Not every shipment requires an entire trailer. Many companies send parcels, boxes or single pallets – regularly, but in small quantities. It is for such orders that groupage transport, also known as consolidated freight, was created.
This is a service in which loads from different senders are combined in one vehicle and delivered according to a planned route. The customer only pays for the space occupied by their goods – regardless of whether it is one parcel or several pallets.
Groupage transport works well in the daily logistics of commercial companies, e-commerce, manufacturers and distributors. Thanks to a network of regular connections, we handle shipments throughout Poland and the European Union.
What is groupage transport?
Groupage transport – also known as consolidated freight – involves the transport of smaller shipments that do not fill the entire cargo space of a vehicle. Goods from different senders are collected, combined into a single shipment, and then delivered to recipients according to a planned route.
This means that:
- one lorry handles several orders at the same time,
- shipments are sorted and consolidated in a transhipment warehouse,
- the cargo reaches the recipient within 1–5 working days, depending on the route.
This solution allows companies to ship goods in an economical and flexible manner – without the need to reserve an entire trailer. The service includes not only transport, but also warehousing, transhipment and documentation.
Groupage transport is suitable for parcels, cartons, single pallets and non-standard loads that do not exceed a few cubic metres. It operates nationally and internationally based on regular distribution lines.
For which companies is groupage transport a suitable solution?
Groupage transport is a solution for companies that regularly send smaller loads – parcels, cartons, single pallets – and do not need an entire vehicle. It allows for flexible logistics planning, without excessive costs and waiting for a trailer to be filled.
E-commerce and online shops
Online retailers use groupage transport to replenish stock, ship goods to collection points or distribute between logistics centres. Groupage works well for regular shipments with variable volumes.
Manufacturers shipping to retail chains
Manufacturing plants that ship several pallets a week to different locations, such as shops, wholesalers and business partners. Groupage transport allows loads to be distributed to different addresses without the need to organise separate shipments.
Small and medium-sized commercial companies
Companies that import or distribute goods in small quantities. For them, groupage is a way to control costs without having to rent the entire cargo space.
Companies with irregular demand
Seasonal shipments, one-off promotional campaigns, irregular deliveries – in such cases, groupage transport offers great flexibility without fixed commitments.
Exporters and importers
Groupage is also a good solution for international transport, especially for companies testing new markets or sending samples, goods to order, or smaller batches.
What goods are most often transported in groupage transport?
Groupage transport is an everyday form of transport for thousands of shipments. It works well wherever the goods being shipped do not take up the entire loading space. As part of our groupage service, we transport both typical parcels and goods with non-standard dimensions.
Cartons and individual parcels
This is the most common type of shipment – products packed in collective or individual cartons. This applies to both B2B orders and deliveries to retail chains, points of sale, pharmacies and offices.
Single pallets or small numbers of pallets
Goods packed on 1-3 Euro pallets that do not require a full load. These are often cosmetics, cleaning products, office supplies, seasonal products or spare parts.
Industrial goods and components
Groupage transport is well suited for the transport of light but bulky items: mechanical parts, components, packaging materials, plastic moulds, rolls or rolls of film.
Non-standard size products
The groupage system allows for the transport of loads with unusual shapes that do not fit on a standard pallet, e.g. long profiles, advertising structures, interior design elements.
Dry products that do not require refrigeration
The groupage model mainly transports goods that are not sensitive to temperature. These include beverages, packaged food, food products with a long shelf life, loose products, and dietary supplements.
Advantages of groupage transport
Groupage transport is a solution for companies that want to ship goods flexibly, without having to reserve an entire vehicle. It works well in everyday logistics – especially where availability, cost and frequency of deliveries are important.
Economical use of space
By shipping only what you need, you don’t overpay for empty cargo space. You pay proportionally – for the space that your shipment actually takes up. This is particularly advantageous for smaller batches of goods.
Regularity and availability of routes
With regular domestic and international connections, you can plan your shipments without long waiting times. You don’t have to collect a full load – goods can be shipped on an ongoing basis, even every few days.
Flexibility in logistics planning
Groupage allows you to ship goods when they are ready, regardless of the size of the batch. This is a good solution for variable demand, seasonal sales or short production runs.
Lower unit costs
By sending smaller batches in a groupage system, it is easier to control logistics costs. There is no need to invest in goods storage or organise expensive dedicated transport.
Safe transport of smaller loads
Goods are secured and arranged in such a way as to prevent them from moving during transport. We transport general cargo in the order of delivery, which minimises the number of transhipments.
How does groupage transport work?
Groupage transport is a highly organised process, but simple for our customers. You do not need to know the logistics details. All you need to do is provide us with the shipment details and we will take care of the rest. Below we describe how a standard order is processed.
1. Sending an enquiry
All you need to provide is: the dimensions and weight of the shipment, the loading and delivery addresses, the collection date and the type of goods. Based on this, we prepare a quote and check the loading options.
2. Order confirmation
Once the offer has been accepted, we agree on the details: collection date, vehicle requirements (e.g. lift, ramp availability), contact details for the person on site.
3. Collection of the shipment
The driver collects the goods according to the agreed schedule. If necessary, the collection can be carried out using a lift or trolley. A document confirming the loading is drawn up on site.
4. Consolidation and transport
The goods are taken to a transhipment warehouse, where they are combined with other shipments going in the same direction. They then set off on their journey according to the agreed delivery schedule.
5. Delivery to the recipient
The shipment is delivered to the addressee within the agreed time frame. In most cases, it is possible to contact the driver or the operations department during delivery.
Jasek Transport – your partner in groupage transport
Groupage transport is our team’s daily work. We handle hundreds of shipments every week – both domestically and internationally. We work with companies that need efficient logistics without committing an entire semi-trailer. What matters to them is flexibility, timeliness and the certainty that their goods will arrive in good condition.
Why do customers choose our services?
- We know the process from start to finish. We not only handle transport, but also planning, consolidation and warehouse services. This means that the customer gets a ready-made solution, not just a vehicle travelling from point A to point B.
- We operate on regular domestic and international routes. We have an extensive network of connections, which allows us to efficiently plan pick-ups, shorten delivery times and maintain competitive prices.
- We respond to changing needs. Whether you are sending one parcel or several pallets, we treat every order seriously. We are flexible and can tailor our solutions to your company’s current situation.
- Communication is our strength. You can always contact us – before placing an order, during transport and after delivery. We provide specific information and take responsibility for what we do.
How to order groupage transport?
Ordering groupage transport does not require complicated formalities. The entire process can be completed quickly – by telephone or e-mail. All you need is a few details to receive a quote and place an order.
What do you need to prepare?
- Loading and unloading addresses (with postcodes),
- date of collection,
- type and description of goods (e.g. cartons, pallets, non-standard items),
- dimensions and weight of the shipment,
- additional requirements (e.g. fragile goods, collection by lift, time restrictions).
What does the process involve?
- You send us your enquiry – by email or phone.
- We send you a quote and transport plan.
- Once you accept, we arrange the date and loading details.
- We carry out the transport and confirm delivery.
We operate both on a one-off basis and as part of ongoing cooperation. In each case, you receive the direct contact details of the person responsible for your order.
Groupage transport – frequently asked questions
How many parcels or pallets can I send in groupage transport?
There is no strict limit, but we usually transport shipments ranging from one parcel to several pallets. If the load takes up most of the space in the trailer, we will offer an alternative in the form of less than truckload (LTL) or full truckload (FTL) transport.
Can I send goods with unusual dimensions?
Yes. We also transport shipments that do not fit on a standard pallet, e.g. long profiles, rolls, coils, bulk packaging. Just provide us with the dimensions and weight, and we will select the appropriate solution.
How to pack goods for groupage transport?
It is best to pack the goods in sturdy cardboard boxes, bubble wrap envelopes or wrap them in stretch film and secure them on a pallet. If the shipment is fragile, it is worth marking it as ‘top/bottom’ or ‘handle with care’.
Can small consignments be tracked?
Yes. For domestic and international routes, we can provide information on the status of your shipment and, in many cases, provide GPS tracking or contact our operations department.
How quickly is groupage transport carried out?
We usually deliver domestic shipments within 24–72 hours. For international transport, the standard delivery time is 2–5 working days, depending on the route and transhipment points.
Are groupage shipments insured?
Yes. Every shipment is covered by OCP insurance. Upon request, we can prepare an additional (cargo) policy – e.g. for high-value goods.
Is it possible to order transport without a permanent contract?
Yes. We serve both regular customers and one-off orders. In both cases, the standard of service is the same – quick contact, clear pricing, and timely delivery.
Can I order groupage transport with same-day collection?
In some locations, yes – especially for regular routes and collections from larger cities. It is worth contacting us in the morning – we will check whether a vehicle can be provided on the same day.
What if I do not have a label or shipment number?
We do not require labels from logistics systems. All you need to do is provide the sender and recipient details, a description of the shipment and its contents. If necessary, we will prepare the labels on our end.
Will the driver assist with loading or unloading?
As standard, the driver provides the vehicle and ensures that the shipment is secured. If you need assistance with carrying goods, using a lift or trolley, please let us know in advance so that we can select the appropriate vehicle.
Can I send several parcels to different recipients?
Yes. If you have several parcels or pallets to send to different addresses, we will plan the route and provide a quote based on the number of delivery points. You can place a single order, even if the goods are to be delivered to multiple recipients.
Can I send fragile goods or goods requiring careful handling?
Yes – but please clearly mark the parcel and provide information when placing your order. Goods with special requirements (e.g. glass, electronic equipment) will be appropriately placed and secured in the vehicle.
What if the recipient does not collect the parcel?
In the event of problems with unloading or the recipient’s absence, we contact the sender and look for a solution.
