How many euro pallets fit on a trailer?

A standard 13.6 m trailer takes 33 euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) floor-loaded, or 26 industrial pallets (120 × 100 cm). The limit is often payload rather than floor space: indicatively 24 t for the vehicle combination. Heavy goods fill a truck by weight sooner than by area.

What is an LDM (loading metre)?

An LDM is one metre of trailer length across its full width. A euro pallet takes about 0.4 LDM, an industrial pallet about 0.5 LDM. Groupage freight is priced by LDM, so knowing this number before you ask for a quote pays off.

Is the calculator result an offer?

No. The result is indicative and meant for initial planning. The forwarder decides on the vehicle after verifying the goods, route and dates. Send an enquiry through the form and we will come back with a concrete proposal.

Load calculator (pallets to LDM) and shipping checklists

These tools grew out of the questions we get from first-time shippers: how many pallets fit on a truck, how groupage differs from a full load, what not to forget when exporting. The calculator tells you what to ask for, and the checklists keep the steps in order.

Load calculator: pallets to LDM

Pick the pallet type, enter quantity and weight. The calculator converts it into loading metres (LDM) and trailer space, and suggests what kind of transport to ask about.

Pallet type Number of pallets Weight per pallet (kg) Goods can be double-stacked

Loading metres–

Trailer space used–

Total weight–

Assumptions: standard trailer 13.6 m long and 2.45 m wide, indicative payload of 24 t for the vehicle combination, pallets floor-loaded.

This is only software: the result is for information only, may contain errors and is not an offer. The calculator handles pure geometry, and not every cargo converts neatly into LDM: weight, centre of gravity, securing method or construction (say, a 500 × 120 cm machine that nothing can stand next to) can multiply the space actually needed. Check and verify every result with your forwarder before booking a vehicle.

Printable checklists

Tick items off in the browser (we remember the state on this device) or print the list and keep it at the packing station.

First export to the United Kingdom

Check that your company has an EORI number. Without it, the customs declaration cannot start.
Prepare a commercial invoice in English: value and currency, Incoterms, full consignee details.
Prepare a packing list: number of pallets and packages, gross and net weights, dimensions.
Determine the tariff (HS) code of each product. Duty and required documents depend on it.
Agree with the consignee who handles UK import clearance and who pays duty and VAT (this follows from the Incoterms).
Check whether the goods need extra declarations: food, plants and products of animal origin go through SPS controls.
Make sure wooden pallets and packaging carry the ISPM 15 mark.
Give the forwarder the full picture: loading and unloading addresses and hours, contact persons, references.

Also read: Export documents for the UK · EORI number: how to get one

Preparing a pallet for transport

Use an undamaged pallet of the right type and load capacity. A cracked board is the top cause of damage.
Stay within the pallet footprint. Goods overhanging the edges get knocked at every transhipment.
Distribute the weight evenly, heaviest packages at the bottom.
Stretch-wrap the goods together with the pallet, so the film binds the cargo to the carrier, not just around the boxes.
Protect the edges with corner boards and add strapping where needed.
Label every pallet: shipper, consignee, piece count, notes such as "do not stack".
Weigh and measure the pallet after packing. Give the forwarder real dimensions, not catalogue ones.
Photograph the packed pallet before loading. In a damage claim this is your strongest evidence.

Also read: Securing cargo on a pallet · ISPM 15: wood packaging

Tools for shippers

Load calculator: pallets to LDM

Printable checklists

First export to the United Kingdom

Preparing a pallet for transport

Frequently asked questions

Need transport or customs clearance?