Pallets and groupage cargo: additional loading, consolidation and savings on delivery

Groupage cargo is a method of delivery when products from several senders are transported in one truck. If your cargo does not fill an entire truck, there is no point in paying for it in full: it is more profitable to use partial loading or additional loading. In this article, we explain how consolidation works, how many pallets a truck can hold, what are the advantages and risks of groupage transportation, and how to find a passing transport.

What are groupage cargo and additional loading

There are two basic loading formats in logistics:

• FTL (Full Truck Load) — a separate truck for one full load;

• LTL (Less than Truck Load) — transportation of groupage cargo, when the space of the truck is shared by several senders.

Additional loading is a type of LTL: your cargo is "joined" to an already formed flight that is heading in your direction. This is one of the cheapest ways to deliver small consignments.

When it is profitable to choose groupage transportation

Partial loading is the best choice if:

• you have 1-15 pallets that do not fill a whole truck;
• the cargo is small in volume, but you need to deliver it quickly;
• you want to reduce logistics costs;
• shipments are regular, but in small batches.

If the cargo fills the truck completely, consider a separate flight - for example, tented truck.

How cargo consolidation works

Consolidation is the process of combining several small batches into one shipment. Usually the scheme is as follows:

1. cargo from different clients is delivered to a consolidator warehouse (hub);
2. they are sorted by destination and route;
3. a full truck load is formed from several batches;
4. deliver to destinations, distributing the cargo to recipients.

Thanks to this, each client pays only for his part of the space in the car.

Pallets: types and how many of them are in a truck

Most groupage cargo is transported on pallets - this speeds up loading and protects the goods. Main types:

A standard Euro truck can accommodate 33 Euro pallets in one tier. If the goods can be stacked - up to 66. That is why the volume of consolidated cargo is often calculated in pallet places or loading meters (LDM).

Advantages of consolidated transportation

• Economy - you pay only for the occupied space, not for the entire truck.
• Flexibility - delivery of even one pallet.
• Regularity - convenient for regular small deliveries.
• Environmental friendliness - fewer half-empty trips on the roads.

Risks and how to minimize them

Since someone else's cargo is traveling nearby, it is important to take care of its safety:

• reliable packaging - stretch film, corners, crate for fragile goods;
• clear marking of each pallet (sender, recipient, "fragile", "do not tilt");
• fixation of weight and dimensions in documents;
• cargo insurance for valuable consignments.

Proper pallet preparation is the main guarantee that the consolidated cargo will arrive without damage.

What does the price depend on

The cost of transportation of consolidated cargo is calculated not for the entire vehicle, but for the volume of your part:

1. number of pallets or loading meters (LDM);
2. cargo weight;
3. distance and direction;
4. urgency of delivery;
5. need for additional services (packaging, insurance).

How to find a partial load on SAMO-TRANS

On the SAMO-TRANS exchange, it is easy to find accompanying transport for consolidated cargo:

1. place a request with the mark "partial load / additional load";
2. indicate the number of pallets, weight and route;
3. view carriers who have free space in the truck in your direction;
4. Arrange for a direct load and save on delivery.

Frequently asked questions about groupage cargo

How is a groupage cargo different from a consolidated cargo?

A consolidated cargo is formed in advance from several batches, and a groupage cargo is a “sub-loading” of your cargo to an already prepared flight. In fact, a groupage cargo is a special case of LTL transportation.

How much does it cost to transport one pallet?

The price depends on the route, weight and dimensions of the pallet. Since you pay only for your space, it is much cheaper than a separate truck.

Is it safe to transport someone else's cargo together with someone else's?

Yes, if it is properly packed and labeled. For valuable shipments, we recommend taking out insurance.

How is the volume of a consolidated cargo calculated?

In pallet spaces or loading meters (LDM) - this is the length of the occupied part of the body. One LDM is approximately equal to two Euro pallets placed side by side.

Conclusion

Groupage cargo and additional cargo is a smart way to deliver a small batch quickly and inexpensively, paying only for the space occupied in the truck. The main thing is to pack and label the pallets well and choose a reliable carrier with free space in your direction. Finding such transport and forming additional cargo is easiest on the SAMO-TRANS exchange.