The member companies of IFA perform the consolidation of different goods, usually packages and pallets, which are being transported to the same country on big pallets and in large containers, which consolidate the smaller shipments at a lower and more economical price for the service.
Consolidation of the groupage transport
The consolidation consists of combining individual shipments, in order to fill an entire pallet or container. When consolidated shipments are made in full containers in the European network for logistics, a better security for each separate shipment at a much lower transportation cost as compared to that of sending an incomplete container.
When the consolidated container (aka LCL container – less than container load) arrives at its final destination, the different shipments are separated and handed to their respective receivers.
The benefits of theEurope-wide groupage transport service
- The customers can book and use the groupage service for every country in Europe.
- The customers can use weekly groupage services to a number of different destinations in Europe.
- These services can be combined with the other services offered by the member companies of IFA, such as: sea and air transport.
- The consolidation of shipments significantly reduces the end transportation costs for the customers of the member companies of the International Forwarding Association.
- Through the cooperation between the member companies of IFA, you can use an optimized network of freight forwarders
- Your clients can leave it to the forwarders throughout Europe to provide all necessary care for your shipments from the price offer, followed by the purchase order until the delivery of each shipment.
- The reservation of groupage services is done via a conversation with the employees of the member companies of IFA, rather than through automated telephone systems.
- In case any problems arise, immediate steps to resolve them are taken.
- Europe-wide groupage transport service is carried out with great flexibility, by determining the delivery date and hour in accordance to the needs of the specific customer.
- The level of services in the offices of the forwarders throughout Europe, as well as those by the accompanying groupage lines, and employing companies offering them is high and up to date.
Additional services offered by the freight forwarding companies for the groupage services
- Payment on receipt – COD
- Customs services
- Storage
- Electronic control of all required documents
- Tracking and electronic confirmation of delivery
- The customers of the groupage services have access to the information regarding the condition of their shipment at any time and in regard to their delivery, via the modern tracking systems used. An electronic confirmation is provided for the successful delivery of the shipment (proof of delivery or POD).