About this calculator
A loading metre (LDM) is the length of trailer floor a load occupies, assuming a trailer width of 2.4 m. It is the usual unit for part loads (groupage or LTL) in European road freight: hauliers charge by actual weight, or by a weight derived from the LDM when goods take up a lot of space but are light. Indonesian exporters shipping to Europe often see LDM in forwarder quotes for delivery from the destination port to the buyer's warehouse. The concept is also handy for planning deck length on domestic trucks and trailers.
The formula is LDM = length (m) × width (m) ÷ 2.4 × floor positions. Floor positions are the number of packages divided by the stacking level, rounded up, since pallets that can be double-stacked take only half the floor space. One euro pallet of 1.2 × 0.8 m uses 0.4 LDM. The tool adds up several cargo lines, shows the share of a 13.6 m trailer, and works out the LDM weight = LDM × a kg-per-LDM factor.
The default factor is 1,750 kg per LDM and you can change it, because every haulier applies its own figure. The result is a theoretical estimate: the actual floor layout, axle loads and the carrier's stacking rules still decide. Always check against your haulier's tariff conditions.
Worked example
An exporter ships 10 euro pallets of 1,200 × 800 mm, 300 kg each, not stackable.
- LDM per pallet: 1.2 × 0.8 ÷ 2.4 = 0.4 LDM
- Total: 0.4 × 10 = 4.0 LDM, or 4.0 ÷ 13.6 = 29.4% of the trailer length
- LDM weight: 4.0 × 1,750 = 7,000 kg > actual weight 3,000 kg, so billing uses 7,000 kg
- If they may be stacked two high: ceil(10 ÷ 2) = 5 positions = 2.0 LDM (9 pallets still need 5 positions = 2.0 LDM)
Allowing stacking can halve the LDM and the cost of a light shipment.
How to use it
Enter size and quantity
Type the length and width of the pallets or goods, the quantity and the weight per package if known. Add a line for each other size.
Set the stacking level
Enter how many units may be stacked on each other; 1 means not stackable.
Adjust the kg per LDM factor
Use your haulier's figure; the tool's default is 1,750 kg per LDM.
Read the result and plan
See the total LDM, the share of a 13.6 m trailer and the chargeable weight, then open it in the 3D Planner for a real layout.