Consolidated cargo shipping is suitable when the shipment volume is insufficient to fill a full container or a single truck. This option is especially popular among small and medium-sized businesses, online stores, distributors, and companies that regularly purchase small quantities of goods.
Consolidated cargo includes equipment, spare parts, electronics, tools, consumer goods, furniture fittings, plumbing fixtures, packaging materials, textiles, and many other product categories. The suitability of a particular product for transportation depends on its characteristics and legal requirements.
Road, rail, sea, and air transport are used for consolidated cargo shipments. The choice of route depends on the country of origin, the type of cargo, and the logistics requirements. Multimodal delivery schemes are often used in international shipping.
Goods from different shippers arrive at a consolidation warehouse, where they are inspected, labeled, weighed, and documented. After this, multiple shipments are combined into a single shipment and transported to the destination country.
The price depends on the volume and weight of the cargo, its characteristics, the chosen route, the mode of transport, the need for additional packaging, insurance, and customs clearance. For consolidated shipments, actual or volumetric weight is typically used.
The main advantages include reduced transportation costs, the ability to ship small consignments, supply flexibility, eliminating the need to rent an entire container or vehicle, and convenience for companies working with a wide range of products and making regular purchases.
