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Calculate Loading Meters
Calculate required loading meters for your freight
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Loading Meter Calculator – Complete Guide for Road Transport
The loading meter (LDM) is the unit of measurement for the length of truck loading space used. It enables fair billing of partial loads (LTL/groupage) when multiple shipments share a vehicle. One loading meter corresponds to 1 running meter of loading area at standard truck width (2.4 m).
Formula: LDM = (Length × Width) / 2.4. For stackable goods under 1 m height, some carriers halve the LDM. This calculator shows the exact loading meter requirement for your shipment.
Loading Meter Formula and Calculation
| Fall | Formel / Wert |
|---|---|
| Standard formula | LDM = (Length m × Width m) / 2.4 |
| Multiple packages | LDM = Σ (L × W) / 2.4 per collo |
| Volume weight check | min. 1,750 kg / LDM |
| Euro pallet (120×80 cm) | 0.4 LDM |
| Industrial pallet (120×100 cm) | 0.5 LDM |
Truck Types and Loading Capacities
| Fahrzeugtyp | LDM |
|---|---|
| Semi-trailer (standard) | 13.6 LDM |
| Mega/jumbo trailer | 13.6 LDM |
| Swap body (7.15 m) | 7.15 LDM |
| Box truck 7.5t | 3.6–4.2 LDM |
| Van / sprinter | 1.5–2.5 LDM |
LTL (Partial Load) vs. FTL (Full Truck Load) – When to Use Which?
The choice between partial load (LTL/groupage) and full truck load (FTL/direct transport) depends on loading meter requirements:
0.1 – 5 LDM
→ Groupage (LTL)
Cost-effective, 2–5 day transit, consolidated with other shipments
5 – 9 LDM
→ LTL or partial charter
From 5 LDM it is often cheaper to request a direct transport quote
9 – 13.6 LDM
→ FTL / direct transport
Full truck almost always more economical than groupage
> 13.6 LDM
→ Multiple trucks or special transport
Multi-axle shipments or special vehicles required
5 Common Loading Meter Calculation Mistakes
Forgetting overhangs
Goods that extend beyond the pallet must be calculated using actual dimensions (length × width), not pallet dimensions.
Ignoring stackability
"Do not stack" goods occupy the full loading height (up to 220 cm) and must not have other freight stacked on top.
Not accounting for width > 2.4 m
Overwidth goods (> 2.4 m) occupy more than the full truck width and are billed as special transport. The standard formula does not apply.
Ignoring the 1,750 kg/LDM threshold
If shipment weight ÷ calculated LDM > 1,750 kg, many carriers charge by weight rather than LDM. Both values must be checked.
Not including packaging
The size of the packaging (crate, pallet, wrapping) must be included in the calculation. Goods are not loaded loose.
FAQ
What is a loading meter?▼
A loading meter (LDM) corresponds to 1 running meter of loading area on a standard truck (width 2.4 m, height 2.2–2.7 m). It is the billing unit for partial loads in road transport.
How many euro pallets fit on a truck?▼
A semi-trailer (13.6 LDM) holds 33 euro pallets (120×80 cm) or 26 industrial pallets (120×100 cm) in single-row loading.
What is the difference between LDM and CBM?▼
LDM (loading meter) is the length unit on the truck. CBM (cubic meter) is the volume of the shipment. Road transport primarily uses LDM; sea freight uses CBM.
When is a full truck load (FTL) worthwhile?▼
From approximately 7–9 loading meters, a direct transport is usually cheaper than groupage. Time-critical shipments may justify FTL even at fewer LDM.
What does "not stackable" mean?▼
"Not stackable" means no other freight may be placed on the goods. These items occupy the full loading height and are charged the full LDM rate accordingly.