How many Euro pallets fit on 1 loading metre?

A Euro pallet (1.2 m x 0.8 m) occupies 0.4 LDM. Arithmetically, 2.5 Euro pallets fit on 1 LDM. In practice two pallets are usually placed side by side (across the direction of travel), which comes to 1 LDM.

What is the difference between LDM and volumetric weight?

LDM measures the loading area occupied (two-dimensional); volumetric weight calculates the three-dimensional space taken up. In road transport, volumetric weight is worked out as L x W x H / 5,000. The forwarder charges on the highest of actual weight, volumetric weight and LDM-based weight.

At what point is a full truck load (FTL) worthwhile instead of LDM pricing?

As a rule of thumb: from around 10–11 LDM a full truck load (FTL) is often cheaper than proportional LDM pricing in groupage. The exact break-even point depends on the route, the weight and the forwarder.

Is the full vehicle width (2.4 m) always charged, even if my goods are narrower?

Yes. The loading-metre tariff is always based on the full standard width of 2.4 m, regardless of the actual width of the goods.

Loading Metre (LDM): Formula & Calculation

At a Glance

Formula: LDM = length (m) x width (m) / 2.4
Euro pallet (1.2 x 0.8 m): 0.4 LDM
Industrial pallet (1.2 x 1.0 m): 0.5 LDM
Max. lorry capacity (articulated): 13.6 LDM
Pallets per 1 LDM (EUR): 2.5 pallets

What is a loading metre?

A loading metre (abbreviated LDM or ldm) denotes one linear metre of loading area in a lorry, measured at a standard width of 2.4 metres and a usable height of up to 2.7 metres. The unit was introduced in the freight forwarding industry to make loading area comparable and chargeable. A standard semi-trailer usually holds 13.6 LDM of total loading area. In groupage traffic several customers share this area – each pays only for the share they occupy, measured in loading metres.

The formula: how to work out LDM

The formula for calculating loading metres is: LDM = length (m) x width (m) / 2.4. For a pallet measuring 1.2 m x 0.8 m this gives: 1.2 x 0.8 / 2.4 = 0.4 LDM. Where there are several consignments, the LDM values are added together. Important: the width is charged against the full vehicle width (2.4 m) even if the consignment is narrower – because the lane it occupies on the loading area is no longer available to any other customer. With stackable goods the height can become relevant if loads can be placed on top of one another.

Loading metres vs volumetric weight: which applies?

In road freight, carriage is charged on what is known as the higher value: either the actual weight, the volumetric weight (L x W x H cm / 5,000 = kg) or the loading metres. Which criterion applies depends on the forwarder and the tariff structure. With light, bulky goods the LDM value often dominates. With heavy, compact goods such as machine parts the actual weight is decisive.

When is pricing based on loading metres?

Loading metres are used above all in part-load (LTL) and groupage traffic, when consignments are too large for parcel services but too small for a full truck load (FTL). Typical consignments range from around one pallet (0.4 LDM) up to 8–9 LDM. From roughly 10 LDM upwards, a full truck load is often cheaper.

Tips for optimising LDM

Palletising your consignments compactly and stacking goods sensibly reduces the LDM value and saves freight costs. Combining several small parcels on one pallet is usually cheaper than sending many individual consignments. Giving correct dimensions at the time of booking avoids expensive corrections by the forwarder later.

Loading Metres (LDM): Calculation, Formula and Practical Examples