FTL, LTL and groupage describe different ways of using road capacity. The cheapest quoted rate is not automatically the lowest total logistics cost: handling, waiting, packaging, damage exposure, delivery windows and inventory impact should also be considered.
FTL: full truckload
FTL normally reserves a truck or trailer for one shipment or one customer. It is appropriate when the cargo uses most capacity, has strict timing, cannot be mixed safely, requires a seal or controlled temperature, or has loading and delivery conditions that make consolidation impractical.
- Advantages: fewer handling points, direct routing, clearer seal control and generally more predictable scheduling.
- Trade-offs: the customer pays for dedicated capacity even if weight or volume is not fully used.
- Check: legal payload, axle distribution, internal dimensions, loading method, border permits and equipment suitability.
LTL and part load
In a part-load movement, several consignments may share the same vehicle while retaining planned pickup and delivery arrangements. It can reduce cost for medium-sized cargo, but route sequencing, compatibility, customs status and access to each loading point need careful coordination.
Groupage
Groupage usually combines smaller shipments through a terminal or consolidation hub. Freight may be collected, labelled, measured, stored briefly, cross-docked and reloaded. It is cost-efficient for smaller consignments but introduces more handling and depends on consolidation schedules.
How chargeable capacity is assessed
Road pricing may be based on actual weight, loading metres, pallet positions, cubic volume, equipment type or dedicated capacity. A light but bulky or non-stackable shipment may consume more capacity than its weight suggests. Exact dimensions and stackability should therefore be declared.
Compatibility and risk controls
- Do not combine incompatible dangerous goods, odorous products, food, pharmaceuticals or cargo that can contaminate or damage another shipment.
- Use packaging designed for multiple handling events when groupage or transshipment is expected.
- Mark every package and reconcile labels, package count and documents at each handover.
- Define liability and survey procedure for visible shortage, damage or broken packaging.
- Confirm whether customs-controlled goods may be consolidated or transferred at the chosen location.
Decision guide
- Choose FTL for high utilisation, urgent delivery, sensitive cargo, seal integrity or dedicated handling.
- Choose part load for medium cargo when pickup and delivery flexibility exists and direct consolidation is available.
- Choose groupage for small shipments when cost matters more than the fastest possible transit and packaging can tolerate hub handling.
Information needed for an accurate quote
Provide origin and destination postcodes, commodity, HS code if known, package count, dimensions, gross weight, stackability, loading equipment, pickup window, delivery constraints, temperature or ADR needs, customs status and Incoterm with named place.