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LDM calculator — work out loading metres online

LDM calculator — work out loading metres online

LDM or loading metre is a unit for one metre of a truck loading area length across its full width of 2.4 metres. A euro pallet lengthwise takes about 0.4 LDM, a truck has around 13.6 LDM. The loading metre is used to calculate space and transport price.

LDM = loading metre1 m of trailer length
1 LDM ≈2 euro pallets
Load area width2.4 m
Standard trailer13.6 m ≈ 33 euro pallets
Purposegroupage price calculation
Advice+420 722 311 499
How many loading metres will your shipment take and which vehicle is enough? Enter pallets or dimensions and the calculator shows it instantly.

LDM calculator

Enter pallets or goods dimensions. The calculator works out the loading metres and suggests a suitable vehicle.

Loading metres0,0 LDMSuitable vehicle—

From about 6–7 LDM a full truck is often better value than a part load.

Calculate transport price →

Related guides: Non-standard pallets and sizes — industrial pallets, overhang and height

What LDM means

LDM (loading metre, from German Lademeter) is one metre of a truck loading area length across its full width of 2.4 metres. One loading metre therefore represents an area of 2.4 m². It is used in road transport to calculate how much space a shipment takes up.

How LDM is calculated

You calculate LDM by multiplying the length and width of the shipment and dividing by the loading area width (2.4 m). A euro pallet 1.2 × 0.8 m placed lengthwise takes about 0.4 LDM, crosswise 0.3 LDM.

How many LDM pallets take up

ShipmentLDM (approx.)
1 euro pallet (lengthwise)0.4 LDM
1 euro pallet (crosswise)0.3 LDM
Rigid truck 7.5 tup to 6 LDM
Rigid truck 12 t7.2 LDM
Truck 24 t13.6 LDM

Why LDM matters

For groupage the price is often calculated by occupied loading metres, not by weight. Knowing the number and dimensions of pallets lets you estimate how much space they take up in the truck.

Calculate your transport

Enter the number and dimensions of pallets into the calculator — we work out the vehicle and price.

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Frequently asked questions

What is LDM?
LDM (loading metre) is one metre of a truck loading area length across its full width of 2.4 m.
How many LDM does a euro pallet take?
Lengthwise about 0.4 LDM, crosswise 0.3 LDM.
How many LDM does a truck have?
A standard curtain-side truck has around 13.6 loading metres.
How is LDM calculated?
Length × width of the shipment divided by the loading area width 2.4 m.
Why LDM instead of weight?
For bulky, light goods the occupied space determines the price, not the weight.
How many LDM does an industrial pallet 120 × 100 cm take?
About 0.5 LDM (1.2 × 1.0 m ÷ 2.4 m).
How many euro pallets fit on 13.6 LDM?
33 to 34 euro pallets placed in three rows one behind the other.
Does stacking pallets save LDM?
Yes, if the goods can take it. Stacked pallets occupy only one floor space – mention stackability in your enquiry.
Is LDM used for vans too?
For vans the number of pallets and the weight usually count. LDM is used mainly for trucks and part loads.
How is overhanging cargo counted?
The largest dimension including the overhang counts. Always state the overhang, otherwise the shipment may not fit the planned space.
Does LDM or weight decide the price?
Whichever is higher. Loading metres are converted into weight, so for light bulky goods the space counts and for heavy goods the weight.
How many LDM does a mesh box pallet take?
A mesh box pallet (Gitterbox) 124 × 83.5 cm takes about 0.43 LDM.
How many LDM do a rigid truck and a van have?
A rigid truck about 6 to 8 LDM depending on its deck length, a curtain-sided van around 4 LDM.
Why doesn't the calculator show a binding price?
It gives an estimate. The binding quote reflects the date, exact route and vehicle availability – we send it within 30 minutes.
How many LDM does a half pallet take?
A half pallet 80 × 60 cm takes about 0.2 LDM.
Knapek Spedition Freight forwarding and road transport, Břeclav · Updated 26. 9. 2026