Comparing freight options: what really decides the choice
Buyers and logistics managers across Europe ask the same question again and again: which freight option makes the most sense for this particular shipment? There is no universal winner. Whether goods travel from Prague to Berlin or from Brno to Vienna, the choice between full truckload (FTL), groupage (LTL) and express depends mainly on three variables: how much space the goods take, how urgent the delivery is and how sensitive or valuable the cargo is.
As a freight forwarder, we arrange all three types of transport through our network of verified carriers. This article explains how the options differ, so you can ask for the right service before you request a quote.
FTL vs LTL: where the break-even point lies
With FTL you book the whole trailer. The price is set per trip and does not change whether the trailer is half full or fully loaded. With LTL groupage you pay only for the space you use, typically per pallet place or loading metre, and your goods share the truck with other consignments.
That means LTL is usually the economical choice for a few pallets, while from a certain volume upwards a dedicated truck becomes the better deal. Where exactly that point lies differs by route, direction, season and pallet dimensions. On some lanes it arrives sooner, on others later. The only reliable way to find it is to compare both options for your specific shipment, which the price calculator does in a few steps.
Transit time: FTL vs LTL vs express
Price is only half of the decision. Transit time affects production schedules, stock levels and the promises you make to your customers.
FTL: door to door without transshipment
The goods are loaded once and unloaded once. There is no cross-docking and no waiting for a consolidation window, so transit time is predictable and depends mainly on distance and driving time regulations.
LTL groupage: via a consolidation hub
Pallets are usually collected, brought to a hub, combined with other shipments and then delivered. This typically adds one or more working days compared with a direct truck. Each extra handling point also adds some risk of damage. Groupage works well when cost matters more than speed.
Express: dedicated van, fastest option
For urgent consignments a van or small truck drives straight from loading to unloading. On shorter routes in Central Europe, same-day or next-day delivery is often achievable, depending on loading time and distance. Express makes sense when a production stoppage or a missed deadline would cost more than the transport itself.
Full comparison of the three options
| Factor | FTL | LTL | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price basis | Per trip | Per pallet place or loading metre | Per trip, priority service |
| Minimum load | None | One pallet | None |
| Transit time | Direct, predictable | Longer, via hub | Fastest |
| Damage risk | Low, loaded once | Higher, several handlings | Low, dedicated vehicle |
| Best for | Large volumes, regular lanes | Smaller volumes, flexible timing | Urgent or critical cargo |
What else influences the price
- Distance and route, including tolls in transit countries
- Fuel costs, which change over time
- Vehicle type: curtainsider, refrigerated trailer, van, special equipment
- Timing: fixed slots, weekend or short-notice loading
- Waiting time at loading or unloading
- Cargo type: dangerous goods (ADR), oversized loads, temperature-controlled goods
- Direction and season: some lanes are in high demand, others have spare capacity
How to get a reliable price
Published "average rates" age quickly and rarely match a real shipment. Instead, enter the loading and unloading place, the number and size of pallets and the date into our price calculator. If your shipment is unusual, our dispatch team (Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 18:00) will review it and suggest the most suitable option. You can also browse routes by country, for example transport to Germany or transport to Austria.
