Groupage freight (LTL and LCL)
In road freight, groupage is referred to as LTL (Less Than Truckload), while in sea freight the equivalent solution is LCL (Less Than Container Load).
By consolidating multiple shipments into the same truck or container, businesses benefit from lower freight costs, efficient capacity utilization, and reduced environmental impact.
What is groupage?
Groupage is the definition of a shipment that do not require the complete capacity of a truck or a container. Groupage shipments are distributed through a cost-efficient transport set up for smaller shipments, using hubs and smaller trucks for the last-mile delivery.
A groupage shipment may consist of one or more packages, but do not fill an entire truck or container.
Groupage set up allows companies to share freight capacity and costs while maintaining reliable transit times and visibility throughout the supply chain.
What is the difference between LTL and LCL?
LTL (Less than Truckload) refers to consolidated shipments transported by road, where your goods share truck capacity with other shipments.
LCL (Less than Container Load) is the equivalent solution for sea freight, where multiple shipments share space in the same container.
In short:
- If your goods move by road, the correct term is LTL or Groupage
- If your goods move by sea, the correct term is LCL.
What determines if your shipment is suitable for groupage freight?
- Your shipment is too large for parcel, but too small for a full truck
- You want to reduce footprint by sharing capacity
- You need frequent deliveries with predictable lead times
- Your goods are going to multiple delivery points
What is the difference between groupage and full load freight?
Groupage is used when shipments share freight capacity with other customers. In road freight, this is referred to as LTL (Less Than Truckload), while in sea freight it is known as LCL (Less Than Container Load).
Full load freight provides dedicated capacity for a single shipment. In road freight this is referred to as FTL (Full Truckload), while in sea freight it is known as FCL (Full Container Load).
Groupage is typically the most cost-efficient choice for smaller shipments, while full load freight is often preferred for larger volumes, urgent deliveries, or goods requiring dedicated capacity.
Why choose ColliCare for groupage shipments
Whether your goods move by road as LTL or by sea as LCL, ColliCare offers flexible groupage solutions backed by strong logistics expertise, reliable transit times, full shipment visibility, and personal customer service.
Through our own distribution network in Norway, combined with trusted partners across Scandinavia and Europe, we provide reliable groupage freight services with predictable lead times and broad market coverage.
Our terminal and hub network enables efficient consolidation, cross-docking and freight handling, ensuring smooth cargo flows and reliable delivery performance.
Our terminal and hub network enables efficient consolidation, cross-docking and freight handling, ensuring smooth cargo flows and optimal use of transport capacity.
Our eCare platform gives you complete track and trace, including live tracking, deviation alerts and proof of delivery (POD).
We combine road, sea and rail to offer the most efficient and sustainable transport solution for your shipments – both domestically and internationally.
We operate according to fixed transport schedules, ensuring short lead times and consistent delivery performance. Delivery quality reports can be provided automatically.
You get dedicated contact persons, fast response times and a support team experienced in groupage and distribution – ready to assist whenever you need it.
How groupage freight works with us
Booking
Via email, EDI, or web. All shipments are registered electronically.
Pick‑up or delivery
We collect the goods from you, or you can deliver them to our terminal.
Consolidation and freight
Items are consolidated into manageable load units and shipped via the optimal route.
Tracking in eCare
Full visibility from start to finish.
Delivery
Delivered at the agreed time and place by drivers who know the area well.
Packaging and labeling for groupage shipments
To ensure safe and efficient handling, all groupage shipments must meet the following requirements:
- Packaging must withstand co-loading with other goods
- Goods must not damage or contaminate other cargo
- All items must be clearly labeled with freight labels
- Electronic shipment information must be submitted before pick-up
For more detailed guidelines, see our page on packaging and labeling of goods.
Transit times for groupage freight
Groupage shipments are distributed according to ColliCare’s transport schedule:
- Daily departures from our terminal and distribution network
- Predictable lead times across Norway and international markets
- High delivery reliability
ADR / Dangerous goods
Need to ship dangerous goods as groupage?
ColliCare handles ADR shipments in accordance with all applicable regulations and requirements. Our specialists support you with documentation, handling, and choosing the right transport solution.
Read more about ADR / dangerous freight here.
Tracking and reporting
With eCare, you get:
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full tracking of each item
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automatic deviation alerts
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shipment history and reporting
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supplier and KPI overviews
Frequently asked questions about Groupage
Groupage means your goods are transported together with other shipments in the same transport unit. In road freight, this is referred to as LTL (Less Than Truckload), while in sea freight it is known as LCL (Less Than Container Load).
In Norway, groupage freight is typically used for shipments that are too large for parcel services but do not require a part load or full truckload solution. Shipments above approximately 2,500 kg chargeable weight are often handled as part loads instead.
Yes. Groupage can be used for both road and sea freight. In road transport, it is referred to as LTL (Less Than Truckload), while in sea freight it is known as LCL (Less Than Container Load). Both solutions allow multiple shipments to share transport capacity, making freight more cost-efficient and sustainable.
You can book via EDI, email or our web solution. All shipments are registered electronically for full visibility.
Yes, with our eCare system you get full track and trace, including live updates and delivery confirmation.
Lower costs, frequent departures, flexible delivery options and full visibility throughout the transport process.
Shipments must be securely packed, clearly labeled and registered electronically before collection.
LTL (Less than Truckload) is used for road transport, where shipments share space in a truck.
LCL (Less than Container Load) is used for sea freight, where shipments share space in a container.
Both are consolidation solutions, but used for different transport modes.
Choose LTL when your shipment is transported by road and does not require a full truck.
Choose LCL when your shipment is transported by sea and does not fill an entire container.
The choice depends on transport mode, volume, lead time requirements, and destination.
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