Choosing between FTL, LTL and groupage looks like a simple question about shipment size. It isn’t. Pick wrong and you either pay for empty truck space you don’t need or put fragile, time-critical freight through three extra handling points. This guide explains the three European road-freight modes, the real trade-offs, and a simple way to choose the right one every time.
The three modes at a glance
| Mode | Best for | Typical size | Speed | Handling / risk | Cost basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | Large or urgent loads | ~13+ pallets / full trailer | Fastest (direct) | Lowest (no transhipment) | Whole vehicle |
| LTL (Less than Truckload) | Medium loads | ~6–13 pallets | Medium | Medium | Space used |
| Groupage | Small consignments | ~1–6 pallets | Slowest (consolidated) | Highest (multiple hubs) | Per pallet / LDM |
FTL — Full Truckload
FTL means your shipment gets the whole vehicle. It travels directly from origin to destination with no transhipment, which makes it the fastest option and the lowest-risk for damage, because the freight is handled once at each end. Choose FTL when you’re filling most of a trailer, when speed matters, or when the goods are fragile, high-value or sensitive. You pay for the whole truck whether you fill it or not — which is why load efficiency matters so much.
LTL — Less than Truckload
LTL shares a trailer between several shippers’ consignments that are large enough to matter but don’t fill a truck. Your freight typically moves more directly than groupage but may still share space and see some consolidation. It’s the cost-effective middle ground for medium shipments of roughly 6–13 pallets where you want a balance of price and transit time.
Groupage
Groupage consolidates many small consignments from different shippers into one trailer, routed through consolidation hubs. It’s the cheapest way to move 1–6 pallets, but the consolidation and de-consolidation steps add transit time and more handling points — so it’s best for smaller, less time-sensitive, well-packaged goods. Understanding how shipments are measured in loading metres (LDM) is essential here, because part-load pricing is driven by the floor space and pallets you occupy.
How to choose: a simple decision path
- Is it urgent, fragile or high-value? → Lean FTL, regardless of size, to minimise handling and transit time.
- Does it fill most of a trailer (13+ pallets)? → FTL.
- Is it 6–13 pallets? → LTL is usually the sweet spot.
- Is it 1–6 pallets and not time-critical? → Groupage for the lowest cost.
A useful cross-check: as part-loads grow, there’s a tipping point where several LTL shipments would cost more than simply booking FTL — especially on imbalanced lanes. Run the lane both ways with our free road freight rate calculator before you commit.
The hidden lever: matching loads to capacity
Whichever mode you choose, the economics ultimately come down to how well freight is matched to available truck space. FTL is only cheap when the carrier can find a backload; groupage only works with dense consolidation networks. This is why digital load matching software and a deep freight exchange platform matter — they raise fill rates, which is what actually drives the price you pay, and cut the empty running we cover in how to reduce empty miles.
For cross-border moves, the mode interacts with lane balance and regulation too — a half-empty cross-border FTL is expensive, and part-loads cross hubs that add customs steps. Our European freight corridors analysis shows where those lanes run thick or thin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between LTL and groupage?
Both share trailer space, but LTL handles larger part-loads (roughly 6–13 pallets) that move relatively directly, while groupage consolidates very small consignments (about 1–6 pallets) from many shippers through hubs, making it cheaper but slower with more handling.
When should I use FTL instead of LTL?
Use FTL when your shipment fills most of a trailer (around 13+ pallets), when speed is critical, or when goods are fragile or high-value, because FTL travels directly with no transhipment and the least handling.
Is groupage cheaper than FTL?
For small consignments, yes — you only pay for the pallets or loading metres you use. But as the number of part-loads grows, several groupage or LTL shipments can exceed the cost of a single FTL, so it’s worth comparing both on the specific lane.
What is a loading metre (LDM)?
A loading metre is one metre of trailer floor across its standard 2.4 m width. Part-load pricing for LTL and groupage is based largely on the loading metres and pallet positions your freight occupies rather than its weight alone.
How do I get the best rate whichever mode I choose?
Rates are driven by how well freight is matched to available capacity and fill rates. Using load matching and a deep freight exchange raises fill rates and reduces empty running, which lowers the price across FTL, LTL and groupage.
