In groupage, your goods form one shipment within a wider transport network. Collection, consolidation, line-haul transport and local delivery may use different vehicles. Each stage needs the same accurate shipment information and suitable packaging.
The usual sequence
- Collection: the prepared freight is collected from the agreed address, often as part of a local route.
- Origin handling: shipments are received and organised for the relevant onward connection.
- Main transport: compatible goods travel together towards the destination region.
- Destination handling: freight is sorted for local delivery or any agreed appointment.
- Delivery: the consignment is handed over at the receiving location under the booked conditions.
The exact number of terminals and vehicle changes varies. An island or less frequent route may involve further connections.
Prepare for repeated handling
The pallet base must remain sound, cartons must be stable and goods should be secured against movement. Labels need to stay visible and correspond to the booked destination. Remove obsolete labels that could create confusion.
If the load cannot tolerate transfers, inform your manager before accepting a shared service. That requirement may point towards a different option.
Understand tracking events
An arrival at a terminal is a progress event, not necessarily the final delivery. A gap between updates can reflect a journey between scan points. Check the timestamp and description, and contact your manager if the expected progression or delivery date needs clarification.
Help the final delivery succeed
Give accurate opening hours, contact details and unloading information. A consignee unable to receive the goods can disrupt the planned last stage.
Read pallet labelling, shipment tracking and groupage vs dedicated transport.