LDM (loading metre) expresses how much trailer floor length a shipment occupies when that floor space cannot be used by another load. It is especially useful for part-load planning and for comparing pallets or packages with different footprints.
The basic idea behind LDM
Cargo uses a certain amount of trailer floor area. That area can be converted into a share of the usable trailer length. In simple terms, the occupied floor area is divided by the usable internal trailer width.
The same shipment can therefore produce a different LDM result when orientation, pallet size or the allowed layout changes.
Pallets and floor positions
The number of pallets alone does not always tell you how much space is required. Consider:
- pallet length and width;
- whether the pallet may be rotated;
- whether stacking is allowed;
- cargo overhang beyond the pallet;
- safety or handling gaps between units.
The EuroTruckTools LDM and pallet calculators make it easier to test different layouts before reserving all or part of a trailer.
When LDM is not enough
LDM describes floor space, not every transport constraint. A shipment may fit by LDM and still be unsuitable because of weight, height, volume or poor weight distribution.
Check LDM together with:
- total vehicle and cargo mass;
- available payload
Practical planning
Calculate loading meters for your cargo
Updated: 2026-08-31