In the logistics world, one of the biggest challenges is paying a fair price for the exact space you need. Many transport companies only offer Full Truck Load (FTL) services, which means you often end up paying for a full trailer even if your goods don’t fill it entirely. That’s why groupage to Spain has become increasingly popular. It benefits everyone, you save money, trucks move more efficiently, and the environment wins thanks to fewer empty kilometres.
Index
Points we are covering:
- What Is Groupage?
- Groupage vs. FTL (Full Truck Load)
- Advantages and Practicalities of Groupage
- Groupage to Spain
- Price: How Groupage Is Calculated
- LDM Calculation
- Looking for a Partner?
- FAQs
What Is Groupage?
Groupage (also known as LTL, Less Than Truckload) is the practice of combining shipments from multiple customers into one truck. You only pay for the space your goods occupy, making it a flexible and budget‑friendly option for smaller or medium‑sized loads.
Let me walk you through some more specific details about Groupage Transport:
Groupage vs. FTL (Full Truck Load)
Depending on the amount of cargo, there are two types of transport bookings:
- Groupage (LTL to Spain): Ideal for smaller shipments that don’t fill an entire truck. More economical and environmentally friendly, but with slightly longer transit times due to consolidations.
- FTL: Best for large loads, urgent deliveries, or when you want full control over the truck. Faster transit times but higher cost.
Advantages and Practicalities of Groupage
Before diving in, here’s a quick reminder: groupage is becoming a preferred choice because it helps you manage costs and logistics with much more flexibility.
Advantages
- Cost‑effective – You pay only for the space you use.
- Sustainable – Fewer partially empty trucks on the road means lower emissions.
- Flexible – Perfect for sending smaller volumes on a regular basis.
Practical considerations
- More touchpoints during loading/unloading
- Transit times may vary depending on consolidations
- Packaging needs to be strong enough for group handling
Groupage to Spain
In this article we are covering Groupage Transport to Spain as a specific service destination. When booking groupage to Spain, a few key factors shape the service:
Transit Times
Transit times depend on your pick‑up location, consolidation hubs, and the type of goods. For example:
- Netherlands → Spain: typically 3 – 5 days
- Belgium → Spain: typically 2 – 4 days
Type of Groupage by Truck Type
Every type of good has a specific type of transport need:
- Tautliner – Standard groupage truck for pallets, boxes, non‑temperature‑sensitive goods.
- Frigo (Refrigerated) – Ideal if you need LTL to Spain for temperature‑controlled shipments.
- Box Trailer – Extra secure option for high‑value cargo.
- ADR (Dangerous Goods) – Certified groupage service for hazardous materials requiring ADR‑approved drivers, equipment, and documentation.
Price: How Groupage Is Calculated
The groupage price is based on:
- Loading meters (LDM) your cargo occupies
- Total weight (kg)
- Price per km on the specific route
Additional cost factors may apply:
- Remote destinations requiring smaller vans or tail‑lift vehicles
- Non‑stackable pallets (stackable shipments are cheaper because they utilise height more efficiently)
*Depending on the type of load, seasonality, and equipment availability, prices may fluctuate. ADR and refrigerated groupage are generally more expensive due to specialised requirements.
LDM Calculation
Don’t panic if previously you read LDM and you don’t know what’s that. I am also covering this part!
LDM stands for loading metres, and is the amount of space your cargo uses in a truck. There are a lot of online calculation tools to get those figures but is actually really easy to calculate. You just need the length and width of the pallets.
Formula:
LDM = (Length of pallet in meters × Width of pallet in meters) ÷ 2.4
(2.4 m is the standard internal width of a truck trailer)
Once you have your LDMs, KG, and destination postal codes, you’re ready to book your groupage to Spain shipment.
After introducing you to Groupage service I have one last introduction, Groupage service to Spain with Portex.
Looking for a Partner?
If you’re searching for a reliable logistics partner for groupage to Spain or LTL to Spain, Portex is here to help. With daily routes, flexible solutions, and transparent pricing, we make your shipments simple, efficient, and stress‑free. Contact us to request a quote, or if you want to make a direct booking you can always get an instant price and book through the calculation tool of our home page menu.
FAQs
| 1. What is groupage transport? Groupage is a transport method where your goods share truck space with other shipments, so you only pay for the space you use. |
| 2. How long does groupage to Spain take? Transit times usually range from 3–5 days from the Netherlands and 2–4 days from Belgium. |
| 3. Is groupage cheaper than FTL? Yes, groupage is generally more economical because you don’t pay for a full truck. |
| 4. Can I ship temperature‑controlled goods? Yes, frigo (refrigerated) groupage options are available for temperature‑sensitive shipments. |
| 5. What do I need to calculate the price? You need your LDMs, total KG, and delivery postal code. |
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