How to choose the best land transportation for your international shipments

When it comes to managing international shipments, one of the most important decisions is choosing the type of ground transportation. Depending on the volume of merchandise, delivery times, and available budget, options such as Full Truck Load (FTL), Partial Truck Load (LTL), or Groupage can make a big difference in the efficiency and profitability of your logistics.

In this article, we help you identify which is the best option for your needs.

Full Truck Load (FTL): Ideal for large volumes

Full Truck Load (FTL) is the perfect option when your company has enough merchandise to fill a full truck. This method is ideal for companies that handle large volumes of merchandise and want to minimize transit times and reduce the risk of handling.

Advantages of FTL:

• Faster delivery times: As it is a dedicated truck, the merchandise goes directly to its destination without the need for intermediate stops.
• Greater security: As the space is not shared with other merchandise, there is less handling, which reduces the risk of damage.
• Full control: Shipping is fully tailored to your loading and delivery needs, without depending on other customers or companies.

When to choose FTL: If your shipments are bulky, urgent or require a high level of security, FTL is the right choice. Although it can be more expensive than other alternatives, the investment is worth it when time and protection of the goods are critical.

Less than Truck Load (LTL): Flexibility and savings for medium-sized companies

Less than Truck Load (LTL) is an alternative for companies that do not fill a full truck, but want a flexible and profitable option. With LTL, merchandise from several shippers is combined in a single truck, which allows costs to be reduced by sharing space with other shipments.

Advantages of LTL:

• Shared cost: By combining several shipments in a single truck, transport costs are distributed among the different shippers, reducing expenses.
• More shipping options: Although it is not as fast as FTL, it is still an efficient option with more flexibility in shipping dates.
• Access to more destinations: By combining multiple loads, LTL carriers can cover more diverse routes.

When to choose LTL: If your company handles moderate volumes of merchandise or if your shipments are not urgent, LTL is a solution that will allow you to save money and still have a safe and efficient delivery.

Groupage: Maximum efficiency for small shipments

Groupage is similar to LTL, but it is designed for small loads that do not justify an exclusive shipment. In this model, goods are grouped with other shipments to fill a truck. It is an economical option for small shipments that are not urgent and that allow flexibility in delivery times.

Advantages of groupage:

• Ultra-reduced cost: Sharing transportation with other shipments allows you to access cheaper rates.
• Reduced carbon footprint: By maximizing the use of a truck, the environmental impact of transportation is reduced, which benefits companies looking for more sustainable practices.
• Flexibility in handling small shipments: Ideal for when you don't have enough cargo for LTL or FTL, but you need to ship merchandise on a regular basis.

When to choose groupage: If you handle small loads, with flexibility in delivery times and are looking for an economical option, groupage may be the best option.

Key factors to make the right decision

The choice between FTL, LTL or groupage will depend on several factors:

1. Volume of merchandise: If your cargo occupies a full truck, choose FTL. For smaller volumes, LTL or groupage are cost-effective options.
2. Urgency of the shipment: If speed is a priority, choose FTL. If you can afford more transit time, LTL or groupage are more economical.
3. Budget: For large budgets and critical shipments, FTL is the option. If you need to reduce costs, LTL and groupage are more affordable.
4. Security of the goods: If your goods are fragile or high value, FTL offers less risk of handling. In groupage and LTL, you will share space with other shipments, which can increase the risk of damage.

Conclusion

Choosing the right land transport for your international shipments not only optimizes costs, but also improves the efficiency and security of your supply chain. From full loads to groupage, each option has its place depending on the size, urgency and budget of your logistics operation. At Clever Logistics, we are here to advise you and help you make the best decision so that your shipments arrive at their destination quickly, safely and profitably.