Load planning basics

Two trailers in 3D: a full truckload of 33 pallets next to a part load for three customers coloured by stop

Load planning basics · 19 October 2026 · 5 min read

FTL vs LTL: Full Truckload, Part Load or Groupage?

FTL books a whole truck; LTL and groupage share it with other shippers. Compare cost, speed and handling, see how LDM drives LTL price and find your break-even.

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Side view of a trailer coloured by weight with heavy steel coil crates and lighter food pallets, with axle load estimates

Load planning basics · 25 September 2026 · 6 min read

Weight Distribution in a Trailer: Axle Loads Made Simple

Where you put heavy cargo decides the load on each axle. Learn how trailer weight distribution works, how to estimate axle loads and how to avoid overloading.

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Trailer in 3D coloured by weight, with heavy machine crates, steel pallets and the load centre of gravity marker

Load planning basics · 28 July 2026 · 5 min read

Load Centre of Gravity: How to Calculate It for a Truck Load

The centre of gravity of a load is the weighted average of every item's position. Learn the formula, a worked truck example and checks for lateral offset.

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Rear view of a mega trailer with stackable pallets carrying non-stackable top pallets

Load planning basics · 18 February 2026 · 6 min read

Pallet Stacking Rules: Stackability, Weight on Top and Support

Which pallets can be stacked, how much weight can go on top and how much support a top pallet needs. Practical pallet stacking rules for trucks and containers.

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Trailer in 3D with paint pallets, insulation rolls, tiles and cartons, each labelled by name

Load planning basics · 14 November 2025 · 5 min read

Load Plan Template: The Fields Every Loading Plan Needs

A load plan template should cover the vehicle, manifest, sequence, drawings and weights. Here are the fields to include and why a 3D plan beats a spreadsheet.

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Top view of a part-loaded trailer with Euro and industrial pallets and the loading metres shown in the stats bar

Load planning basics · 29 September 2025 · 6 min read

Loading Metres (LDM) Explained: Formula, Examples and Pricing

A loading metre is one metre of trailer floor length at full width. See the LDM formula, worked pallet examples and how carriers turn LDM into a freight price.

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Semi-trailer load plan in 3D with drinks pallets, industrial pallets, cartons and oil drums

Load planning basics · 24 March 2025 · 6 min read

What Is Load Planning? A Practical Guide for Freight Teams

Load planning decides where every pallet and carton goes before loading starts. Learn who does it, what a good plan contains and when software beats a sketch.

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20' container filled with three sizes of cartons in 3D, used to explain cubic metre (CBM) calculation

Load planning basics · 11 March 2025 · 5 min read

CBM Calculation: Cubic Metres for Cartons, Pallets and Containers

Calculate CBM by multiplying length × width × height in metres. Worked carton and pallet examples, and how to go from total CBM to the right container or truck.

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Top view of a 13.6 m semi-trailer holding 33 Euro pallets, numbered in loading order

Load planning basics · 18 February 2025 · 5 min read

How Many Euro Pallets Fit in a Trailer? 33, 66 or Fewer

A 13.6 m trailer takes 33 Euro pallets single-stacked and 66 double-stacked if height and payload allow. See the orientations, mixed loads and the maths.

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Rigid truck in 3D with EUR 1, EUR 2, US 48×40, half and Asian 110×110 pallets, each labelled by size

Load planning basics · 22 January 2025 · 6 min read

Pallet Sizes Guide: Euro, Industrial, US and Asian Pallets

Standard pallet sizes compared: EUR/EPAL 1200×800, industrial 1200×1000, half and quarter pallets, US 48×40 and Asian 1100×1100, with loads and truck counts.

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