Trailer fit

Every loading-meter formula divides by 2.4, and few tools say why. A European trailer may be 2.55 m wide by law, and its walls leave about 2.45 to 2.48 m inside. Pallets do not use the last few centimetres. Three Euro pallets side by side on their short edge are 3 × 0.8 = 2.4 m; two on their long edge are 2 × 1.2 = 2.4 m. So 2.4 m is the width freight actually occupies, and one loading meter is one metre of trailer length times that width: 2.4 m² of floor, about 5.5 m³ of space.

Divide a unit's footprint by 2.4 and you get the share of a metre it takes. A Euro pallet is 0.96 ÷ 2.4 = 0.4; an industrial pallet 1.2 ÷ 2.4 = 0.5. The convention also explains why industrial pallets waste width: two of them are 2.0 m across and the 0.4 m beside them is lost, which is why a trailer takes 33Euro pallets but only 26 industrial ones. Some carriers write the convention into their trailer: DB Schenker's standard trailer is "13.6 m long, 2.4 m wide", and DHL Norway defines one loading meter as 100 × 250 × 260 cm.

Loading meters by the formula

For every row: quantity × length × width ÷ 2.4, in metres. Stackable rows are divided by the number of layers that fit under the roof, up to the limit you set. This is the number other calculators give, shown with your figures filled in so you can check it.

The floor plan

Loaders load one unit type at a time, in rows across the trailer or in lanes along it, turning pallets when that fits more. The tool does the same: for each unit type it finds the exact best mix of rows or lanes in both orientations, then puts the types one after another along the floor. Unlike units never share a row. That is why the drawing and the "pallets per truck" count can never disagree: they are the same calculation. It does not plan axle loads, load securing or drop order, and it does not stack unlike units.

Chargeable weight

Carriers bill the higher of the actual weight and a weight derived from the space you use. How that space weight is derived differs: the kilograms per loading meter, the kilograms per cubic metre, the height above which a pallet stops being stackable, and what a stackable pallet is charged by. The tool applies each rule as published and shows which term decided your figure.

These are published conventions for converting space into chargeable weight, read from each carrier’s own document on the date shown. They are not prices, quotes or offers. Carriers change their rules, apply contract-specific terms and measure and weigh shipments themselves; the carrier’s current tariff and your contract govern. Figures here are estimates for planning, given without warranty of any kind.

Trailers

Inner dimensions and payloads are typical values: a standard trailer at 13.6 × 2.48 × 2.7 m and 24 t, containers at ISO inner sizes. Carriers quote slightly different figures (DHL Netherlands 13.5 × 2.48 × 2.63, DHL Norway 13.6 × 2.45 × 2.60). Pick "Custom" for your own vehicle.

Disclaimer

Trailer fit is a free planning aid, provided as is and without warranty. It does not check axle loads, load securing, dangerous-goods rules, legal weight limits or anything else needed to load or move a vehicle lawfully and safely, and its figures are not freight quotes or professional advice. Verify every figure with your carrier and your own measurements before relying on it. No liability is accepted for decisions, costs or damage arising from its use, to the extent permitted by law. Carrier names are used only to identify published documents; the tool is independent of, and not endorsed by, any carrier, and all trademarks belong to their owners.

Your inputs stay in your browser (in the page address and local storage so you can come back to them); nothing you type is sent to this site. See the privacy notice and Impressum.