Groupage transport is the consolidation of loads that do not fill a truck with other loads on the same route, carried in a single vehicle. The shipper pays only for the space and weight used. Freez Logistics provides refrigerated and standard groupage transport within Turkey's 81 provinces and towards Europe, the Middle East and the Caucasus.
What Is Groupage Transport?
Groupage (also called LTL or part-load) is a transport method where, instead of hiring a whole truck for a small load, loads from different customers heading in the same direction are consolidated in one vehicle. This way you do not pay for an entire truck for a few pallets.
At Freez Logistics we group partial loads by temperature requirement. Cold-chain food and pharmaceutical loads travel in refrigerated trucks together with other loads in the same temperature range, and suitable vehicles are also planned for loads that do not need temperature control.
How Does Groupage Transport Work?
- Quote request: loading and delivery addresses, number of pallets, dimensions, weight, stackability and temperature needs are collected.
- Pricing: the price is calculated on the greater of actual weight, volumetric weight and LDM.
- Load planning: your load is planned in a truck with other loads on the same route and temperature range.
- Collection: the load is collected from your address or loaded at an agreed point; reefer trucks are pre-cooled.
- Transport and distribution: the truck visits delivery addresses on the route in order, with temperature monitored throughout.
- Delivery: the load is delivered and temperature records are shared on request.
Groupage vs Full-Load Transport
| Criterion | Groupage | Full load |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable quantity | From 1 to about 15-20 Euro pallets | About 20-33 Euro pallets or a full truck |
| Cost | Only the space and weight used | The whole truck |
| Transit time | Slightly longer due to collection and delivery stops | Direct delivery, shortest time |
| Loading date | According to the planned departure | Any date and time you choose |
| Best for | Regular small shipments, samples, trial exports | Large, urgent or sensitive loads |
How Is the Groupage Price Calculated?
In groupage transport the price is based on the chargeable weight of the load. The actual weight, volumetric weight and LDM weight are calculated, and the highest value applies.
| Measure | Common rule | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 LDM (loading metre) | 1,750 kg | 1 metre of trailer length occupied by the load |
| 1 m³ volume | 333 kg | Volumetric weight for light but bulky loads |
| 1 Euro pallet (80 x 120 cm) | about 0.4 LDM | Non-stackable pallets take the full height |
Example: a non-stackable load of 6 Euro pallets weighing 2,500 kg in total occupies about 2.4 LDM. Since 2.4 x 1,750 = 4,200 kg, the price is based on 4,200 kg instead of the actual 2,500 kg.
In addition, the route, temperature needs, location of loading and delivery addresses and, for international transport, customs and document procedures also affect the price.
Our Groupage Routes
- Domestic: refrigerated and standard groupage between all 81 provinces of Turkey
- Europe: Germany, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Romania and other EU countries
- Middle East: Iraq and other countries in the region
- Caucasus and Central Asia: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan
- Gulf: the UAE and Gulf countries via our Dubai branch
Who Is Groupage Transport For?
- Producers and wholesalers with regular but small shipments
- Companies making trial exports to a new market
- Shippers of samples, trade fair and promotional goods
- Brands distributing small quantities to several cities
- Businesses shipping small, frequent loads to reduce warehouse costs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is groupage transport?
Groupage (LTL) transport is the consolidation of loads that do not fill a truck with other customers' loads on the same route, carried in a single vehicle. The shipper pays only for the space and weight their goods use, not for the whole truck.
What is the difference between groupage and full-load transport?
In full-load transport the whole truck is dedicated to one customer and goes directly to the delivery address. In groupage the truck is filled with several customers' loads; the cost is lower but transit time may be slightly longer due to collection and delivery stops.
How is the price of groupage transport calculated?
The price is based on whichever is greater: the actual weight, the volumetric weight or the loading metre (LDM) weight. As a common rule, 1 LDM counts as 1,750 kg and 1 m³ as 333 kg. Route, temperature and loading date also affect the price.
What is LDM (loading metre)?
LDM is the length a load occupies along a 2.40 m wide trailer. One Euro pallet (80 x 120 cm) takes about 0.4 LDM; non-stackable pallets are charged as if they occupy the full height.
Is refrigerated groupage possible?
Yes. Loads requiring the same temperature range are consolidated in the same refrigerated truck, and multi-temperature (two-compartment) trucks can be used for loads needing different temperatures.
What is the minimum for a groupage shipment?
Even a single pallet or smaller shipments can travel as groupage. For loads of more than about 15-20 Euro pallets, a full truck is often more advantageous.
Get a groupage transport quote
Share your number of pallets, dimensions, weight and route; we will calculate the chargeable weight and send you the price.
+90 532 153 95 05 Quote FormLast updated: