loading meters (LDM): one meter of trailer length over the full width of about 2.4 m.
Key facts
- LDM = length × width ÷ 2.4 (dimensions in m)
- Euro pallet (120 × 80) = 0.4 LDM, industrial pallet (120 × 100) = 0.5 LDM
- Stackable cargo: divide by the number of layers
- Full trailer: 13.6 LDM (33 Euro pallets use 13.2 LDM)
The LDM formula
LDM = (length × width) ÷ 2.4, with length and width in meters. The 2.4 m is the usable width of a standard trailer.
- Euro pallet 1.20 × 0.80 m → 0.96 ÷ 2.4 = 0.4 LDM
- Industrial pallet 1.20 × 1.00 m → 1.20 ÷ 2.4 = 0.5 LDM
- 10 Euro pallets, not stackable → 4.0 LDM
- 10 Euro pallets, stackable 2 high → 2.0 LDM
Watch out: wide or long cargo
The formula assumes other cargo can be placed next to yours. A machine of 3.0 × 1.5 m is 1.9 LDM by formula – but the remaining 0.9 m width is often useless, so many carriers charge the full length: 3.0 LDM. The same applies to cargo that cannot be stacked on (fragile tops).
Trucks and capacities
| Vehicle | Load space L × W × H (m) | Euro pallets | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 t truck | 6.20 × 2.45 × 2.40 | 15 | ≈ 2.5 t |
| Swap body (BDF) 7.45 m | 7.30 × 2.48 × 2.70 | 18 | ≈ 12 t |
| Standard trailer 13.6 m | 13.60 × 2.48 × 2.70 | 33 | ≈ 24 t |
| Mega trailer 13.6 m | 13.60 × 2.48 × 3.00 | 33 | ≈ 24 t |
A standard trailer has 13.6 LDM. In planning, the weight limit (about 24 t payload) often comes before the space limit for heavy goods.
LDM and weight
Carriers convert LDM into a chargeable weight, often somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 kg per loading meter. The exact factor is part of each carrier's tariff – check it before comparing offers.
Values are typical figures for standard equipment. Actual dimensions and limits vary by carrier, container and country – always check with your carrier.
Frequently asked questions
How many loading meters is a Euro pallet?
0.4 LDM (1.20 × 0.80 m ÷ 2.4). Stacked two high, each pallet effectively uses 0.2 LDM.
How many loading meters does a truck have?
A standard or mega trailer has 13.6 LDM, a 7.45 m swap body about 7.3 LDM, a 7.5 t truck about 6 LDM.
How many Euro pallets fit in 13.6 loading meters?
33 Euro pallets in one layer (three across, 11 rows).