Loading Meter Calculator
Enter your cargo's length and width along with the trailer width to find how many loading meters it occupies.
A standard European trailer is 2.4m wide.
How loading meters are calculated
Loading meters (LDM) is a standard unit in European road freight that represents how much of a trailer's floor length a shipment occupies, normalized to the trailer's standard width. The formula is LDM = cargo length × (cargo width / trailer width).
This lets freight companies price and allocate space for cargo that doesn't use the trailer's full width — a narrow item still takes up floor length that could otherwise be used by other cargo, so LDM accounts for this proportionally rather than treating floor space as entirely available.
Frequently asked questions
Why is loading meters used instead of just cargo weight?
Trailers have both a weight limit and a floor space limit, and bulky-but-light cargo is often constrained by space rather than weight. LDM gives freight companies a way to price and allocate trailer space fairly for cargo of any density.
What's a standard trailer width in Europe?
Most standard European trailers are 2.4 meters (13.6m length trailers are common), though this can vary — always confirm the specific trailer width your carrier uses for an accurate LDM calculation.
Can cargo that's wider than the trailer still be shipped?
No — cargo wider than the trailer's usable width requires special oversize transport arrangements, not standard LDM-based freight pricing. This calculator assumes your cargo fits within the trailer's width.