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Ladameter Calculator

Calculate loading meters (LDM) for your cargo to optimize truck space utilization and estimate shipping costs accurately.

Ladameter Calculator

Calculate loading meters (LDM) for efficient truck loading

Cargo Items

Name
Dimensions (cm)
Qty
Weight (kg)
Options
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Understanding LDM Calculation

How LDM is Calculated

Loading meters (LDM) represent the floor length occupied in a truck. The formula is based on how cargo is arranged across the width of the truck.

Basic Formula

For items not on pallets:

LDM = (Length × Rows) ÷ 100

Where Rows = ceil(Quantity ÷ (TruckWidth ÷ ItemWidth))

For items on pallets:

LDM = (max(Length, 120) × Rows) ÷ 100

Using Euro pallet dimensions (120×80 cm) as minimum

Practical Examples

Example 1: Euro Pallets

10 standard Euro pallets (120×80 cm)

1.2m
1.2m
1.2m
1.2m
1.2m
Result:
5 LDM
(2 pallets per row × 5 rows)
Example 2: Mixed Cargo

3 large crates (200×100 cm) + 4 pallets (120×80 cm)

Crates: 3 LDM
Pallets: 2 LDM
Result:
5 LDM
(3 LDM + 2 LDM = 5 LDM total)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is LDM important?

Loading meters are used by carriers to calculate freight costs in road transportation. It helps determine how much space your shipment occupies in a truck, allowing for efficient planning and cost calculation.

How many Euro pallets fit in 1 LDM?

In a standard truck with a width of 2.40m, you can fit 2 Euro pallets (120×80 cm) side by side. Therefore, 1 LDM can accommodate 2 Euro pallets.

What if my cargo is stackable?

Stackable cargo affects the volume calculation but not necessarily the LDM calculation, which is based on floor space. However, stackability can influence overall shipping efficiency and potentially reduce costs.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator provides a good estimation based on standard truck dimensions and optimal loading arrangements. In practice, factors like weight distribution, cargo securing, and specific carrier requirements might influence the final LDM.

Why Calculate Loading Meters?

Loading Meter (LDM) is a critical unit of measurement in road freight that determines how much floor space your shipment occupies in a truck. It directly impacts:

  • Shipping costs - Most carriers price their services based on loading meters
  • Transport planning - Helps optimize how cargo is arranged in vehicles
  • Vehicle utilization - Maximize the efficiency of your shipments
  • Cost comparisons - Compare different shipping options effectively
Truck loading visualization

Practical Applications

Transport Planning

Plan your shipments more effectively by understanding exactly how much truck space you need. This allows for better consolidation of goods and optimized routes.

Cost Estimation

Get accurate cost estimates before shipping by calculating the precise loading meters required. This helps in budgeting and comparing different logistics providers.

Cargo Optimization

Rearrange your cargo dimensions and quantities to minimize the required loading meters, potentially reducing your shipping costs significantly.

Tips for Optimizing Loading Meters

Cargo Arrangement

The way your cargo is arranged can significantly impact the loading meters required:

  • Consider different orientations of your packages to optimize width usage
  • Place items of similar height together to maximize stacking potential
  • Use the full width of the truck whenever possible

Packaging Considerations

Your packaging choices can affect loading efficiency:

  • Standardize package sizes when possible to improve stacking
  • Consider using pallets that can be double-stacked
  • Evaluate if custom packaging could reduce dimensions without compromising protection

Need a Custom Shipping Solution?

Our team of logistics experts can help you optimize your cargo transportation and find the most cost-effective shipping solutions for your business.