When it comes to international shipping and overseas freight transport, groupage shipping becomes a crucial part of the process. Groupage shipping involves transporting containers to the required port by road. They can then be transferred onto ships for transportation to the desired destination. Groupage shipping companies will be responsible for this process, ensuring that all goods are transported using their freight services.
The containers are packed before arrival at the port, but the advantage is that the containers do not need to be opened and all the items inside them are secure. Shipping is one of the most common modes of transport for goods, so containers are constantly moving around the world through some of the busiest shipping lanes. Groupage shipping is ideal for transporting large quantities of goods, as containers come in standard sizes and can be transported over longer distances. This is a solution that helps improve efficiency and trade economies, especially when you consider the value of goods moved each year through transport systems.
How does groupage shipping work?
Groupage shipping services will be provided by companies handling groupage shipping. They will offer a variety of groupage shipping services to meet your needs. To transport containers, you need a professional company that can transport them to the required port by road. As the vehicles involved are designed to support and protect the containers, delivery is handled properly to ensure that they remain safe throughout the journey.
Containers come in two sizes, called 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and 40-foot equivalent units (FEUs). The latter is the most widely used, but any transport company needs to be a FORS registered operator. This means they are legally allowed to transfer large containers safely. Additionally, when they register with FORS, it means the company will provide first-class service and follow all best practices in terms of efficiency, safety, and the environment.
Groupage shipping has many different types of containers available: Flat Rack Containers with collapsible sides are usually used for transporting boats and cars. Side-opening containers can be opened sideways, making it easier to load wider materials. Open-top containers do not have a roof, which means they can transport large items such as logs or machinery. Reefer containers are used for transporting perishable items or drugs.
There are also several types of groupage shipping: FCL, which involves the transportation of goods where the container and all its contents will only be shipped to one consignee. LCL refers to situations where the container is not full and is not sent to one recipient. This means it can load goods for multiple recipients.