Parcel, groupage, partial load (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) differ mainly in shipment size: parcels are individual cartons usually up to 31.5 kg, groupage consists of individual pallets or heavy packages, a partial load takes up a larger part of the truck, and a full truckload fills the entire truck. Which shipping method is right depends on the quantity, weight, transit time and fragility of the goods. This article compares LTL vs FTL alongside parcel and groupage, with typical limits and the pros and cons of each option.
Parcel, groupage, LTL vs FTL: the four shipping methods at a glance
- Parcel: individual cartons that a parcel carrier sorts and delivers automatically. Most parcel carriers accept parcels up to 31.5 kg, with limits on length and girth.
- Groupage: individual packages that are too heavy or too large for the parcel carrier, usually on pallets. Groupage is consolidated with other customers' shipments in a network of cross-docking warehouses.
- Partial load: a larger shipment that takes up part of the truck. In English it is called LTL (less than truckload), and the term is sometimes also used for groupage. The partial load usually travels directly to the recipient without transshipment or with only a few intermediate stops.
- Full truckload: an entire truck exclusively for your shipment, called FTL (full truckload) in English. The truck travels directly from the loading point to the unloading point.
Typical limits: pallets, loading meters and weight
There are no fixed limits between groupage, partial load and full truckload. Each freight forwarder sets its own values, and the route and capacity utilisation also play a role. The following values are only a rough guide:
- Parcel: individual packages up to 31.5 kg with most parcel carriers.
- Groupage: one to around six to eight pallets, up to around 2.5 to 3 t total weight or up to around 3 loading meters.
- Partial load: from around six to eight pallets or around 3 loading meters up to around 10 to 12 loading meters.
- Full truckload: from around 10 to 12 loading meters, with a full loading area of 13.6 m (33 Euro pallets on one level), or when the weight is close to the truck's payload, usually around 24 t for an articulated truck.
The loading meter describes how much of the length of the loading area your shipment occupies. How to calculate it is explained in our article How to calculate loading meters.
Parcel shipping: for individual cartons
Parcel shipping is made for small, light shipments. Parcels run through automatic sorting systems, conveyor belts and chutes. This makes shipping fast and inexpensive, but it puts heavy strain on the packaging.
When parcel is the right choice
- The shipment consists of one or a few cartons.
- Each carton weighs no more than 31.5 kg and meets the parcel carrier's size limits.
- The recipient should be delivered to without arranging an appointment, including private recipients.
Risks
Parcels are thrown, stacked and tipped. Fragile or poorly packed goods are easily damaged in the process. Many individual cartons to the same recipient can also end up more expensive than a pallet. Above a certain number of cartons, it is worth comparing with groupage.
Groupage: for individual pallets
Groupage is the standard for pallets and heavy packages. The freight forwarder collects the shipment, takes it to its cross-docking warehouse and consolidates it there with other shipments heading in the same direction. At the destination warehouse, it is transshipped again and delivered on the local delivery route.
When groupage is the right choice
- You are shipping one or a few pallets.
- The goods are too heavy or too large for the parcel carrier.
- A transit time of a few working days is sufficient.
Transit time
Within Germany, groupage with FulFra is usually delivered in 1 to 3 working days. For other European countries, the transit time is longer depending on the distance and destination region.
Risks
Every transshipment means that a forklift moves the pallet. Unstable pallets, overhanging goods or missing labels increase the risk of damage. Pack groupage so that it survives several transshipments. You can find tips on this in our article How to pack a pallet and secure it. You can read what determines the price of a pallet in our blog.
Partial load (LTL): for larger quantities without a full truck
A partial load is worthwhile when your shipment is too large for the groupage network but does not fill an entire truck. The freight forwarder combines your goods with other partial loads on the same route. As a rule, the shipment is not routed through a cross-docking warehouse but stays on the truck from loading to unloading.
When a partial load is the right choice
- You are shipping several pallets, from around six to eight, or bulky goods with several loading meters.
- The goods are fragile and should be transshipped as little as possible.
- A full truck would not be fully utilised.
Transit time and risks
Because the partial load does not pass through a cross-docking warehouse, it is often faster than groupage on the same route. However, because the truck serves several customers, intermediate stops are possible, and the exact arrival time depends on the route. The risk of damage is lower than with groupage, because the goods are only loaded once and unloaded once.
Full truckload (FTL): the whole truck for your shipment
With a full truckload, you book an entire truck. It is loaded at your loading point and travels directly to the recipient, without transshipment and without anyone else's goods on board.
When a full truckload is the right choice
- Your shipment fills most of the loading area or reaches the truck's payload.
- The goods are valuable or fragile and should not travel with other shipments.
- You need predictable loading and unloading times.
Transit time and risks
The transit time depends on the distance and the driver's statutory driving and rest times. Within Germany, direct delivery on the same day or the next day is often possible, depending on the route and loading time. The risk of damage is lowest, because there is only one loading and one unloading operation. The disadvantage: you pay for the entire truck, even if part of the space remains empty.
How to choose the right shipping method
Answer these questions for every shipment:
- How large is the shipment? Count cartons or pallets and calculate the loading meters.
- How heavy is it? Weigh the gross weight including pallet and packaging.
- How fragile are the goods? The more fragile, the less transshipment they should experience.
- How quickly must it arrive? Urgent shipments are better off travelling directly or by express.
- What conditions apply at the destination? Loading dock, tail lift, time window, private or business address.
If your shipment is on the borderline between two shipping methods, a price comparison is worthwhile. A partial load that is only just utilised can be cheaper than many groupage pallets, and vice versa. In the price calculator you can see the fixed prices for parcel, groupage, pallet and full truckload instantly and without an account, within Germany, in Europe and to Turkey.
Special cases: bulky goods and shipments outside the EU
Bulky goods such as furniture, machines or long components often do not fit into any standard category. Here, the space occupied matters more than the weight. For heavy or bulky goods that have to be carried to the recipient, 2-person handling is available. FulFra offers bulky goods and 2-person handling via the Renningen and Augsburg locations.
For shipments to countries outside the EU, customs clearance is added regardless of the shipping method. In the Turkey corridor, FulFra regularly runs road freight between Turkey and Germany, typically in 4 to 6 working days, including customs clearance and documents. You can find more about all transport options on the Freight and Transport page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between groupage and a partial load?
Groupage runs through cross-docking warehouses and is consolidated with many other shipments. A partial load is larger and usually stays on the same truck from loading to unloading.
From how many pallets is a partial load worthwhile?
As a rough guide, from around six to eight pallets. Each freight forwarder sets the exact limit itself. A price comparison shows what is cheaper in your case.
What do LTL and FTL mean?
LTL stands for less than truckload, meaning a shipment that does not fill the truck. FTL stands for full truckload, meaning the entire truck.
How many pallets fit into a full truckload?
A standard trailer with a loading length of 13.6 m holds 33 Euro pallets on one level. With stackable goods, it can be more.
Which shipping method is the safest?
The full truckload, because the goods are only loaded once and unloaded once. With groupage and parcel, the shipment is transshipped several times.
Now you know which shipping method suits your shipment? In the price calculator you can see the fixed price instantly, without an account.