Loading Meter
Loading meter is a standard unit used in transport logistics to define loading space on a trailer or truck.
Definition of Loading Meter
- 1 loading meter = 1 meter of cargo length inside a trailer/truck.
- 1 EP or 2 EP = 0.8 loading meter in length.
- EP = Euro pallet with dimensions 0.8 m × 1.2 m.
Tautliner
In European road transport, 13.6 loading meters is the standard usable loading length for tautliners.
This category includes also MEGA, BOX, FRIGO trailers.
Why 13.6 Loading Meters?
With 13.6 m of loading space, it is possible to load 33 pallets (not 34) of standard EUR size:
((0.8 m × 1.2 m) × 2 in width) × 17 pallets in length = 13.6 loading meters
Example Calculation – 9 EUR Pallets
If you load 9 EUR pallets, how many loading meters remain?
- 9 EP = 4 EP × 2 + 1 (four pallets on each side + one extra)
- 0.8 m × 5 = 4 m of goods − 1 pallet
- 13.6 m − 4 m = 9.6 m loading meters left
- Equivalent method: 34 EP − 9 EP = 25 EP → 25 − 1 = 24 EP → 24/2 = 12 EP per side + 1 pallet
- 12 EP × 0.8 m = 9.6 loading meters + 1 pallet
Width of Trucks
The inside width of a standard tautliner is 2.48 m.
If cargo width is 2.50 m, it cannot be loaded on a normal tilt truck.
Such cargo must be transported on:
Weight Distribution & Groupage
When doing groupage for tautliners, correct weight distribution is crucial:
- Heavier cargo should be placed at the back of the trailer (3 axles).
- Lighter cargo should be placed at the front of the trailer.
