Service
Groupage and pallet transport
When you do not have enough to fill a truck, your goods travel together with those of other customers on the same route. You pay only for the space you take up, calculated per loading metre or per pallet.
How groupage works
The groupage truck collects goods from several consignors going in the same direction. For you this means a lower price than a whole truck, in exchange for a somewhat more flexible transit time: the truck makes several stops, and sometimes the goods pass through a consolidation warehouse before delivery.
How the price is calculated: the loading metre
The loading metre (ldm) is the floor length taken up in the truck, across its full width. A Euro pallet (1.2 × 0.8 m) takes 0.4 ldm, and an industrial pallet (1.2 × 1 m) takes 0.5 ldm. A full truck has 13.6 ldm.
| Goods | Space taken |
|---|---|
| 1 Euro pallet | 0.4 ldm |
| 5 Euro pallets | 2 ldm |
| 10 Euro pallets | 4 ldm |
| 6 industrial pallets | 3 ldm |
| 12 industrial pallets | 6 ldm |
For very heavy pallets the weight is also taken into account: if the goods weigh a lot in little space, the price is set by kilograms, not by loading metres. Pallets that cannot be stacked also take up the space above them in practice, so tell us from the start whether they can be placed one on top of the other.
How to prepare your pallets
- use whole pallets, with no broken boards, and make sure the goods do not overhang the pallet edges;
- wrap the goods well and fix them to the pallet; cardboard corner protectors protect them when strapped;
- stick a label on each pallet with the consignee, their phone number and the number of packages;
- note the height and weight of each pallet, so that there are no differences at invoicing;
- if a pallet is very heavy or taller than 1.8 m, tell us in the request, because not every groupage truck can take it.
Groupage or full truckload?
The simple rule: up to a few loading metres, groupage is almost always cheaper. Above half a truck, the difference narrows, and a dedicated full truckload can be better value, especially if the goods are urgent. When you are not sure, ask for a quote for both options and we will tell you which works out better.
For a few pallets that must arrive today, not in two days, choose an express van.
Groupage abroad too
The same rules for calculating by loading metre also apply to international groupage, to Germany, Italy, France, Hungary or Spain. The transit time is 1–3 days longer than for a full truckload. Details on the international groupage page.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Can't find your answer? Write to us at contact@transport-marfa.com or call +40 731 095 863.
Can I send a single pallet?
Yes. Groupage starts from one pallet, and the price takes into account the route, its weight and its height.
How long does a groupage transport in Romania take?
Usually 1–3 working days from loading, depending on the route and the stops along the way. If you need a fixed delivery date, a van or a dedicated truck may be more suitable.
Do I need a ramp or a forklift?
It helps, but it is not mandatory. If you cannot load or unload the pallets, we can send a truck with a tail lift and a pallet truck. Tell us this in the request.
What happens if the pallets have different dimensions than I declared?
The carrier measures the goods at loading. If they take up more space or weigh more than in the request, the price is recalculated, so it is simpler to declare the real dimensions from the start.
Can I send pallets by groupage abroad too?
Yes. We organise groupage to 23 European countries, from a single pallet, priced per pallet or per loading metre.
Is groupage cheaper than a van?
For a few pallets with no urgency, usually yes. A van is more expensive, but it leaves just for you and arrives much faster.
Request a quote
Tell us what you need to ship
Fill in the form in two minutes and get your quote within 30 minutes during opening hours (Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:30 (Romanian time)).