FREIGHT & SHIPPING

Loading Meter (LDM) Calculator

Estimate loading meters from the floor area of identical, non-stacked handling units.

Loading meters calculator

Estimate loading meters from the floor area of identical, non-stacked handling units.

How it works
YOUR SHIPMENT

Adjust the example values to match your scenario.

YOUR RESULT LIVE CALCULATION
Area-based loading meters
4LDM
NON-STACKED FLOOR AREA
One less spreadsheet to keep open.
Occupied floor area
9.6 m²
Equivalent loading feet
13.12 ft
Loading meters per pallet
0.4 LDM
Usable trailer width
2.4 m

Area convention only. Physical loading gaps and carrier rules may increase chargeable space.

BEHIND THE NUMBER

How the calculation works

A loading meter is one meter of trailer length across its usable width. This floor-area convention uses the width you enter; the example is 2.4 meters. All pallets occupy floor space independently, without stacking. It is an area-based estimate, not a physical packing plan or carrier quote.

LDM = pallet length (m) * pallet width (m) * quantity / usable trailer width (m)

When this calculation helps

Loading meters express non-stacked floor area as an equivalent length at a selected usable trailer width. They help normalize mixed footprints for a preliminary floor-space discussion.

Check the interpretation

An area-equivalent length is not a row-by-row fit test. A pallet may prevent the remaining strip from being used even when the arithmetic shows spare area. Keep stacking permissions, gaps, and the carrier billing convention separate from this floor-area measure.

Loading gaps, non-stackability, overhang, weight and carrier minimums can change the chargeable space. A narrow footprint may not use the full trailer width efficiently.

DSV road-freight loading-meter convention

Worked example: Container Load Planning: Why Enough Cube Does Not Prove a Fit

Good to know

What does one loading meter mean?

One meter of trailer length multiplied by the usable trailer width. At a 2.4-meter width, one loading meter represents 2.4 square meters of floor area.

Does this guarantee the pallets fit?

No. Floor area does not account for discrete positions or loading gaps. Confirm an achievable loading plan and the carrier charging rules.