What is Groupage Shipping?
Discover the efficiency of groupage shipping—consolidating goods from various companies into a single shipment, reducing costs and enhancing flexibility. Explore the advantages, disadvantages, and required documents for seamless groupage transport. Optimize your logistics with manageable inventory and cost-effective solutions.
Groupage Shipping
Groupage is a shipping method used to transport units of bundled goods by consolidating them—groupage groups together goods dispatched by various companies into a single shipment. The term LTT (Less Than Truckload) is used frequently in international trade to refer to groupage transport. This approach combines several smaller shipments into a full container and is often used for single pallets.
General cargo is collected from various shippers and combined as groupage cargo in a warehouse. The shipment is further separated in the corresponding warehouses upon delivery to the forwarding agent. Groupage is popular in the logistics industry due to its cost-effectiveness and is seen as the halfway point for standard delivery services and full truckload transport.
Groupage transport is used among companies needing to dispatch that do not have enough volume to fill a truck or a container. Specialized Groupage Transporters can offer up space remaining between several freight senders. Utilizing groupage services offers many advantages to companies, such as cost-effectiveness, improved service quality and flexibility, and efficiency. With groupage shipping, companies share transportation costs with other senders and no longer need to pay all delivery fees because the cargo only takes up part of the available space. Transporters usually send goods as either Full Container Load or Less than Container Load, group together joint destination shipments, optimize truck space and provide loading and delivery dates.
With Groupage, companies benefit from easier sending and receiving processes. Groupage allows merchandise to be sent without the concern or hassle of volume thresholds for each destination, in addition to various services given via their providers, like a wider variety of itinerary options. Keep in mind that with a broader range of itinerary options comes a more significant flexibility requirement for senders regarding product loading and delivery times.
Groupage Operator
A groupage operator is an agent that collects cargo from several different shippers for delivery to various customers. Operators may also collect LCL cargo from several organizations to consolidate and deliver to a single customer. They arrange pickup for less-than-container loads from the seller and deliver them to the buyer.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Groupage Shipping?
Why Choose Us For A Freight Quote?
- Get Freight Shipping Quotes anytime, anywhere in the U.S. & Canada.
- Enjoy special discounts on LTL freight, truckload, rail, air, and more.
- Experience automated Freight tracking, paperwork, and invoices.
- Streamline all your quotes and shipments on one comprehensive platform.
- Benefit from 25 years of logistics expertise on your side!
Choosing FreightCenter
When you choose to work with us, you are choosing to make your shipping process seamless. Here are just some of the benefits working with our Third Party Logistics company will have on your shipping experience:
- Partner with FreightCenter, a top-notch 3PL company with over 24 years of logistics expertise.
- Gain peace of mind and great value for your shipping needs.
- Our experienced team has handled almost every imaginable shipment process.
- Rely on our knowledgeable staff adapting to industry changes, ready to answer your questions.
- We act as a reliable intermediary, ensuring smooth communication between you and your carrier.
- Secure the best transit carriers and optimal routes at the most competitive prices.
- Save time and effort with our logistics expertise; no need to spend hours searching for deals.
- Easily ensure your shipments with our guidance on the best coverage options, whether full or partial.
- We handle pickups and drop-offs and provide real-time shipment tracking for complete visibility.
Now, what are you waiting for? Call FreightCenter to set up your account and discuss your shipment. We are ready to answer your questions and provide solutions! Our team looks forward to partnering with you.
booked
Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)
NVOCCs are operators that deal directly with freight forwarders in most situations. Some offer cargo space to individual customers for transport via cargo vessels. NVOCCs typically do not own cargo vessels or warehouses despite their service offerings. The cargo space is often leased from a shipping line, and loading is done from the customer’s warehouse. If warehouse space is required, it is leased from warehouse operators.
Groupage Examples
One of the common ways in which a shipment turns to Groupage is when the volume a shipper needs to send is smaller than the total loading volume available. Groupage is a great option to avoid significant transport expenses and avoid paying for space the shipment is not taking up. It is also a great option when dispatch deadlines are not a key factor. Groupage requires several deliveries to be grouped together and takes considerably longer than a standard delivery. Other great scenarios for Groupage shipping include delivery in different countries or when the dispatched goods can be combined with one or several pallets.
A great example of Groupage is the shipping process for the wine industry. While alcoholic spirits and beers are typically shipped as full container loads, wines are usually ordered in smaller quantities. The wine market is niche, with good vintage wines being limited. It is common for customers to order several different wines in small amounts from different vineyards spread across regions. Customers place individual orders with wine suppliers in various countries and use consolidators to bring them as a full container load following the storage and transportation requirements.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Turn to the experts at FreightCenter for cost-effective rates and an extensive array of options tailored to fulfill your Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight shipping needs. Benefit from our seasoned professionals' insights and diverse services, ensuring optimal solutions that align with your specific shipping requirements while maximizing affordability and efficiency.
Discover customized solutions for full and partial truckloads, featuring competitive pricing across various freight options such as dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated shipments. Count on us to address all your full truckload shipping needs with reliability, ensuring a comprehensive and cost-effective approach tailored to your specific requirements.
Experience the reliability and speed of our Nationwide Expedited Trucking services, designed to transport your freight securely. From individual large boxes to full truckloads, our team of freight shipping experts is ready to ensure swift and secure delivery for your shipments, providing you with peace of mind and timely solutions for your logistical needs.
Unlock the most reliable rates for Specialized Freight Services by following a few easy steps. Whether you require white-glove service or international shipping, rest assured that we've got you covered with comprehensive solutions tailored to meet your specific needs.
Discover hassle-free flatbed shipping with FreightCenter! We offer affordable rates and reliable options to transport your goods on flatbed trailers, ensuring safe and on-time delivery. Count on our expertise for precise, cost-effective solutions to your flatbed shipping needs.
Enhance your shipping strategy by seamlessly blending different transportation modes, such as trucking and rail. This integrated approach maximizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness, ensuring your goods reach their destination smoothly. Explore the benefits of a diversified transportation solution with FreightCenter.
Make your shipping smarter by using rail transport for long distances or when dealing with many packages. It's not just efficient for longer trips but also great for handling lots of items. Get valuable advice from FreightCenter on how to level up your shipping strategy with rail.
Efficiently ship your products globally by transporting them in secure containers on cargo ships. This method ensures the safety and reliability of your goods during international shipping. Rely on FreightCenter to guide you through the process for a seamless and cost-effective experience.
Choose air transportation for speedy and time-sensitive delivery needs. Optimize your shipping strategy with FreightCenter, ensuring your shipments reach their destinations quickly and efficiently.
Easily ship across borders with FreightCenter. We make it simple, offering expert help and personalized solutions for smooth and affordable shipping. Count on us to make your cross-border shipments efficient and cost-effective.
Employ specialized heavy haul trucking services with FreightCenter for seamless transportation of oversized or cumbersome shipments. Our experts ensure safe and efficient delivery tailored to your unique shipping needs.
A third-party logistics provider (3PL) is your strategic partner, delivering customized and cost-effective solutions to optimize your supply chain and logistics processes, ensuring streamlined operations for your business.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.