The Core Difference
Groupage (Partial Load): Your cargo travels on a single trailer alongside shipments from other exporters bound for the same corridor. You only pay for the m³ or loading-metre you use.
Full Truck Load (FTL): The entire trailer is dedicated to you. Your cargo is not consolidated with anyone else's — it moves directly from collection point to delivery address.
When to Choose What
Choose Groupage if:
- Your shipment is fewer than 8 pallets or about 15 m³ or less
- Regular weekly departures are enough for your schedule
- Cost matters more to you than speed or exclusivity
- Your cargo is reasonably robust and palletisable
Choose Full Truck Load if:
- Your shipment can fill a trailer (24-33 pallets, ~85 m³)
- The cargo is sensitive, fragile or high-value — and you'd rather not share the trailer
- You need cold chain or specialist equipment (mega, reefer)
- Time is critical — a direct trip is 1-2 days faster than groupage
- You want a single loading and single unloading point (FTL is the simplest logistics flow)
Cost Comparison
A useful rule of thumb on the Turkey - UK lane:
- 2-5 pallets: Groupage is always cheaper
- 6-12 pallets: Groupage still wins, though the gap narrows
- 13-20 pallets: Groupage is usually cheaper but FTL can match it in peak season
- 21+ pallets: FTL is almost always more economical
The moment you go above 13 pallets, ask for both quotes — in some weeks FTL surprises you on price.
Speed
| Service | Turkey → UK | |---|---| | Groupage (weekly) | 5–7 working days | | Full Truck Load (direct) | 4–5 working days | | Express Van (urgent) | 48–72 hours |
FTL skips the consolidation step, so it's typically 1-2 days faster than groupage. For very small, very urgent loads, express van is a separate conversation.
Risk and Damage Profile
- Groupage: Cargo is handled at consolidation points, so the chance of handling damage is comparatively higher. Packaging quality is critical.
- Full Truck Load: Single load, single unload — the lowest damage probability of any mode.
For high-value loads (above £10,000) FTL is worth considering, and add-on cargo insurance is usually easier to arrange.
Hybrid Strategies
A pattern multinational shippers often use:
- FTL for steady, regular replenishment
- Express van for urgent top-up shipments
- Groupage for season-launch or campaign-time smaller quantities
The three together combine the economics of scale with operational flexibility.
Conclusion
The right transport mode is driven by volume, sensitivity and time tolerance. There is no perfect formula, but under 8 pallets is classic groupage territory, above 20 is almost always FTL, and 8-20 is the grey zone where the two should be quoted side by side. Don't hesitate to ask us for both — we'll help you pick the right call.