How Pallet Freight Is Priced in Europe

European road freight — including LTL (Less than Truckload) groupage — is priced

in EUR per LDM (Loading Meter, sometimes written as LM or

linear meter). One LDM equals one metre of trailer floor length across the full

trailer width of 2.4 metres.

The LDM formula is:{' '}

LDM = (cargo length m × cargo width m × quantity) ÷ 2.4

A standard euro pallet (1,200 mm × 800 mm) therefore occupies

exactly 0.4 LDM: (1.2 × 0.8 × 1) ÷ 2.4 = 0.4. Ten euro pallets

= 4.0 LDM. Twenty-five euro pallets fill a full trailer (13.6 LDM ÷ 0.4 ≈ 34

pallets maximum, subject to weight limit).

To convert LDM rates to a per-pallet price, multiply the corridor LDM rate by

0.4. A Spain → Germany base rate of €140–195/LDM equals{' '}

€56–78 per euro pallet (plus fuel surcharge).

The chargeable LDM is the higher of physical LDM and

weight-equivalent LDM (total kg ÷ 1,750). A pallet weighing 900 kg but occupying

0.4 LDM physical space would be charged as 900 ÷ 1,750 = 0.51 LDM, not 0.4 LDM.

Rate Table: EUR per Euro Pallet by Corridor

Rates for 1 euro pallet (1,200 × 800 mm = 0.4 LDM), standard LTL service, Q1 2026.

Includes base rate + fuel surcharge. Excludes customs clearance (UK) and remote zone supplements.

Source: Transroad operational data.

Spain → UK rates include Channel crossing surcharge (Eurotunnel / ferry).

UK customs clearance documentation (DAP) charged separately: typically €60–120/shipment.

All rates are indicative market benchmarks; use the{' '}

live calculator for exact pricing.

What Affects Pallet Freight Rates

{f.body}

Pallet Types & LDM Equivalents

LDM values based on trailer width of 2.4 m. Max weight per LDM: 1,750 kg (standard LTL groupage trailer).

Get Instant Pallet Freight Rates

The benchmarks on this page are market reference rates based on Transroad

operational data for Q1 2026. Your actual rate will depend on exact collection

postcode, delivery postcode, pallet count, weight, service level, and the fuel

surcharge in effect at time of booking.

Transroad's live pricing calculator returns instant rates for{' '}

Economy, Standard, and Express LTL services to 35+ European

countries — no phone call, no broker, no waiting 24 hours. Enter your corridor

and pallet count and receive a formal quote in under 60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a pallet from Spain to Germany in 2026?

Shipping a standard euro pallet (1,200 × 800 mm, ≤ 750 kg) from Spain to Germany costs approximately €56–78 in 2026, depending on origin zone, service level, and fuel surcharge at time of booking. This equates to 0.4 LDM at a base rate of €140–195/LDM.

What is LDM and how does it affect pallet freight pricing?

LDM stands for Loading Meter (linear meter of truck trailer space). European road freight is priced per LDM. One euro pallet (1,200 × 800 mm) occupies 0.4 LDM. The formula is: LDM = (length × width × quantity) ÷ 2.4. Your freight cost = chargeable LDM × rate per LDM + fuel surcharge.

What is the cheapest European pallet freight corridor in 2026?

Germany to Poland is the lowest-cost major European corridor in 2026 at €22–36 per euro pallet, reflecting short distance (~600 km), high freight density, and established carrier networks on this lane.

Why is pallet freight to the UK more expensive than intra-EU corridors?

Pallet freight from Spain to the UK costs €70–108 per euro pallet in 2026. The higher rate reflects: (1) Channel crossing surcharge (Eurotunnel or Dover–Calais ferry, typically €80–120/load spread across pallets), (2) UK customs clearance requirements post-Brexit (DAP/DDP documentation, EORI numbers, commodity codes), and (3) lower back-load availability, which inflates rates.

Pallet Freight Rates Europe 2026 — Market Benchmarks by Corridor