Groupage, part loads and full loads differ mainly in shipment size and transport route: groupage consists of individual pallets that are bundled with other shipments via transhipment depots. A part load (LTL, less than truckload) occupies part of the truck and usually travels direct. A full load (FTL, full truckload) uses the whole truck exclusively – up to 13.6 loading metres, 33 euro pallets and around 24 tonnes.
Key facts at a glance
- Groupage: small shipments, cheap, but with transhipment and longer transit times
- Part load (LTL): medium quantities, usually without transhipment, faster than groupage
- Full load (FTL): exclusive truck, direct trip, the most predictable transit time
- Loading metres = length × width of the load ÷ 2.4 m – one euro pallet equals 0.4 loading metres
- From about 6 to 8 loading metres it often pays to compare prices with a full load
Groupage, part load and full load compared
| Method | Typical quantity | Route | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groupage | 1 to a few pallets, up to approx. 2.5 t | Via transhipment hub, bundled | Small, non-time-critical shipments |
| Part load (LTL) | approx. 2.5 to 15 t or a few loading metres | Mostly direct, shared cargo space | Medium quantities with a fixed time window |
| Full load (FTL) | Whole truck: 13.6 ldm, 33 euro pallets, approx. 24 t | Direct trip, exclusive | Large, time-critical or sensitive loads |
What is a loading metre and how do you calculate it?
The loading metre (ldm) is the most important unit for calculating freight. It describes one metre of loading area across the full width of a semi-trailer of around 2.4 metres. The formula is: loading metres = length of the load (m) × width of the load (m) ÷ 2.4. Stackable goods need correspondingly fewer loading metres.
| Load carrier | Dimensions | Loading metres | Per articulated truck (13.6 m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro pallet (EPAL) | 1.20 × 0.80 m | 0.4 ldm | 33 |
| Industrial pallet | 1.20 × 1.00 m | 0.5 ldm | 26 |
| Half pallet | 0.80 × 0.60 m | 0.2 ldm | depending on loading |
Many carriers charge a minimum weight per loading metre, often in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 kg. They then invoice the higher of the actual weight and the loading-metre weight. This way, light but bulky goods are charged fairly according to the space they need.
When does a full load pay off?
- Your shipment takes up more than about 6 to 8 loading metres or 15 euro pallets.
- The goods are time-critical and must arrive within a fixed time window.
- The goods are sensitive or valuable – without transhipment the risk of damage falls.
- You need special conditions, such as temperature control or side loading.
- The route is long and you want to plan transit times reliably.
How much does truck transport cost?
Freight costs depend on distance, loading metres or weight, tolls, vehicle type and extra services. Since December 2023 the German truck toll has included a CO₂ surcharge, and since July 2024 it has also applied to vehicles from 3.5 tonnes. Depending on the job, there are surcharges for tail lifts, delivery notification, express or weekend delivery. You will therefore only get a reliable quote with complete shipment data.
Further readingHiring a haulier: checklist for shippersWhich details the haulier needs, who is liable and which documents you need.Transport from Düsseldorf: short routes to all of Europe
Düsseldorf lies in the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr region and on major motorways such as the A3, A44, A46, A52 and A57. The seaports of Rotterdam and Antwerp are only around 200 to 230 kilometres away, and the ports of Düsseldorf and Neuss are right on the doorstep. FA Transport handles part and full loads as well as direct trips from Düsseldorf – across Germany and Europe, with one contact person and dispatch around the clock.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between FTL and LTL?
FTL (full truckload) is a full load: the whole truck travels exclusively for one customer. LTL (less than truckload) is a part load: the shipment only takes up part of the cargo space, the rest is used by other shipments.
How many euro pallets fit on a truck?
A standard semi-trailer with a loading length of 13.6 metres takes 33 euro pallets (1.20 × 0.80 m) or 26 industrial pallets (1.20 × 1.00 m), unstacked.
How do you calculate loading metres?
Loading metres = length of the load in metres × width in metres ÷ 2.4. One euro pallet therefore equals 0.4 loading metres, an industrial pallet 0.5 loading metres.
What is groupage?
Groupage consists of individual, packaged shipments such as pallets or crates that are transported together with other shipments via transhipment depots. It's cheap for small quantities but takes longer than a direct trip.
When does a full load pay off?
As a rule of thumb from about 6 to 8 loading metres or 15 euro pallets – or whenever the goods are time-critical, sensitive or particularly valuable.
Transport in Düsseldorf & the region?
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