The term groupage refers to a type of shipment – increasingly widespread in international trade – which consists of grouping small shipments of goods that have the same or near origin and destination, so as to form a more manageable load unit (semi-trailer, sea freight container, air container, etc.).

The operation of joining the goods in a single groupage shipment is called consolidation; the opposite activity on arrival (separating of lots) is called degroupage.

The characteristics of groupage

The forwarder carries out a fundamental function, because he is in the meeting point between the different senders: the person in charge of the assembly of the shipment, the one who combines the goods and who is responsible for any damage.

The activity is typically carried out by shippers specialized in land transport (especially by rail) and sea freight; in the airfreight logistics groupage is the normal practice.

It is very important to combine the goods correctly, based on danger degree in order to avoid wrong combinations such as, for example, foodstuff and dangerous goods.

The terms and conditions of delivery are stated in the so-called shipping contract.

The advantages

The groupage is in fact the most economical solution for all those small shipments that taken separately would not be sufficient to complete a load. Code word – optimization.

The are many advantages, such as:

• obtain an economic saving
• avoid breaking the load (the fractional execution of a transport with different vehicles)
• limit the risk of loss and damage
• reduce packaging costs
• contain insurance costs
• improve delivery times and loading and unloading operations

Is this your case? Find out how we can help you

As a transport company, Furlog has the skills and professionalism to handle groupage shipments with the utmost care and reliability, at both national and international levels.

We also offer various additional services, such as door-to-door, for increasingly individualised and complete transportation.

The only party that takes care of the entire shipment management: this, and much more, is Furlog. Discover all our services.