LDM (loading metre) is a measure expressing, in metres, the space a load occupies along the length of a truck trailer. The length of the load is multiplied by its width and divided by 2.4 m, the accepted trailer width. One Euro pallet equals 0.4 LDM and one industrial pallet 0.5 LDM; a standard 13.6 m trailer is 13.6 LDM.
Why is LDM used?
In groupage (LTL) road transport, the cost of a load is not determined by weight alone. A light crate that cannot have anything stacked on top makes the full height of that section effectively unusable as soon as it covers the trailer floor. What the carrier sells is length on the trailer floor. LDM expresses this length against a standard width, allowing loads of different sizes to be priced fairly on the same trailer. All the components of the freight rate are explained in groupage freight calculation.
How is LDM calculated?
The basic formula: LDM = length (m) × width (m) ÷ 2.4. If the load can be stacked, the result is divided by the number of tiers.
| Load | Calculation | LDM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Euro pallet (1.20 × 0.80 m) | 0.96 ÷ 2.4 | 0.4 |
| 1 industrial pallet (1.20 × 1.00 m) | 1.20 ÷ 2.4 | 0.5 |
| 10 Euro pallets, single tier | 10 × 0.4 | 4.0 |
| 10 Euro pallets, double-stacked | 4.0 ÷ 2 | 2.0 |
| 3.0 × 2.0 m crate | 6.0 ÷ 2.4 | 2.5 |
| Entire standard trailer | 13.6 × 2.4 ÷ 2.4 | 13.6 |
The formula assumes other cargo can be placed alongside the load. In practice, if no pallet fits next to a 5 m bundle of pipes 1.3 m wide, the carrier may invoice 5 LDM directly instead of 2.7 LDM. How many pallets fit on a trailer and in which arrangement is shown in how many pallets fit in a truck.
How does LDM affect the price?
In groupage transport, the carrier compares three values and takes the highest as the chargeable weight: actual gross weight, volumetric weight and LDM-equivalent weight. The factor for converting LDM to kilograms varies by carrier; in practice 1 LDM is usually equated to a value between 1,500 and 1,850 kg. The logic is simple: a 13.6 LDM trailer carries roughly 24–25 tonnes, which works out at about 1,800 kg per metre.
Example: 4 non-stackable Euro pallets with a total weight of 800 kg equal 1.6 LDM. With a factor of 1,750 kg, the chargeable weight is 2,800 kg, more than three times the actual weight. If the same pallets could be double-stacked, the price would be based on 0.8 LDM, i.e. 1,400 kg. Flat, sturdy-lidded packaging can affect the freight more than weight does. Other factors that determine the price are covered in what determines road freight rates.
Who sets the measurements, and what if there is a discrepancy?
The shipper declares the dimensions and stackability when booking. The carrier or cross-dock warehouse re-measures on receipt of the cargo; if there is a difference, the invoice is corrected to the actual dimensions. Dimensions should be taken from the outermost point of the load, including packaging and pallet; a box overhanging the pallet edge by 5 cm can change the placement of the next pallet. The placement of the dimensions on the trailer is shown in the truck loading plan.
Common mistakes
- Expecting a stackable price without noticing a "do not stack" label.
- Giving only the number of pallets without the pallet size; 10 Euro pallets are 4 LDM, 10 industrial pallets 5 LDM.
- Comparing prices for light cargo on weight alone.
- Not taking into account that the side space next to a long load cannot be sold.
How does Voltim Global support this?
For groupage loads, Voltim Global records pallet type, dimensions and stackability in the loading plan. On receipt of the cargo, the dimensions are checked against this plan; if there is a discrepancy, the customer is informed before the vehicle sets off.