What Are Loading Meters?
Loading meters (abbreviated LDM, from the German Lademeter) are the standard unit of measurement used in European road freight. They represent the number of linear metres of trailer floor space that a shipment occupies. Carriers use LDM to price partial loads, making it the single most important number to know when requesting a transport quote.
Why does it matter? A standard trailer is 13.6 m long, and every metre counts. Whether you are shipping a single pallet or a near-full load, knowing your LDM value lets you compare offers accurately and choose the most cost-effective option.
The LDM Formula
Calculating loading meters is straightforward. You only need the length and width of your cargo (or pallet footprint) in metres:
LDM = (Length × Width) / 2.4
The divisor 2.4 m is the standard usable internal width of a European trailer floor. By dividing the footprint area by the trailer width, you convert the occupied area into the proportional length of the trailer.
Example: Euro Pallet
A standard euro pallet (EUR/EPAL) measures 120 × 80 cm, or 1.20 × 0.80 m. Plugging into the formula:
LDM = (1.20 × 0.80) / 2.4 = 0.96 / 2.4 = 0.40 LDM
So one euro pallet takes up 0.40 loading metres. For 10 euro pallets: 0.40 × 10 = 4.00 LDM, which is roughly 29% of a standard trailer.
Pallet Types and Their LDM Values
| Pallet Type | Dimensions (cm) | LDM / unit | Max per trailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro pallet (EUR) | 120 × 80 | 0.40 | 33 pcs |
| Finnish pallet (FIN) | 120 × 100 | 0.50 | 26 pcs |
| Industrial pallet | 120 × 120 | 0.60 | 22 pcs |
| Half pallet | 80 × 60 | 0.20 | 66 pcs |
| UK pallet | 120 × 100 | 0.50 | 26 pcs |
FTL vs Groupage: When to Choose Which?
Knowing your LDM value helps you decide between two main shipping modes:
FTL (Full Truck Load)
A dedicated trailer from origin to destination. Choose FTL when:
- Your shipment exceeds 6 LDM (over 50% of a trailer)
- The goods are urgent, fragile or high-value
- You need fast delivery with no transhipments
- You want full control over the transport
Groupage (LTL / Part Load)
Your cargo shares trailer space with other shipments. An economical option when:
- Your shipment is under 2.4 LDM
- Delivery time is flexible (typically 3-5 business days)
- You want to optimise costs for smaller volumes
For shipments between 2.4 and 6 LDM, it is worth comparing both options. Sometimes FTL is only marginally more expensive than groupage while offering faster, safer delivery.
Calculate LDM Automatically
No need for manual calculations. Our free LDM calculator computes loading metres, compares vehicle types and suggests the optimal shipping mode. Just enter your cargo dimensions and pallet count.