If you move merchandise regularly, at some point you may have asked yourself: Is it better for me to hire a full trailer (FTL) or send in groupage? The answer depends on your volume, urgency and type of cargo.
In this guide we compare both options with real data so that you can make the best decision for your company.
What is Full Trailer Transport (FTL)?
FTL (Full Truck Load) means that you hire an entire truck for your merchandise. You don't share space with anyone. The vehicle leaves your warehouse and goes directly to the destination without intermediate stops.
Capacidades habituales:
- Maximum weight: up to 24,000 kg
- Length: up to 13.6 linear meters
- Volume: up to 90 m³ (mega-trailer)
- Types: tauliner, platform, refrigerator, gondola, tanker
What is groupage?
In groupage you share a truck with other companies. You only pay for the space you occupy. Ideal for shipments of 1 to 10 pallets.
FTL vs Groupage: comparative table
| Criterion | FTL | Groupage |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum volume | +60% of the truck | From 1 pallet |
| Price | Fixed per trip | Per linear meter |
| Term | 24-48h direct | 48-72h |
| Handling | Mínima | More in transit |
| Seguridad | Máxima | High |
| Flexibility | Total | subject to routes |
When elegir FTL?
- Your shipment occupies more than 8-10 linear meters or exceeds 10,000 kg.
- You need direct delivery without stops.
- Fragile merchandise, high value or special conditions.
- Critical delivery date.
- cargo peligrosa (ADR) no compartible.
When to choose groupage?
- Shipping from 1 to 8 pallets or less than 6 linear meters.
- deadline flexible (48-72h).
- You want to reduce costs (30-60% savings).
- Recurring partial volume shipments.
Types of trailers for full load
| Type | Usage | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Tauliner | General cargo, pallets, industrial | 24,000kg |
| platform | Machinery, large parts | 24,000kg |
| Mega-trailer | Bulky and light loads | 100 m³ |
| Refrigerator | Perecederos, alimentación | 22,000kg |
| Góndola | Heavy machinery, oversized | 40,000+ kg |
| Tanker | Líquidos, graneles, químicos | 30,000 L |
Preguntas frecuentes
Can I combine FTL and groupage?
Yes. Many companies use FTL for large shipments and groupage for partial replacements.
Is groupage less safe?
No. The merchandise is palletized and lashed with the usual security measures.
How much do I save with groupage?
Between 30% and 60% for partial loads versus FTL.
Request a quote for FTL or groupage
Don't know which one suits you? Tell us about your shipment and we recommend the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions about Full Truckload FTL
What is FTL (Full Truckload) and when is it suitable for a B2B business?
FTL = full vehicle dedicated to a single client, not shared. Suitable when: 1) Volume above 12-15 Euro pallets or equivalent. 2) Sensitive cargo (no transhipment desired). 3) Critical deadline (no hub stops). 4) Dangerous goods (ADR typically requires FTL). 5) Oversized or overweight cargo. FTL rate: fixed price per trip (not per pallet). Faster lead time (8-18h on main corridors vs 24-48h groupage).
How much does FTL cost on main national corridors 2026?
Indicative FTL national rates 2026 (13.6m trailer / 24t): 1) Madrid-Barcelona (650 km): €480-650. 2) Madrid-Valencia (350 km): €380-480. 3) Madrid-Bilbao (400 km): €450-580. 4) Madrid-Seville (540 km): €480-620. 5) Madrid-Galicia (600-700 km): €550-720. Variables: fuel, tolls, cargo type, weekday. Annual contract rate: 15-25% discount. For recurring volume, annual contract with CETM clause.
What types of trailer exist and which should I pick by cargo?
Five standard types: 1) 13.6m standard trailer: most B2B (33 Euro pallets). 2) Mega-trailer (3m height): 100m³ — for high-volume cargo. 3) Double-deck: 66 Euro pallets if stackable. 4) Refrigerated: for temperature-controlled. 5) Flatbed or low-loader: for oversized parts. Choice depends on: weight, volume, dimensions, temperature sensitivity. Ask your agency for free cubage analysis before quoting.
How long does direct FTL take between two main cities?
Direct FTL with double driver lead times (no stops): 1) Madrid-Barcelona: 8-10h. 2) Madrid-Valencia: 4-5h. 3) Madrid-Bilbao: 5-6h. 4) Madrid-Seville: 6-7h. 5) Madrid-Galicia: 8-10h. Single driver + mandatory rests: add 50-70%. Same-day express before 6 pm: possible on main corridors with double driver. For B2B with critical deadlines, direct FTL is optimal.
What insurance and SLA should I require contractually for high-value FTL?
Five contractual requirements: 1) CMR insurance extended to declared value (typical €100K-€500K/shipment). 2) SLA with penalty per hour of delay (200-500€/h). 3) Real-time GPS traceability visible to the client. 4) Backup vehicle activated <3h en avería. 5) Conductor dedicado con teléfono directo. Coste estas garantías: 5-10% sobre tarifa estándar. Para envíos críticos B2B, justificable. Sin estas garantías: NO contrates FTL valor alto.
Need full-truckload (FTL) haulage?
Dedicated lorry for your cargo, 2-hour collection and the same contact throughout.
