Truck pallet distribution calculator – which tool to choose? | Trucker Apps (2024)

9 May 2023

The question “How many pallets fit on a truck?” is often asked in search engines. For a few standard units, even a little experience should be enough and a pallet distribution calculator may not be necessary. However, it becomes useful when loads are arranged on pallets of different dimensions. Planning the optimal arrangement can then be a challenge, especially for a novice planner. A good way to save time and reduce the risk of errors is using tools such as Goodloading.

How to calculate pallet space?

One of the ways to calculate pallet space, though not always the easiest one, is a manual calculation. In this case, the calculation is based on a meter of the loading area, i.e. the LDM unit. The usual assumption is that the width of a semi-trailer is 2.4 meters, so 1ldm = 2.4m2. Given the dimensions of a Euro-pallet (120x80cm) and its LDM (0.4), we can easily calculate how many pallets go on the truck.

For example, if we know that our semi-trailer is 8 meters long, we divide 8 by 0.4 (LDM for 1 pallet). This gives us 20 pallets that will fit on the semi-trailer. If the pallets can be stacked, we can double the number. Thus, if you know the exact dimensions of the semi-trailer and the goods, you can easily convert them to LDM, and then see how much space they will take up in the cargo space.

Besides the dimensions themselves, the permissible payload capacity and axle loads must also be taken into account. For safety reasons and to avoid fines, these values must be considered when planning loading.

An alternative to manual calculations can be applications that calculate pallet space and show the best arrangement of pallets. There are simple LDM calculators on the Internet where you enter the length, width and number of pallets, whereas the tool calculates how many LDMs are needed. This solution will work only for simple projects and will be just a substitute for manual calculations.

For larger projects, it is worth trying out more advanced solutions that not only calculate the number of pallets in any space, but also include more parameters necessary to prepare a safe shipment. There are many tools available on the market to help with optimum load planning, which also work as a pallet distribution calculator. When looking for the perfect tool for the job, it is worth checking out a few to make sure they have the features that are important to you. In addition to the features themselves, it is good to consider the App interface. The simpler it is, the easier it will be for you to use the tool without investing hours in learning. The final factor in making a choice is price. Depending on the tool, this can range from around ten to hundreds of euros per month.

When looking for the perfect tool, you will probably hear some of these names: CargoWiz, Cargo-planner, StackAssist, or packVol. We think the Goodloading App, recently improved, is worth noting. Its creators have implemented a new version with a number of interesting features.

Goodloading – pallet distribution calculator

Goodloading is an online application that not only tells you how many pallets will fit on your trailer, but also shows you how to distribute them. It also allows you to schedule shipments for multiple semi-trailers or containers at the same time.

The program also has a number of advanced features that further support the loading planning process. It allows, among other things, load stacking by payload capacity or axle loads. The entire project can be viewed in a 3D visualization, where the user can manually adjust the arrangement of loads. It is important to note that under the project there is a summary of the whole loading, including the necessary data – the number of loads, their weight, free and occupied space in m2 and m3, as well as free and occupied LDMs.

It is worth mentioning that the application itself is intuitive and quite easy to use, so you can start preparing your project right after logging in.

Example of how the pallet distribution calculator works in Goodloading

The first step in the application is to select a vehicle from the list or add your own by entering its dimensions and payload capacity. You can load pallets into dozens of cargo spaces, and it doesn’t have to be a single vehicle. While adding vehicles, you can specify axle loads, provide maximum capacity, include wheel arches if they are in the cargo space, as well as coolers or variofloor.

Next, you add the dimensions of the pallets or other cargo units you want to load. You can select the spaces in which to stack them, specify the loading order and also set detailed stacking options. It is also possible to add all loads at once by importing an Excel file into the application.

The added pallets are displayed in the visualization, and their arrangement can be changed manually. The finished project can be generated into a PDF file or sent as a link to the person responsible for loading.

Final diagram of the pallet arrangement on the semi-trailer:

How much does the pallet distribution calculator cost? For basic dimensions, the application is available in a free version that can be tested after logging in. If you want to add your own loads and vehicles to the application, you can test it for 7 days for EUR 2. Annual access for the user costs EUR 156, which can pay off just after one loading project.