{"id":115,"date":"2026-10-15T14:52:47","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T12:52:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/?p=115"},"modified":"2026-10-15T14:52:47","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T12:52:47","slug":"groupage-or-full-truckload-how-to-choose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/en\/groupage-or-full-truckload-how-to-choose\/","title":{"rendered":"Groupage or Full Truckload? How to Choose the Right Transport"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you need to organise road freight, one of the first decisions concerns the shipping mode: is it better to choose groupage transport<\/strong> or to book a full truckload<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer depends mainly on the volume of goods, delivery times, the available budget and the characteristics of the load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the wrong solution can mean paying more than necessary, extending delivery times or increasing the number of times the goods are handled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide we look at the differences between groupage, collettame (the Italian term), LTL transport and FTL full loads<\/strong>, explaining when each solution makes sense and why customs handling is particularly important for shipments between Italy and Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is groupage transport?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Groupage<\/strong>, known in Italian as collettame<\/strong> and also called LTL \u2013 Less Than Truckload<\/strong> transport, is a mode of transport in which goods from several customers are consolidated and loaded onto the same vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each customer pays only for the space actually taken up by their shipment, rather than bearing the cost of an entire lorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The price can be calculated on the basis of several parameters, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • number of packages;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • number and type of pallets;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • actual weight;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • volumetric weight;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • loading metres occupied;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • collection and delivery locations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Groupage is particularly suitable for companies that need to ship small quantities of goods, such as one or more pallets, without having enough volume to fill a whole vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How does a groupage shipment work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The goods are usually collected from the sender and transferred to a logistics hub, where they are consolidated with other shipments bound for the same geographical area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The goods are then split up and forwarded to their respective destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This set-up makes it possible to optimise the space available on vehicles and to reduce the transport cost for each individual customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, the presence of several sorting stages can mean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • slightly longer delivery times;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • more handling;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • the need for suitable packaging;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • greater attention to transport and customs documentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      What is an FTL full load?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      A full load<\/strong>, also known as FTL \u2013 Full Truckload<\/strong> transport, means the vehicle is used exclusively by a single customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The goods are loaded at the point of departure and transported directly to their destination, without being consolidated with shipments from other senders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A full load is the right choice when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • the goods fill all or almost all of the lorry;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • delivery is urgent;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • the load is delicate or of high value;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • handling needs to be kept to a minimum;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • the customer requires greater control over the route;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • precise delivery windows are required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Compared with groupage, FTL transport generally offers faster transit times and greater predictability, as the vehicle does not have to carry out intermediate consolidation and sorting operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What is a part load?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Between groupage and full load there is also an intermediate solution: the part load<\/strong>, often referred to as PTL \u2013 Partial Truckload<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        This mode suits shipments that take up a significant portion of the vehicle, but not enough to justify booking an entire lorry from a cost point of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A part load can be a good compromise between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • cost;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • transit time;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • space occupied;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • number of handling operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Whether it is worthwhile must be assessed case by case, comparing the cost of groupage with that of a dedicated vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The difference between groupage and full load<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          The main difference lies in how the vehicle is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          With groupage the space is shared with other customers, whereas with a full load the lorry is dedicated entirely to a single shipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Feature<\/th>Groupage \/ LTL<\/th>Full load \/ FTL<\/th><\/tr>
          Use of the vehicle<\/td>Shared with other shipments<\/td>Exclusive<\/td><\/tr>
          Ideal for<\/td>A few packages or pallets<\/td>Large volumes<\/td><\/tr>
          Cost<\/td>Based on the space occupied<\/td>Based on the whole vehicle<\/td><\/tr>
          Delivery times<\/td>Generally longer<\/td>Generally faster<\/td><\/tr>
          Handling<\/td>More<\/td>Less<\/td><\/tr>
          Route<\/td>May involve intermediate hubs<\/td>Direct<\/td><\/tr>
          Flexibility<\/td>High for small quantities<\/td>High for urgent and large loads<\/td><\/tr>
          Handling risk<\/td>Higher<\/td>Lower<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          When is groupage the right choice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Groupage is generally the most cost-effective solution when the shipment consists of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • a limited number of packages;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • one or a few pallets;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • goods that are not particularly urgent;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • volumes too small to fill a lorry;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • regular deliveries of small quantities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            The main economic advantage is that you pay only for the space you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            For example, shipping a single pallet on a dedicated lorry would not normally be cost-effective. By including it in a groupage shipment, the cost of the vehicle is instead shared among several customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Groupage is therefore particularly suitable for companies that ship regularly but in modest quantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            When is a full load the right choice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            A full load is generally preferable when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • the quantity of goods fills or almost fills the vehicle;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • the groupage cost per pallet comes close to the cost of a full lorry;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • delivery must take place quickly;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • the goods are fragile, sensitive or of high value;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • precise delivery dates and times are required;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • you want to avoid passing through logistics hubs;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • the load cannot be transported together with other goods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              As volume increases, a full load can become more cost-efficient than groupage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              In these cases you should not compare only the total price but, above all, the cost per unit transported<\/strong>, such as the cost per pallet, per tonne or per loading metre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Four factors to assess before you choose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              1. Volume and weight of the goods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Volume is often the first factor to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              A few packages or pallets generally make groupage the cost-effective option. When the goods take up a substantial part of the vehicle, however, it is worth comparing the cost of groupage with that of a full load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              In addition to actual weight, volumetric weight must also be considered. Goods that are light but very bulky can take up a significant amount of space on the lorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              2. Delivery times<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              A full load normally offers faster transit times, because the goods are transported directly from the sender to the consignee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Groupage, on the other hand, involves consolidation, sorting and distribution operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              When delivery is tied to a fixed deadline, dedicated transport can offer greater certainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              3. Fragility and value of the load<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Every additional handling operation increases the risk of impacts, errors or damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              For goods that are fragile, delicate, oversized or of high value, a full load can be the more prudent solution because it reduces the number of transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Groupage nonetheless remains a safe mode of transport, provided that the goods are properly packed and entrusted to a well-organised logistics operator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              4. Available budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              For small quantities, groupage is generally cheaper, because the customer pays only for the space used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              As volumes grow, however, a full load can become more cost-effective. Filling a lorry allows the transport cost to be spread over a larger number of pallets or packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Italy-Switzerland groupage: why customs is essential<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              For shipments between Italy and Switzerland<\/strong>, the choice between groupage and full load cannot be assessed by looking at transport alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Switzerland is not part of the European Union, so every commercial shipment must be accompanied by the documentation required for import, export or transit operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              With a full load, customs handling generally involves a limited number of parties and documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              With groupage transport, by contrast, the same vehicle may carry shipments belonging to different senders and consignees, each with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • its own commercial invoices;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • different customs classifications;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • different values and origins;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • export and import documents;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • any permits or certifications required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                A missing document, an incorrect tariff classification or incomplete information can slow down operations and, in some cases, affect the entire consignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                That is why it is important to work with a freight forwarder able to coordinate both transport and customs clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The advantages of a single partner for transport and customs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Separating transport management from customs handling can lead to delays, misunderstandings and information being passed back and forth between different providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Working with a single point of contact, on the other hand, allows you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • check documents in advance;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • coordinate collection with the opening of the customs entry;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • reduce the risk of errors;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • deal with any irregularities more quickly;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • monitor the shipment at every stage;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • simplify communication between sender and consignee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  For shipments crossing the border between Italy and Switzerland, coordination between logistics and customs is often decisive in meeting delivery deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Spedimar’s location in Chiasso allows us to operate directly at one of the main trade gateways between the two countries, offering integrated support for transport, international shipping and customs formalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  How much does groupage transport cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  The cost of a groupage shipment varies according to several factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • number of pallets or packages;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • dimensions of the goods;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • actual and volumetric weight;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • loading metres occupied;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • distance between collection and delivery;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • frequency of departures;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • any dangerous goods;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • need for a tail lift;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • insurance required;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • customs operations;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • any waiting times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    It is therefore not possible to give a reliable price without knowing the characteristics of the shipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    To obtain an accurate quote, it is important to provide weight, dimensions, addresses, type of goods and loading and unloading conditions right from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    How much does a full load cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    The cost of a full load depends mainly on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • the route;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • type of vehicle;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • kilometres;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • tolls;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • vehicle availability;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • loading and unloading times;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • any stops;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • type of goods;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • customs formalities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • any urgent or dedicated deliveries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Although the overall price of a full lorry is higher than that of a small groupage shipment, the unit cost can be lower when the vehicle is used efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      What information do you need to request a quote?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      To work out quickly whether groupage or a full load is the better option, some key information is needed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • place and country of departure;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • place and country of destination;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • number of packages or pallets;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • dimensions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • gross weight;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • type of goods;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • commercial value;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • collection date;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • requested delivery date;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • whether dangerous goods are included;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • need for a tail lift;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • availability of a forklift;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • any customs requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Providing complete information allows the freight forwarder to identify the most efficient solution and avoid subsequent price changes or operational delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        How to prepare goods correctly for groupage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        Because groupage can involve several handling operations, packaging plays a fundamental role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        We recommend that you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • use pallets that are undamaged and suitable for the weight;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • secure the goods to the pallet;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • use stretch film or strapping;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • protect corners and protruding parts;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • avoid unstable packages;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • apply legible labels;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • clearly mark any fragile goods;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • check that the documents match the goods actually loaded.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          Correct packaging protects the contents and makes handling and identification easier at logistics terminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Frequently asked questions about groupage and full loads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          What is the difference between groupage and collettame?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          There is no substantial difference. Groupage is the international term, while collettame is the Italian term used for the transport of small shipments consolidated on the same vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          In English this mode is commonly referred to as LTL, or Less Than Truckload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          What is the difference between LTL and FTL?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          LTL stands for Less Than Truckload and refers to a shipment that takes up only part of the lorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          FTL stands for Full Truckload and refers to a vehicle used entirely by a single customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Can I ship a single pallet to Switzerland?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          Yes. Shipping a single pallet is one of the most common cases in which groupage is cost-effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The cost is calculated on the basis of the space occupied, without having to book an entire lorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Is groupage less safe than a full load?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          Groupage is not necessarily less safe, but it generally involves more handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Safety depends on the quality of the packaging, the organisation of the hubs and the reliability of the logistics operator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Is a full load always faster?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          Generally yes, because the vehicle travels directly from the loading point to the destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Transit times can nevertheless depend on distance, vehicle availability, delivery windows, traffic and customs operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Who handles customs clearance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          Customs clearance can be handled by a customs agent appointed by the sender or the consignee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Entrusting both transport and customs to the same freight forwarder, however, allows operations to be coordinated better and reduces the risk of delays at the border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Is it possible to combine groupage with urgent delivery?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          Yes, on some routes groupage services are available with frequent departures or guaranteed transit times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          When the urgency is particularly high, however, it may be more cost-effective to choose a dedicated vehicle or an express service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Groupage or full load: which should you choose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          There is no single best option. The right choice depends on the characteristics of each individual shipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Groupage is generally more suitable when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • volumes are modest;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • the goods can be consolidated;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • timing is relatively flexible;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • you want to optimise costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            A full load, on the other hand, is preferable when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • the volume is high;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • delivery is urgent;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • the goods are fragile or valuable;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • you want to reduce handling;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • you need greater control over timing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              For shipments between Italy and Switzerland, it is also essential to take customs handling into account. Good document planning and effective coordination between transport and customs clearance can make the difference between a smooth delivery and goods held at the border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Request an assessment of your shipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              Not sure whether groupage, a part load or a full lorry is the most cost-effective option for your goods?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Spedimar analyses volume, weight, route, timing and customs requirements to identify the most efficient transport solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Contact us with the details of your shipment: we will help you choose the most suitable mode, coordinating transport and customs through a single point of contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Spedimar: not just a supplier, but your partner for transport, international shipping and customs operations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              <\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                              Groupage or full truckload? Compare LTL, FTL and part loads on cost, transit time and handling, and see why customs matters for Italy-Switzerland freight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":59,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[72],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-115","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=115"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":116,"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115\/revisions\/116"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=115"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.spedimar.ch\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}