What is a loading metre (LDM)?
A loading metre (LDM, German Lademeter) is the basic unit of road freight. It expresses how much deck length a shipment occupies in a vehicle with an internal width of 2.4 m. It is neither volume nor weight – only floor occupancy counts. Part loads (LTL) are usually priced by LDM, because the shipment "blocks" space that could otherwise carry other goods.
How LDM is calculated
LDM = length (m) × width (m) ÷ 2.4
Euro pallet 120 × 80 cm: 1.2 × 0.8 ÷ 2.4 = 0.4 LDM. Industrial pallet 120 × 100 cm: 1.2 × 1.0 ÷ 2.4 = 0.5 LDM. For items that cannot be placed side by side (e.g. a machine 1.8 m wide) the full vehicle width counts – the item takes the whole width and its LDM equals its length.
Pallets and LDM at a glance
| Load carrier | Size | LDM per piece | Pieces per 13.6 m trailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro pallet | 120 × 80 cm | 0.40 | 33 |
| Industrial pallet | 120 × 100 cm | 0.50 | 26 |
| Half pallet | 80 × 60 cm | 0.20 | up to 66 |
| Mesh box pallet | 124 × 84 cm | approx. 0.43 | approx. 30 |
Loading metres by vehicle
| Vehicle | Deck length | Euro pallets |
|---|---|---|
| Box van | approx. 2 LDM | up to 5 |
| Curtain-sided van | approx. 4 LDM | up to 10 |
| Rigid truck 7.5 t | approx. 6 LDM | 15 |
| Rigid truck 12 t | approx. 7.2 LDM | 18 |
| Articulated truck | 13.6 LDM | 33 |
Stacking reduces LDM
Height is not part of the formula, but it decides whether pallets can be stacked. Two stacked euro pallets take only 0.4 LDM together, not 0.8. That is why every enquiry should state whether the goods are stackable. Goods with a fragile or uneven top cannot be stacked and take the full space.
When weight counts instead of LDM
With heavy goods (steel, tiles, drinks) a vehicle reaches its payload before the floor is full. Carriers therefore compare LDM with weight and charge whichever is higher. A common rule of thumb is that 1 LDM corresponds to about 1,750 kg – the exact figure varies between carriers. For light, bulky goods (furniture, insulation, packaging) loading metres decide.
Worked examples
- 6 euro pallets, not stackable: 6 × 0.4 = 2.4 LDM → curtain-sided van or groupage.
- 12 euro pallets, stackable in pairs: 6 positions × 0.4 = 2.4 LDM → groupage.
- 20 industrial pallets: 20 × 0.5 = 10 LDM → a full truck pays off.
- Machine 3.2 × 1.9 m: takes the full width, i.e. 3.2 LDM.
LDM and the choice between groupage and a full truck
From about 6–7 LDM or 5 tonnes a dedicated vehicle (FTL) is usually cheaper than paying for that much groupage space. It depends on the route and date – we will price both options for you. More in FTL vs LTL.
Common mistakes
- dimensions without the pallet or overhanging parts,
- not stating that goods are non-stackable – the carrier then charges extra space,
- calculating volume (m³) instead of floor length.
LDM calculator — enter pallets or dimensions and see the loading metres and which vehicle is enough.
Related services: Pallet transport · Vehicle types