How do you calculate loading metres?

With the formula loading metres = (length × width) ÷ 2.4. The 2.4 is the usable interior width of a truck in metres. Example: a crate of 2.0 × 1.2 m occupies (2.0 × 1.2) ÷ 2.4 = 1.0 loading metre.

Why do forwarders bill by loading metres?

Because non-stackable freight blocks floor space regardless of weight. Loading metres make shipments comparable: whoever occupies 3 loading metres pays for 3 running metres of truck – even if the goods are light. A conversion of roughly 1,750 kg per loading metre is common for chargeable weight.

What about stackable goods?

Stackable goods need fewer loading metres because two levels sit on top of each other: 4 stackable Euro pallets occupy 0.8 instead of 1.6 loading metres. Whether stacking is allowed depends on goods, packaging, and transport requirements – check with your forwarder when in doubt.

How much does a loading metre of transport cost?

That depends on route, vehicle, and timing. With the Maxmove transport cost calculator you get a real, bookable price for your route in seconds – not an estimate.

Loading Metre Calculator: Calculate ldm Online

Pick a pallet type or enter dimensions – the calculator instantly shows how many loading metres your freight occupies and how much trailer space that means.

✓ Standard formula (length × width) / 2.4
✓ Euro, industrial, half pallet & mesh box
✓ Free, no signup

Enter your freight

Packaging

Quantity

Result

0.40 loading metres

That's roughly 3 % of a standard semi-trailer (13.6 loading metres).

Calculated without stacking and without weight limits – for stackable goods or heavy freight the actual space required may differ.

What is a loading metre?

A loading metre (ldm) is one running metre of truck bed across the full usable width – 2.4 m² at a 2.40 m interior width. Forwarders bill bulky, non-stackable freight by loading metres because it blocks floor space regardless of weight. The standard formula: loading metres = (length × width) ÷ 2.4.

A Euro pallet (1.20 × 0.80 m) therefore occupies 0.4 loading metres, an industrial pallet 0.5. A standard semi-trailer offers 13.6 loading metres – enough for 33 to 34 Euro pallets on one level.

Loading metre table for common packaging

Packaging	Footprint	Loading metres
Euro pallet (1.20 × 0.80 m)	1.2 × 0.8 m	0.40
Industrial pallet (1.20 × 1.00 m)	1.2 × 1 m	0.50
Half pallet (0.60 × 0.80 m)	0.6 × 0.8 m	0.20
Mesh box (1.24 × 0.835 m)	1.24 × 0.835 m	0.43