What is groupage and what is the difference with FTL and LTL?

Groupage (consolidated freight) is a transport mode where goods from multiple clients are consolidated in the same vehicle to optimise costs. Each client pays only for the space their goods actually occupy, rather than for the entire truck. It is the most economical solution for small and medium shipments. FTL (Full Truck Load) means the entire truck is dedicated to a single client's cargo. Chosen when goods fill the vehicle, require direct delivery without intermediate stops, or have special needs (temperature control, dangerous goods, urgency). LTL (Less than Truck Load) indicates a shipment occupying less than a full truck. Unlike groupage, LTL freight may be transhipped between vehicles along the route (hub and spoke), while classic groupage often travels on a single vehicle from collection to delivery. Practical comparison for Italy-Switzerland shipments: groupage is ideal for 1-10 pallets from regularly served regions, 24-72 hours, lowest cost; FTL is preferable for 15+ pallets or full loads, direct delivery in 12-24 hours, higher cost; LTL is a middle ground for 5-12 pallets when a full truck is not justified.

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