In groupage transport we bundle shipments from several shippers on one truck and consolidate them via fixed hub lines. For you that means: considerably lower freight costs than with a full load, regular departures and plannable transit times – ideal for shipments that do not fill their own load space and have no same-day deadline.
Speed Logistics organises groupage not only within Europe but also on non-EU lanes, for example to Türkiye or North Africa – including complete customs clearance. Realistically you should plan for 2–4 days transit time within the EU; in return you pay only for the load space your shipment actually occupies.
How does groupage work?
Your shipment is collected in the pre-carriage and consolidated at a transhipment hub with other shipments on the same lane (cross-docking). The main leg runs as a bundled line into the destination area, where the fine distribution takes place. The transhipment at the hub is the systemic difference from the direct run – which is why we pay attention to transport-appropriate packaging, secure load carriers and documented handovers at every transhipment point. The fixed departure rhythm of the lines makes the transit times readily plannable: whoever knows the loading cut-off can reliably cadence their goods flows.
Scope of services and security standards
- Regular hub lines from Berlin and Germany into the most important European economic areas
- Non-EU groupage with customs clearance, on request with an ATA Carnet for temporary uses such as exhibition goods
- Premium handling for sensitive and high-value goods, with secured transhipment areas along the chain
- Temperature-sensitive shipments on request via suitable refrigerated lines according to GDP requirements
- Shipment status and personal dispatch instead of an anonymous hotline – your contact knows your shipment
Who is groupage worthwhile for?
Groupage suits shippers with regular, smaller shipments: wholesalers who supply customers in several countries weekly, manufacturers with spare-parts dispatch or businesses that source supplier parts in manageable quantities. For exhibition goods and project resupply without a hard fixed deadline the line is often the most economical choice too. Groupage is less suitable for tight time windows, shock-sensitive or unpackaged goods and very high goods value – there we recommend a part load or direct run and present the alternatives transparently.
Groupage, general cargo or part load – what fits?
The transitions are fluid: classic general cargo usually moves between 30 and 2,500 kg per item, groupage bundles larger consignments too via scheduled services, and from around a third of truck capacity a part load with less transhipment is often worthwhile. On every enquiry we check which model is most economical for weight, volume, deadline and goods value – and we also tell you if a direct run would be the better choice.
Process and offer
You tell us the collection and delivery address, the packing pieces with dimensions and weight and the desired deadline. Within a few hours you receive a fixed-price offer with a realistic transit time. After your release we take over collection, consolidation, main leg and delivery – for non-EU destinations including export and import clearance, so that your shipment crosses the border without standing time and the price advantage of bundling is not lost at the customs office. On recurring lanes we set up fixed collection days on request so that your dispatch processes stay plannable for the long term.