LDM Calculator & European Freight Rates

A loading meter (LDM) — also written as load metre or Lademeters in German — is the primary unit used across European road freight to measure how much floor space your cargo occupies inside a truck. One LDM equals one running metre of trailer length at the standard European trailer width of 2.4 metres, giving 2.4 m² of floor area per LDM.

Carriers use LDM because it reflects the actual capacity consumed on the vehicle, regardless of weight — as long as the cargo stays within the weight limit of 1,850 kg per LDM. For lighter-density goods (such as furniture, packaging, or bulky machinery), the LDM measurement is the binding constraint; for dense, heavy cargo, weight may be the limiting factor.

A full standard trailer holds 13.6 LDM (13.6 m × 2.4 m = 32.64 m²), accommodating approximately 33–34 EUR pallets. Shipments from 2 to 13 LDM are typically priced as LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) or groupage; above that threshold, FTL (Full Truckload) pricing usually becomes more economical.

Example — 10 EUR pallets: Each EUR pallet measures 1.2 m × 0.8 m, so one pallet = (1.2 × 0.8) ÷ 2.4 = 0.4 LDM. Ten pallets = 4.0 LDM. If they are stackable two high, 10 pallets = 4.0 ÷ 2 = 2.0 LDM.

The table below shows indicative spot market rates per LDM for standard LTL road freight departing from Spain (Barcelona / Madrid area) to key European destinations. Rates are based on Transroad's active tariff data and market benchmarks for a 4 LDM standard shipment.

Step 1 — Measure and calculate. Determine the floor footprint of each cargo unit (L × W in metres). Sum all LDM using the formula above. If any item hangs over 2.4 m in width, the entire trailer lane is consumed and you are charged for full-width loading.

Step 2 — Apply weight check. Divide your total cargo weight by 1,850 kg. If this number exceeds your LDM calculation, the weight-equivalent LDM becomes your chargeable LDM. Example: 10,000 kg ÷ 1,850 = 5.4 LDM — even if the footprint calculates to 4 LDM.

Step 3 — Add surcharges. The base LDM rate is multiplied by your LDM and then supplemented with a fuel surcharge (typically 15–25% depending on diesel prices), toll zone charges for certain countries (e.g., Switzerland +€80–120 flat), and an ADR surcharge for dangerous goods (typically +20–35%).

Step 4 — Choose service level. Economy / Slow LTL services consolidate loads over several days for the lowest rate. Standard LTL departs on fixed weekly schedules. Express LTL prioritises your cargo with minimal transhipment. FTL rates become more competitive beyond 8–10 LDM on most corridors.