Load types
Part Load and Groupage Transport UK
A part load shares vehicle space with other consignments travelling the same way. You pay for the space you use rather than the whole trailer, which suits anything between roughly three and twelve pallets.
Best suited to
When this option is the right one
- Three to twelve pallets, or long single items
- Loads too large for a pallet network tariff
- Freight with a flexible collection or delivery window
- Cost-sensitive movements where a day either way is acceptable
- Regular mid-sized deliveries on established corridors
Pricing
What the price depends on
- How much deck length and floor space the load occupies
- Weight, since dense goods restrict what else can travel
- Route popularity — busy corridors cost less than remote runs
- Flexibility on collection and delivery dates
- Any access, tail-lift or booking-in requirements
Part load or pallet network?
Pallet networks price per pallet and route freight through a hub overnight, which is efficient for one to six standard pallets. Beyond that, per-pallet rates stack up quickly and a shared vehicle usually becomes cheaper. Part loads also handle non-standard shapes, over-height items and long lengths that a network will not accept.
Handling and transit times
Groupage freight is handled fewer times than network freight but is not direct, so transit is typically one to three working days within the UK and three to six days for mainland Europe. Where the date is fixed, tell us and we will either book to a firm window or quote a dedicated vehicle instead.
Packaging for shared space
Shared loads travel alongside other customers' freight, so goods should be palletised, shrink-wrapped and clearly labelled with the delivery address. Stackable freight travels more cheaply because it uses vertical space; tell us if your pallets cannot be stacked so we price the correct footprint.
Related services
Services that cover this load type
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What size is a part load?
Broadly three to twelve pallets, or an item that takes up part of a trailer's deck length. Below that a pallet network is usually cheaper; above it a full load normally wins.
How long does a part load take?
Typically one to three working days within the UK, depending on the route and how quickly the vehicle fills. European groupage is usually three to six working days.
Is part load transport less secure?
Freight is loaded and strapped alongside other consignments and handled fewer times than network freight. Every carrier is checked for goods-in-transit cover, and for high value goods we would recommend a dedicated vehicle instead.
Can part loads be delivered to a booked slot?
Where the receiving site requires booking in, tell us at the quotation stage. We will either build the slot into the schedule or advise that a dedicated vehicle is needed to guarantee it.
Do you handle long or over-height items?
Yes. Long lengths, over-height frames and machinery that a pallet network refuses can usually travel as part load space on a curtainsider or flatbed.
How much cheaper is a part load than a full load?
It varies by route and space used, but a mid-sized part load commonly costs materially less than hiring the whole vehicle. Send the details and we will price both options side by side where it is a close call.
Not sure which option fits?
Send the postcodes, pallet count, dimensions and weight and our Stockport planning team will price the sensible options side by side.