How Are Your Freight’s Loading Meters Calculated?

At Transportify, we provide a Loading Meter Calculator to help you quickly and easily determine the LDM (Loading Metres) of your cargo. With just a few simple inputs, you’ll get the information you need to optimise your shipments. Here’s what we need from you:

• Length
• Width
• Quantity

The default dimensions are based on a standard EURO pallet (80cm x 120cm), but you can easily adapt these to suit your own pallet sizes, cartons, or other cargo types.

How to Get Cost-Effective Shipping Using Your Loading Meter Calculation

Once you’ve calculated your loading meters, you’re just a few steps away from finding a great price for your route. With access to our extensive network of freight forwarders, you can secure competitive rates in no time. To get a quick transport quote, simply provide us with:

• Pick-up and drop-off locations
• Earliest pick-up and latest delivery dates
• Weight of your cargo
• Type of freight carrier required

What Exactly Are Loading Meters (LDM)?

Loading Metres (LDM) is a standardised measure used to calculate the amount of space your cargo will occupy on a truck. But it’s more than just space—loading meters are often used to determine your freight price as well. For most shipments, 1 LDM equals 1 metre of truck length x the truck’s width (usually 2.4 metres).

If you’re looking for clear and simple formulas to calculate your LDM—including for those trickier, non-standard cases—you’re in the right place. Read on to learn more about how to ensure your shipment is optimally planned and priced.

How to Calculate Loading Meters: The Formula

The basic formula for calculating LDM is:

(Length x Width) ÷ 2.4 = LDM

This applies to standard trucks with a width of 2.4 metres. If your truck has a different width, adjust the formula accordingly.

Extending the Formula: The Footprint

When shipping multiple items of the same size, simply multiply by the number of units:

Quantity x (Length x Width) ÷ 2.4 = LDM

If you’re shipping goods of different dimensions, calculate each individually and then add them together for the total LDM. For example, shipping several stackable pallets with 2.4 LDM and a few boxes with 1.6 LDM would result in a total of 4.0 loading meters.

Factor in Stacking: The Stacking Factor

If your cargo is stackable, you can save even more space. In these cases, you’ll need to include the stacking factor in your LDM calculation:

Quantity x (Length x Width) ÷ 2.4 ÷ Stacking Factor = LDM

For example, if two pallets can be stacked on top of each other, your stacking factor is 2, which effectively halves the required LDM.

Why Choose Transportify for Your LDM Calculations and Shipping?

With Transportify, you get more than just a calculation—we provide you with the tools and services to manage your shipment from start to finish:

• Competitive freight rates
• Easy comparison of forwarders and carriers
• Customs assistance and full-service logistics
• Customisable insurance options for your peace of mind

Loading Meter Examples

Here are a few practical examples of loading meters in action to help you visualise how to calculate your shipments:

EURO Pallet

If you’re shipping 12 EURO pallets (0.8m x 1.2m) and two pallets can be stacked on top of each other, your formula would look like this:

12 x (0.8 x 1.2) ÷ 2.4 ÷ 2 = 2.4 LDM

That’s how much space 12 pallets will take up in a truck.

Industrial Pallet

An industrial pallet measures 1.2m x 1m. For this size, your LDM calculation would be:

(1.2 x 1) ÷ 2.4 = 0.5 LDM

This helps standardise pricing and space allocation for larger or differently sized goods.

Streamline Your Shipping with Transportify

At Transportify, we make shipping easier and more cost-effective with our comprehensive tools and services. Whether you’re calculating loading meters, comparing freight rates, or securing transport insurance, we’ve got you covered. Plan ahead, optimise your freight, and let us handle the logistics.

Need help with your next shipment? Get started with our easy-to-use LDM calculator and see how Transportify can simplify your freight management today!