Groupage transport – what is it and how does it work?
For business
15 March 2026
Not every business needs a whole lorry to send goods. Smaller consignments – ranging from a single pallet to a dozen or so boxes – can be transported alongside shipments from other senders in a single vehicle. This is the essence of groupage transport, which reduces logistics costs and provides access to regular transport routes. Find out how groupage works, how much it costs and when it’s worth using.
What is groupage transport, and how does it differ from full truckload (FTL) transport?
Groupage transport is a method of transporting smaller consignments of goods that do not take up the entire load space of a vehicle . Shipments from multiple senders are consolidated into a single consignment, meaning that each sender pays only for the space they actually occupy. The industry term for this is LTL (Less Than Truckload). Road groupage covers shipments ranging from single parcels to several pallets.
Unlike general cargo transport, FTL (Full Truckload) transport refers to the hire of an entire vehicle for a single shipper . This is a faster option, but significantly more expensive for small consignments. Partial loads in the LTL model pass through transhipment terminals, which extends delivery times but allows costs to be shared among multiple customers.
| Criterion | LTL (less than truckload) | FTL (full truckload) |
| Quantity | From 1 pallet to a dozen or so | Full load (24–33 pallets) |
| Cost | Lower delivery charge | Lower per kg for heavy loads |
| Delivery time | Longer (transhipments) | Shorter (direct route) |
| Risk of damage | Higher (multiple transhipments) | Lower (no transhipments) |
| Who is it for? | SMEs, e-commerce, regular deliveries | Large companies, wholesalers, sensitive cargo |
What does the consolidation process and the logistics of groupage shipments involve?
Consolidation this involves consolidating parcels from multiple senders into transhipment warehouse or a transhipment terminal before being loaded onto a shared vehicle. Shipments are grouped according to their delivery destination, meaning that a single vehicle can serve several or a dozen recipients along a given route. This process is based on the hub-and-spoke model, in which the distribution centre acts as the central hub.
Technology cross-dockingu This helps to reduce delivery times. The goods are sent to a consolidation warehouse, where they are immediately sorted and loaded onto an outgoing vehicle – without the need for long-term storage. At the recipient’s end, the goods are deconsolidated, i.e. the consolidated load is split into individual parcels.
What types of goods are eligible for groupage transport?
General cargo shipments include a wide range of goods packed on pallets, in cartons or in crates. Typical general cargo includes finished goods, processed products, spare parts and e-commerce goods. Groupage is particularly popular in the FMCG, retail and industrial manufacturing sectors, where regular deliveries of smaller batches replace infrequent, large orders.
Goods excluded from general cargo transport :
- Dangerous goods (ADR) – require specific procedures and dedicated rolling stock.
- Products requiring refrigeration – transport exclusively in refrigerated trailers in accordance with GDP.
- Oversized loads exceeding the dimensions of a standard semi-trailer.
- Goods with a short shelf life – longer transit times in LTL can further reduce this.
- Shipments requiring transport without transhipment (e.g. large glass items, artistic ceramics).
How should general cargo be properly prepared and secured for shipment?
In general cargo transport, goods undergo several transhipments, which is why unitising the load is particularly important. Palletisation (stacking goods on Euro pallets) and containerisation are the most common methods of preparing shipments. Each load unit should be stable and resistant to tipping.
Key principles of securing cargo :
- Film wrapping - Wrap the pallet in stretch film, using at least three layers.
- Ceiling work - Secure the load to the pallet or the vehicle floor using straps.
- Load securing - Use cardboard corner protectors and strapping tape.
The choice of transport packaging depends on the nature of the goods – cardboard boxes for lighter items, wooden crates for heavier or fragile loads. Please ensure the parcel is correctly labelled, as this speeds up sorting at terminals. In our network, courier parcels with total dimensions exceeding 220 cm are classified as non-standard, which incurs an additional charge.
What factors influence the cost of general cargo transport, and how can it be optimised?
The price of general cargo transport depends primarily on pay-as-you-go . The carrier compares the actual weight of the shipment with the volumetric weight (calculated based on volume) and charges for whichever is higher. The second criterion is the unit weight of the shipment converted to pallet space – the more pallets the shipment occupies, the higher the cost. Bear in mind that distance, the type of goods and any additional services are also taken into account. InPost calculates the volumetric weight of courier shipments using the formula: length x width x height / 6000.
InPost calculates courier delivery costs based on actual dimensions and volumetric weight, meaning you only pay for the space actually used. The cost-effectiveness of groupage shipments stems from the fact that the sender pays only for the space utilised in the vehicle. They do not cover the costs of empty runs or unused space, as is often the case when hiring an entire lorry. The right choice of packaging and the arrangement of goods on the pallet directly translates into lower transport costs.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of using less-than-truckload (LTL) services for businesses?
Advantages of less-than-truckload (LTL) freight :
- Flexibility of supply - Companies can send goods on a regular basis, without having to stockpile large quantities.
- Reduction in CO2 emissions - One vehicle replaces several smaller deliveries. InPost is actively reducing emissions by using electric vehicles in selected cities.
- No long-term fleet hire contracts - InPost allows retail customers to send courier parcels without a contract, either as a one-off service or as part of a business model.
The most significant drawback is the risk of damage resulting from repeated handling at terminals. Every time goods are handled, there is a risk that they may be damaged or mixed up with another consignment. As delivery times are longer than with FTL, groupage is not suitable for urgent orders.
What are the transit times and how does parcel tracking work in groupage transport?
Transit times for groupage freight are longer than for full truckload (FTL) shipments, as the consignment goes through stages of consolidation, sorting and deconsolidation. On domestic routes, delivery times are usually 1–3 working days, and for international shipments, 3 to 7 days. Departure schedules are fixed, which allows you to plan shipments in advance, but make sure that the delivery times align with your customers’ needs.
Modern TMS (Transport Management System) systems enable real-time tracking of parcels at every stage – from collection, through the terminal, to delivery. You can check the status of your parcel at every stage of the process via the InPost Mobile app or on the inpost.pl website.
What formalities and documents should you bear in mind when shipping general cargo?
The key document is the consignment note, which confirms that the goods have been accepted for transport and sets out the terms of delivery. The CMR Convention applies to international transport, and customs clearance is required for shipments outside the EU – holders of an AEO certificate can benefit from simplified procedures. The transport of sensitive goods requires declaration in the SENT system on the PUESC platform. Experienced freight forwarder helps with the preparation of documentation and customs clearance, which is particularly useful for regular general cargo shipments to overseas markets. It is also worth considering cargo insurance, which protects both parties to the transaction against financial loss.
If you send small parcels on a regular basis, it’s worth taking advantage of InPost’s offer for business customers, which includes dedicated support and simplified posting procedures.
Choose InPost Subscriptions for businesses and send parcels at a fixed price.
Take one minute to leave your contact details and start sending parcels from as low as 11.89 PLN*.
- One contract for courier and Paczkomat shipments
- Free courier pickups
- Express delivery
- Price guarantee for the duration of the contract
- Fuel surcharge included
- Dedicated post-sale support
* Net price per Paczkomat shipment in the Subscription 600 plan.
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