Loading meter calculator: calculate LDM for trucks and freight
How many loading meters does a shipment require? Find the formula, typical examples and a direct route to the 3D load planner for pallets, packages and truck loading areas.
Key facts at a glance
Loading meters (LDM) are a common planning unit in freight forwarding. They describe how much loading length a shipment occupies at an assumed loading width. For groupage, part loads and truck-space planning, the value provides a fast initial estimate.
Typical values and examples
| Example | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Euro pallet 120 × 80 cm | 1.20 × 0.80 ÷ 2.40 | 0.40 LDM |
| 2 Euro pallets 120 × 80 cm | 2 × 0.40 | 0.80 LDM |
| 1 industrial pallet 120 × 100 cm | 1.20 × 1.00 ÷ 2.40 | 0.50 LDM |
| 4 industrial pallets 120 × 100 cm | 4 × 0.50 | 2.00 LDM |
These figures are intended for preliminary planning. Actual vehicle dimensions, payload, axle loads and load securing must be checked separately for each transport.
Why loading meters alone are not always enough
Loading meters represent occupied floor area mathematically. Height, actual arrangement, stackability, weight distribution, internal vehicle dimensions and load securing are not fully evaluated. For more complex shipments, geometric load planning is therefore useful.
Check loading meters directly with a 3D loading plan
In the Spedka load planner, dimensions, weight, quantity, rotation and stackability can be entered. The planner calculates loading meters, volume and utilisation while checking whether the packages fit geometrically on the selected loading area.
Which shipments benefit most from planning?
Pallets & general cargo
Plan Euro pallets, industrial pallets and freely defined package dimensions together.
Express & direct transport
Quickly estimate which vehicle class is required for a time-critical shipment.
Industry & production
Structure loading requirements for spare parts, machine components and urgent transport enquiries.
Frequently asked questions
What is a loading meter?
A loading meter represents one metre of loading length across an assumed full loading width of 2.40 m.
How many loading meters does a Euro pallet use?
A Euro pallet measuring 1.20 × 0.80 m corresponds to 0.40 LDM.
Does the LDM calculation include stackability?
No. The pure loading-meter formula does not account for stacking. The 3D load planner can consider stackability separately.
Can I calculate several different packages?
Yes. Different dimensions, weights and quantities can be combined in the 3D load planner.
More load-planning calculators & guides
Enter dimensions, check the vehicle, share the loading plan
The Spedka load planner combines loading metres, volume, weight and geometric loading-area checks in one interface.