What is the difference between LTL and groupage transport, and which works for me?
There are numerous types of transport to choose from, which are all designated for different, yet specific, purposes. Hence, knowing which type of transport that best suits you and your requirements can be confusing.
There are two types of transport which can be easily misunderstood: Less than Truck Load (LTL) and Groupage (also known as Less than Container, LCL) transport.
What is LTL transport?
LTL transport, essentially, is the transportation of products that do not physically need a full truckload. LTL transports are smaller loads of products or goods that tend to consist of multiple different shipments, in this one truckload. For instance, different carriers may be LTL transport, where they carry a variety of products and goods for deliveries, all for separate shipments, in their company’s shipment vehicle.
For LTL transports, a company would share the truckload with another business (or businesses). This would make the shipment cost-effective for businesses who do not run a significantly large service. However, because LTL transport is shared with other businesses’ shipments, this potentially entails slower delivery services as a result of differentiating delivery locations.
What is groupage transport?
Groupage transport services consist of products and goods being grouped together, but are shipped and dispatched by varying companies, internationally. Ensuring all transport is shipped and delivered safely and efficiently is important, especially when shipping to a different country. In contrast to LTL transport, groupage transport entails international container freight shipping. This means that groupage transport, essentially, places small shipments from multiple separate customers into one container, for them to be transported to different customers, internationally. These containers are usually shipped overseas, where they can then be delivered to their designated destination by a vehicle on land. For instance, our Palletline network ensures that you can ship to a variety of countries to and from Europe using the groupage transport solution.
Which transport works best for me?
There are a few main factors that need to be considered when figuring out which type of transport is best suited to you and your required needs.
Shipment Size
Firstly, if your truckload does not fill a Full Truck Load (FTL), then LTL transport should be used. Usually, if your shipments fill six pallets or less, then this would not fill an FTL and would instead need an LTL transport service. Also, if your truckload measures approximately 15,000 lbs or under, then LTL is a great option to pick for your container freight shipment.
If you are shipping internationally, and your truckload accumulates to 15 CBM or less, then groupage is best for you. If your container weighs more than 2 tonnes, then groupage transport is needed in order for your shipment to be dispatched. Generally, small to medium size businesses and enterprises (SMEs) benefit from the groupage transport service, if the business is intending to dispatch small shipments only.
It is inextricably necessary to check the General Haulage information of your shipment, as this with help you decipher which type of transport is best designated for you and your requirements.
Shipment Duration
Although the groupage transport process has a longer duration, due to the deconsolidating of loads that the designated country has to handle before delivering the shipments by land, this is usually quicker in the total duration of delivery in comparison to FTL’s, if making a last-minute shipment booking.
Additionally, LTL transport services can be considerably slower, depending on how many different shipments are needing to be delivered, as well as the amount of delivery locations necessary. However, overall, both types of transport solutions provide an efficient service, ensuring that all goods are delivered safely and promptly.
For more information on what qualifies for LTL or groupage shipments, or for information on how Welch Transport can advise the best transport type for you, please do not hesitate to get in touch on +44 (0)1223 843011 or email us at [email protected].