Easily calculate the loading meters for pallets via our calculation tool!
On this page you can compute the load meters of your cargo within no-time. Also find out more about the loading space of trucks, the dimensions of pallets and Quicargo!
*Dimensions of the most commonly used pallets: mini pallets (80×60), europallets (80×120) and block pallets (100×120).
Loading meters: freight forwarders, supply chain managers, warehouse employees and everyone else working in the logistics sector has probably heard of this concept many times before. Do you want to make the shipment of your road freight transportation as efficient as possible? In that case, calculating the load of your pallets accurately is extremely important!
Besides shipping pallets, it is also possible to leave the calculation of your cargo’s loading meters up to us now! Whether you need groupage, less than truckload or full truckload transportation, the calculation of the loading meters is fixed within the blink of an eye via Quicargo’s handy freight calculator!
Content
- What is a loading meter?
- The importance of load meter calculations
- What is the equation for computing loading meters?
- Loading meter calculations: Examples
- Other Factors That Affect Calculating Loading Meters
- What Is Lademeter Compliance?
- Why Lademeter Is Important for B2B Companies
- Arranging pallet shipping? Rely on Quicargo!
- FAQ
What is a loading meter?
A loading meter (LDM) is a crucial measurement in the logistics industry, representing the amount of floor space that goods or pallets occupy in a truck. Essentially, it’s the length in meters of the cargo area required to transport your freight safely and efficiently.
Understanding loading meters helps businesses optimize space utilization and manage transportation costs effectively.
The importance of load meter calculations
The term loading meter, also known as LDM, is often used in the industry of logistics and transportation. But what exactly does this unit intended for pallet loading entail us?
A load meter for road freight is used as a calculation unit for goods that cannot be stacked on top of each other or on which no other goods may be placed. By determining the loading capacity, the lost truck capacity is compensated for. This means the calculation of the maximum pallet load is crucial when you want to make optimal use out of the space that is left in the truck!
What is the equation for computing loading meters?
Wonder how load meters are calculated? When calculating the loading meters, you actually compute the floor space that the good or pallet occupies in the truck.
Given that a standard truck has a width of approximately 2.40 meters, one loading meter corresponds to an area of about 2.4 square meters (2.40 meters width x 1 meter length). To calculate the number of loading meters needed for your shipment, you compute the floor area your goods occupy.
Equation:
Loading Meters (LDM) = (Width of the Goods in meters x Length of the Goods in meters) ÷ 2.40
Alternatively, you can use our LDM calculator above to simplify the process.
Loading meters calculations: Examples
Do you for example want to ship a sofa that is 1,50 meters wide and 0,50 meters deep? In that case the loading meter of the sofa is (1,50 * 0,50) / 2,40 = 0,31 LDM
As europallets have a loading meter of 0,40, this type of pallet would be the appropriate choice in this example. This way you can arrange the delivery of your cargo in the most efficient way possible!
| Product | Loading meter | pallet* |
|---|---|---|
| Chair (50×42) | 0,09 M | Minipallet (0,20 M) |
| Planter (90×105) | 0,39 M | Europallet (0,40 M) |
| Birdbath (110×65) | 0,30 M | Europallet (0,40 M) |
| Football table (142×80) | 0,47 M | Block pallet (0,50 M) |
| Barbecue (110×105) | 0,48 M | Block pallet (0,50 M) |
*The suggested pallet types are based on the dimensions of minipallets (80×60), europallets (80×120) and block pallets (100×120).
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Any further questions?
How many load meter does a truck have?
A truck with a standard sized trailer has a loading meter of 13,50 M.
How many pallets fit in a truck?
There is room for 33 europallets or 26 block/industrial pallets per truck.
Where can I send my road freight to?
At Quicargo it is possible to ship your goods to a destination in The Netherlands, but you can also send pallets from or to many other European countries.
Can I also calculate the cubic meters of my cargo with Quicargo?
Yes! Use our easy m3 calculator for quick cubic meter calculations.
Other Factors That Affect Calculating Loading Meters
Other Factors That Affect Calculating Loading Meters
Calculating loading meters involves more than just measuring the dimensions of your goods. Several additional factors can influence the total loading meters required for your shipment. Understanding these factors is essential for accurate planning and cost estimation.
There are eight key factors that affect the calculation of loading meters:
Directly Related Factors:
- Stacking Factor
- Handling Multiple Packages
Indirectly Related Factors:
- Weight Limitations
- Load Distribution and Axle Load
- Fragility or Special Handling Requirements
- Temperature-Controlled or Hazardous Goods
- Shape Irregularities
- Load Securing
Let’s explore the directly related factors in detail:
Stacking Factor
The stacking factor refers to the ability to stack goods vertically without causing damage. If your products can be safely stacked, you can utilize the vertical space in the truck, effectively reducing the floor space needed and, consequently, the loading meters.
Example:
- Non-Stackable Goods: Require full floor space for each unit, increasing loading meters.
- Stackable Goods: If you can stack two pallets on top of each other, you halve the floor space required, reducing the loading meters by 50%.
By maximizing stacking, you optimize space utilization and lower transportation costs.
Handling Multiple Packages
When shipping multiple packages of varying sizes, efficient arrangement is crucial. Properly organizing these packages can minimize wasted space and reduce the total loading meters.
Example:
- Efficient Packing: Placing smaller boxes in gaps between larger items fills unused spaces.
- Consolidation: Grouping packages strategically can shorten the length of the cargo, decreasing loading meters.
Effective handling of multiple packages ensures maximum use of available space, leading to cost savings.
What Is Lademeter Compliance?
Lademeter compliance refers to adhering to regulations and best practices in calculating and utilizing loading meters. Compliance ensures that the load is distributed correctly, preventing overloading and maintaining safety standards during transportation. It involves considering factors like weight distribution, load securing, and adherence to legal limitations.
Why Lademeter Is Important for B2B Companies
Understanding and effectively managing loading meters is vital for B2B companies due to:
- Cost Savings: Efficient use of truck space reduces the number of trips required, lowering transportation costs.
- Operational Efficiency: Optimizing loading meters aids in better delivery scheduling and fleet utilization.
- Environmental Impact Reduction: Fewer trips and optimized loads lead to less fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions.
Arranging pallet shipping? Rely on Quicargo!
Calculated the loading meters beloning to your road freight? Then the next step is to arrange the correct pallet delivery. Take advantage of our digital transport platform. With Quicargo, sending pallets has been made extremely easy: within a few clicks it’s fixed. Sign up now and discover the benefits for yourself!
When you choose for Quicargo, you choose for a logistics industry in which sustainability and innovation are paramount. By using data and technology, we link your road freight to a truck that is already on route, thereby eliminating the need for a new driver to hit the road. This saves you time and money and saves us all CO2-emissions. Win-win!
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FAQ
The loading meter tool is used for all pallet types, including Euro pallets, block pallets, and custom-sized pallets. It helps in accurately calculating the space needed regardless of pallet dimensions.
Common mistakes include:
- Ignoring Stacking Possibilities: Not accounting for stackable goods can lead to inefficient space use.
- Incorrect Measurements: Using inaccurate dimensions results in miscalculations.
- Overlooking Weight Limits: Failing to consider weight restrictions can cause legal issues and safety hazards.
Avoidance Tips:
- Always verify if goods are stackable.
- Double-check measurements.
- Be aware of weight limitations and legal regulations.
- Loading Meters measure the floor space occupied along the length of the truck, considering its width (usually 2.40 meters).
- Cubic Meters measure the volume of the cargo (length x width x height).
Loading meters focus on the floor space, while cubic meters consider the entire volume of the goods.
The cost per loading meter is calculated by dividing the total transportation cost by the number of loading meters your freight occupies. This method ensures a fair pricing model based on the space used in the truck.
Yes, stacking cargo effectively reduces the number of loading meters required, thereby lowering transportation costs. By maximizing vertical space, you can transport more goods in fewer trips, leading to cost savings.
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