Loading meter LDM calculation is one of the most fundamental methods used to price groupage and full truckload shipments in road freight. The figure expresses how many metres of trailer floor length your cargo occupies, and it reflects the carrier's real capacity usage, particularly for bulky, non-stackable or irregularly shaped goods. Many exporters who see "LDM" or "loading metres" on a quotation want to understand how the number is derived and what it means for their own cargo. In this Özd Global guide, we walk through the logic, the formula and practical examples of loading meter LDM calculation step by step.
What Is a Loading Metre (LDM)?
A loading metre (LDM) is one metre of floor length across the full width of a standard trailer, roughly 2.40 to 2.45 metres. In other words, 1 LDM equals about 2.4 square metres of trailer floor. A standard 13.6-metre trailer therefore offers 13.6 LDM of capacity.
LDM matters because even a lightweight consignment prevents the carrier from selling that floor space to another customer. That is why groupage pricing considers the floor length occupied, not just the weight.
The Loading Meter LDM Calculation Formula
The basic formula is straightforward:
LDM = (cargo length × cargo width) ÷ 2.4
Length and width are in metres, and 2.4 represents the standard internal trailer width. If the cargo can be stacked, divide the result by the number of stacking tiers.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- Measure the footprint of the cargo (length and width) in metres.
- Multiply the two values to get the floor area in square metres.
- Divide the result by 2.4; this is the LDM value of the cargo.
- If the goods are stackable, divide the LDM by the number of tiers.
- For multiple pieces, add up the LDM of each.
Pallet Examples
The table below shows the loading metre equivalents of the most common pallet types.
| Pallet Type | Size (m) | Footprint | LDM (single tier) | Units in a 13.6 m trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro pallet | 1.20 × 0.80 | 0.96 m² | 0.40 | 33-34 |
| Industrial pallet | 1.20 × 1.00 | 1.20 m² | 0.50 | 26 |
| Half pallet | 0.80 × 0.60 | 0.48 m² | 0.20 | 66 |
| Machine crate | 2.00 × 1.50 | 3.00 m² | 1.25 | 10 |
For example, 10 Euro pallets that cannot be stacked occupy 10 × 0.40 = 4 LDM. If the same pallets can be double-stacked, only 2 LDM is needed.
Tip: If the product overhangs the pallet edges, use the outer dimensions of the goods rather than the pallet. Even a few centimetres of overhang can stop a pallet fitting side by side.
LDM Versus Weight: Chargeable Weight
Carriers typically compare loading metres with the actual weight and charge on whichever is higher. In European road freight, the reference value for 1 LDM commonly falls between 1,500 and 1,850 kilograms, depending on the carrier and the lane. The calculation works like this:
- LDM-based weight = LDM × reference value (for example 1,750 kg)
- Chargeable weight = the greater of actual weight and LDM-based weight
Example: a consignment occupying 4 LDM and weighing 3,000 kg has an LDM-based weight of 4 × 1,750 = 7,000 kg, so the carrier prices it at 7,000 kg. By contrast, a 9,000 kg consignment occupying 4 LDM is charged on its actual weight.
Knowing your chargeable weight in advance makes quotations far easier to compare. Send your cargo dimensions through our road freight page to request a precise calculation.
How to Reduce Your Loading Metres
Lowering the result of your loading meter LDM calculation translates directly into freight savings. Practical steps include:
- Use stackable packaging: Stronger cartons and corner protectors enable double-stacking.
- Stay within pallet dimensions: Loads that do not exceed Euro pallet edges can be placed in two rows side by side.
- Consolidate onto full pallets: Build one full pallet instead of two half-empty ones.
- Crate irregular items: Rectangular crates for machinery and metal parts make floor usage predictable.
- Consolidate shipments: Combine small consignments at our Gebze warehouse and dispatch them in one go.
The Özd Global warehousing and distribution team optimises LDM usage by re-palletising cargo and preparing a load plan.
LDM Compared with Cubic Metres and Volumetric Weight
Road freight uses LDM, sea freight uses cubic metres (CBM) and air freight uses volumetric weight. All three serve the same purpose of protecting the carrier's volume capacity. In road transport, however, height is capped at roughly 2.7 metres in a standard trailer, so floor area becomes the decisive factor, which is why LDM is preferred. Sea and air freight evaluate all three dimensions together.
The LDM Advantage with Özd Global Groupage
On our weekly scheduled groupage departures to Europe, we apply transparent loading metre pricing. When customers share cargo dimensions and weight, they see the chargeable LDM upfront and avoid unexpected surcharges. The Özd Global planning team combines cargo heading for the same lane so every customer pays only for the space they actually use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilograms is 1 LDM?
In European road freight, one loading metre is usually matched to a reference weight between 1,500 and 1,850 kg. The value varies by carrier and lane, so ask which reference applies when you request a quotation.
How many LDM is a Euro pallet?
A standard Euro pallet (1.20 × 0.80 m) occupies 0.40 LDM in a single tier. If it can be double-stacked, the LDM per pallet drops to 0.20. Where goods overhang the pallet, the true outer dimensions apply.
Does loading meter LDM calculation apply to full truckloads?
With a full truckload, you hire the entire trailer (13.6 LDM), so LDM does not change the price, although it is still used to check whether the cargo fits. In groupage, LDM is the factor that directly determines the rate.
To find out how many LDM your cargo occupies and what its chargeable weight will be, share your dimensions and weights via our contact page or call +90 551 462 41 34. The Özd Global team will run the calculation for you and recommend the most economical transport option.
