FTL, LTL or groupage – which fits your shipment?
Not every shipment needs a whole truck – but not every one can withstand the repeated handling of a groupage network. This comparison helps you choose the right mode of transport.
| Criterion | FTL – full truck load | LTL – part load | Groupage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principle | One vehicle exclusively for your shipment | Vehicle shared between a few shipments | Many shipments consolidated via transhipment terminals |
| Handling | None – direct door to door | No or minimal handling | Repeated handling via hubs |
| Transit time | Fastest, firmly plannable | Fast, plannable | Longer, network-dependent |
| Damage risk | Very low | Low | Higher (every transfer = handling) |
| Cost | Higher (whole vehicle) | Medium (pro rata) | Economical for small volumes |
| Tracking | Real-time GPS, dedicated driver | GPS tracking | Shipment tracking at network level |
| Ideal for | Time-critical, valuable, sensitive, large | Medium volumes without a full load space | Small, non-time-critical shipments |
When FTL (full truck load)?
Choose FTL when time, value or sensitivity matter: time-critical spare parts, high-value or delicate goods, large volumes or fixed Just-in-Time deadlines. Your goods travel exclusively and handling-free – fastest and with the lowest risk.
When LTL (part load)?
LTL pays off when your shipment doesn't fill a whole load space but should still reach its destination quickly and with little handling. You share a vehicle with a few other shipments and pay only on a pro-rata basis.
When groupage?
Groupage is the cheapest option for small, non-time-critical shipments – but with repeated handling across terminals, longer transit times and higher handling risk. For urgent or sensitive goods, direct transport is the better choice.
Not sure what fits?
Tell us about your shipment – we'll recommend the right mode of transport and quote a fixed price.
FAQ
What is the main difference between FTL and LTL?
With FTL, one vehicle travels exclusively for your shipment (full truck load); with LTL, several shipments share one vehicle (part load). FTL is faster and lower-risk, while LTL is more economical for medium volumes.
Is direct transport always more expensive than groupage?
Per shipment, usually yes – but transit time, damage risk and predictability are considerably better. For time-critical, valuable or sensitive goods, direct transport quickly pays for itself.
Does CityFreight offer all three options?
We specialise in handling-free direct transport – FTL and LTL as a direct run. We deliberately don't offer pure groupage over transhipment networks, because it contradicts our “no transhipment” principle.