What Are Loading Metres?
A loading metre (LDM) is the standard unit used across the UK and Europe to measure the floor space a consignment occupies in a road freight trailer. One loading metre represents a strip of trailer floor that is 1 metre long and the full width of the trailer (typically 2.4 metres wide).
Unlike CBM (cubic metres), which measures total volume, LDM measures only floor area. This matters because road freight is priced by floor space: a tall, light pallet takes up the same LDM as a short, heavy one.
The Loading Metres Formula
LDM = (Length × Width × Quantity) ÷ 2.4
— Where Length and Width are in metres, 2.4m = standard trailer width
If stackable:
LDM = (Length × Width × Quantity) ÷ 2.4 ÷ Stack Factor
— Where Length and Width are in metres, 2.4m = standard trailer width
If stackable:
LDM = (Length × Width × Quantity) ÷ 2.4 ÷ Stack Factor
Common Pallet LDM Reference
| Pallet Type | Dimensions | 1 Pallet | 5 Pallets | 10 Pallets | 33 Pallets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro Pallet (EUR 1) | 1200 × 800 mm | 0.40 LDM | 2.00 LDM | 4.00 LDM | 13.20 LDM |
| UK Standard (EUR 2) | 1200 × 1000 mm | 0.50 LDM | 2.50 LDM | 5.00 LDM | 16.50 LDM |
| Half Pallet (EUR 6) | 800 × 600 mm | 0.20 LDM | 1.00 LDM | 2.00 LDM | 6.60 LDM |
| Quarter Pallet | 600 × 400 mm | 0.10 LDM | 0.50 LDM | 1.00 LDM | 3.30 LDM |
How Many Pallets Fit in a Truck?
| Vehicle | Internal Length | Max LDM | Euro Pallets (floor) | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.6m Artic Trailer | 13.6 m | 13.6 LDM | 33 | 24,000 kg |
| 10m Rigid | 10 m | 10 LDM | 20 | 12,000 kg |
| 7.5t Rigid | 5.2 m | 5.2 LDM | 10 | 3,500 kg |
| 3.5t Luton Van | 4 m | 4 LDM | 6 | 1,200 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate loading metres?
Loading metres are calculated using: LDM = (Length × Width × Quantity) ÷ 2.4, where Length and Width are in metres, and 2.4m is the standard trailer width. For a single Euro pallet (1.2m × 0.8m): LDM = (1.2 × 0.8 × 1) ÷ 2.4 = 0.4 LDM.
What is 1 LDM?
One loading metre (1 LDM) represents a strip of trailer floor that is exactly 1 metre long and 2.4 metres wide — the full internal width of a standard European trailer. To put it in context: 2.5 Euro pallets side-by-side equal approximately 1 LDM.
How many Euro pallets fit in a 13.6m trailer?
A standard 13.6m articulated trailer can carry 33 Euro pallets (1200 × 800mm) in a single floor layer. If double-stacked, up to 66 Euro pallets can be carried, subject to height and weight limits.
What is the difference between LDM and CBM?
LDM (Loading Metres) measures the floor space a consignment occupies in a trailer — used for European road freight. CBM (Cubic Metres) measures total volume and is used in air and sea freight. For road freight across the UK and EU, LDM is the standard pricing unit.