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When working with transport and logistics, there are many factors to consider to ensure an efficient and economically sound shipping process.
One of these factors is the load meter (also known as the lademeter or LDM for short), a device that plays a central role in planning and calculating freight transport.
But what exactly is a charge metre and how do you calculate it? Let's dive into the details.
What is a charge meter?
A load metre is a unit of measurement used to calculate the floor space occupied by goods in a truck.
Here, the load meter measures how much of the lorry's length is used by a piece of cargo.
This is an important unit in freight calculations as it helps plan how much cargo can be transported in one trip.
One loading metre corresponds to one metre of the truck's lengthand since a standard trailer is 13.6 metres long, there can be a total of 13.6 ldm on a standard truck.
To illustrate, it's similar to if you divide a truck into slices like a loaf of rye bread, where each slice will be 1 metre long. See the illustration below.
How is a charge meter calculated?
Since loading metres are used to calculate the floor space in the trailer, the formula is based on the length and width of the goods.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to calculate how many loading metres your cargo takes up:
- Measure the length and width of the goods: Find the length and width, in metres, of the goods to be transported.
- Calculate LDM: To find the total number of loading metres, multiply the length (in metres) of the load by the width of the load (in metres) and divide by 2.4 (as 2.4 metres is the standard width of a truck).
See the formula below.
Let's take an example
Our freight has the following goals:
- Length = 1.2 metres
- Width = 0.8 metres
In this example, the goods occupy 0.4 loading metres.
Why is ladmeter important?
Ladmeter is a handy device that helps carriers optimise load capacity utilisation and calculate transport costs.
By knowing the exact number of loading metres a piece of cargo requires, carriers can better plan the loading of trucks, ensure stable and safe transport and set more accurate prices for their services.
In addition, correctly calculating loading metres helps to minimise wasted space, which can result in fewer trips, lower fuel costs and a reduced environmental impact.
Load metres are especially important when transporting bulky goods.
With a load meter, you only pay for the floor space occupied by the goods on the truck and not for the 'slot space'.
Important information about charge meter billing
It's important to note that some carriers differ in how they will charge for the charge meter - whether it's practical or theoretical charge meter charging.
By practical payment by the metre, they will often charge for any wasted space, so it's very important that you check this with your freight forwarder.
In some cases, we see that billing is different in the same company, but from department to department.
If you are in doubt, you are always welcome to contact us for assistance free of charge.
Frequently asked questions about charge meters
What is a charge meter?
A load metre is a unit of measurement used to calculate the floor space taken up by goods in a truck. One load metre corresponds to one metre of the truck's length.
How is a charge meter calculated?
To calculate the loading metres, measure the length and width of the goods. Calculate the total number of loading metres by multiplying the length (in metres) by the width (in metres) and then dividing by 2.4 (the standard width of a truck).
How many loading metres are there on a truck?
One loading metre corresponds to one metre of the truck's length. Since a standard trailer is 13.6 metres long, there is a total of 13.6 ldm on a standard truck.
Why is ladmeter important?
Load meters are important because they help carriers optimise load capacity utilisation, plan the loading of trucks, ensure stable and safe transport, and set accurate prices.
Correctly calculating loading metres reduces wasted space, which can lead to fewer trips, lower fuel costs and a reduced environmental impact.
What do I need to be aware of when charging charge metres?
It is important to note that some carriers have different practices for charging charge metres, either practical or theoretical.
Convenient charge meter billing can include billing for any wasted space.
Make sure to check this with your freight forwarder, as there may be differences within the same company.
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