Loading meter calculator (LDM)
Work out loading metres for a semi-trailer, mega trailer, rigid truck or container in seconds. EUR pallets 120×80, industrial 120×100, any custom size, stacking and weight — with a top-view load plan.
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How loading metres are calculated
A loading metre (LDM) is one metre of length of a truck's loading floor across its full width. European road hauliers use it to price part loads (LTL/groupage): if your pallets take up a quarter of a trailer, you pay for that floor space — even if they weigh little, because nobody else can put cargo there.
The standard semi-trailer is 13.6 m long and about 2.4–2.48 m wide inside, so a full trailer is 13.6 LDM. Because the width is fixed at 2.4 m by convention, the formula is:
floor places = quantity ÷ stacked layers, rounded up
- EUR pallet 120×80: 1.2 × 0.8 ÷ 2.4 = 0.4 LDM
- Industrial pallet 120×100: 1.2 × 1.0 ÷ 2.4 = 0.5 LDM
- Half pallet 80×60: 0.8 × 0.6 ÷ 2.4 = 0.2 LDM
Stacking reduces loading metres: 10 EUR pallets stacked two high take 5 floor places, so 5 × 0.4 = 2.0 LDM instead of 4.0. Odd numbers round up — 3 pallets in two layers still use 2 places. Only stack when the goods and packaging allow it, and check the stack fits under the roof.
Loading metres vs. weight
Many carriers also convert weight into loading metres — for example 1 LDM = 1,500–2,000 kg, depending on the company and route — and invoice whichever is higher. These ratios are commercial terms, not a legal standard: always check the carrier's conditions. To compare volume and weight for other transport modes, use the volumetric weight calculator.
Examples and quick reference
| Cargo | Calculation | Loading metres |
|---|---|---|
| 1 EUR pallet | 1.2 × 0.8 ÷ 2.4 | 0.4 LDM |
| 12 EUR pallets, not stackable | 12 × 0.4 | 4.8 LDM |
| 12 EUR pallets, stacked ×2 | 6 × 0.4 | 2.4 LDM |
| 8 industrial pallets 120×100 | 8 × 0.5 | 4.0 LDM |
| Crate 240×120 cm | 2.4 × 1.2 ÷ 2.4 | 1.2 LDM |
| Full semi-trailer | 13.6 m of floor | 13.6 LDM |
How many pallets fit in a truck?
| Vehicle (internal) | EUR 120×80 | Industrial 120×100 |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-trailer / mega, 13.6 × 2.45 m | 33 (34 with zero tolerance) | 26 |
| Rigid truck, 7.2 × 2.45 m | 18 | 14 |
| Box van, 4.2 × 2.05 m | 8 | 6 |
| 40′ container, 12.03 × 2.35 m | 23–25 | 20–22 |
| 20′ container, 5.90 × 2.35 m | 11 | 9 |
Single layer, typical internal dimensions. Exact numbers depend on the body, pallet overhang and how the carrier secures the load. For containers, also try the CBM and container calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is a loading metre (LDM)?
A loading metre is one metre of a truck's loading floor across its full width (taken as 2.4 m). It is the usual unit for pricing part loads in European road freight. A standard 13.6 m semi-trailer equals 13.6 LDM.
How many loading metres is a EUR pallet?
A EUR pallet (120×80 cm) is 0.4 LDM: 1.2 × 0.8 ÷ 2.4. An industrial pallet (120×100 cm) is 0.5 LDM. If pallets can be stacked, divide the number of pallets by the number of layers first.
How many EUR pallets fit in a 13.6 m trailer?
Usually 33 EUR pallets in one layer (three across, 11 rows). Loaded crosswise, two across, 34 can fit in theory, but that leaves no tolerance, so most carriers plan 33. For industrial pallets 120×100 the figure is 26.
Why is 2.4 used in the formula and not the real trailer width?
It is a market convention: the loading metre is defined on a 2.4 m wide floor, so the result does not depend on whether a particular trailer is 2.45 or 2.48 m wide inside. That keeps prices comparable between carriers.
Do carriers charge by loading metres or by weight?
Often by whichever is higher. Heavy, compact cargo may be converted into loading metres by weight (a common range is 1,500–2,000 kg per LDM). These ratios differ between companies and routes and are part of the carrier's terms — they are not set by law.
Is this calculator free? Do I need to register?
Yes, it is free and works without registration. All calculations run in your browser. If you want to save calculations, price them with your own route tariffs and attach them to shipments, create a free milog account — every milog module is free for everyone until September 2027.
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