Groupage (LCL) Haulage

Groupage, or Less than Container Load - LCL - haulage is an efficient and cost-effective solution for shipments that do not require a full container. Grange Shipping provides reliable less than container load transport for both imports and exports through all major UK ports.

Operating from Felixstowe since 1979, our experienced team coordinates the movement of consolidated cargo from port to final destination, managing customs clearance, inspections and onward delivery to ensure your goods arrive safely, on time and at the best possible cost.

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Service details

Cost-Effective LCL Transport

Groupage allows you to move smaller consignments without paying for unused container space. We consolidate your cargo with compatible shipments, helping you control costs while maintaining reliable delivery schedules.

UK Port Coverage

We arrange LCL haulage through all major UK ports including Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton, Tilbury, Liverpool and more. Our nationwide network ensures smooth onward delivery regardless of entry point.

Customs Clearance & Compliance

We can manage import customs clearance alongside the groupage service, liaising with HMRC and other authorities to ensure accurate declarations and minimise delays. If inspections are required, our team can handle the process on your behalf.

Cargo Monitoring & Coordination

We continually track the status of your shipment from arrival through clearance and delivery. You’re kept informed at every stage, with proactive communication if schedules change.

Flexible Inland Delivery Options

Once cleared, your goods are delivered using the most suitable vehicle type — including curtain siders, box trailers and vans — ensuring safe and efficient delivery to warehouses, commercial premises or distribution centres.

Approved Partner Network

We work with a trusted network of approved haulage partners across the UK. These long-standing relationships allow us to offer greater flexibility, reliability and value than carrier-arranged solutions.

Consolidation & Deconsolidation Expertise

We manage groupage cargo moving through ERTS and other UK warehouses, coordinating deconsolidation and onward transport to keep your supply chain flowing smoothly.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Sharing container space reduces the environmental footprint of each shipment. Where possible, we also incorporate rail elements into inland transport, helping customers reduce CO₂ emissions across their supply chain.

Nationwide Distribution

Whether your cargo is moving to a single destination or multiple delivery points, we coordinate efficient UK-wide distribution as part of the groupage service.

Integrated Freight Services

As a full-service freight forwarder, we can manage your LCL sea freight, customs clearance, groupage haulage and onward road transport — providing a seamless, end-to-end solution with one point of contact.

Trailers

  • Full Load / Part Load / Groupage / Abnormal Load movements
  • Curtain / Euroliner Trailers
  • Mega Trailers
  • Flatbed Trailers

Need a quote?

Our team are on hand to answer your queries and provide a quote for Container Haulage and any of our complementary services. Choose an option below;

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Your Groupage Contacts

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Wendy Pearson

With over 15 years in logistics, Wendy has a deep knowlege of road freight and heads up our Road Freight department at Grange. Wendy will be your contact throughout the movement of your freight.

Contact Wendy
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Wendy Pearson

With over 15 years in logistics, Wendy has a deep knowlege of road freight and heads up our Road Freight department at Grange. Wendy will be your contact throughout the movement of your freight.

Contact Wendy
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Groupage FAQs

1. What is Groupage or LCL haulage?

Groupage (LCL – Less than Container Load) haulage involves consolidating multiple shipments into a single container. It’s ideal for smaller consignments that don’t require a full container but still need reliable, cost-effective transport.

2. When should I choose LCL instead of FCL?

We provide FCL haulage at all major UK ports, including Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton, Liverpool, Tilbury and more. With long-standing partnerships across the UK, we can arrange nationwide delivery and collections from any of these locations.

3. Do you handle customs clearance for groupage shipments?

Yes. We can manage customs clearance for LCL cargo, including declarations, inspections and liaison with authorities such as HMRC, Port Health and DEFRA where required.

4. Are groupage shipments more likely to be delayed?

Groupage involves additional consolidation and deconsolidation steps, which can affect transit times. However, our proactive planning and monitoring helps minimise delays and keeps you fully informed.

5. Can you deliver LCL shipments to residential or restricted-access sites?

Yes. We use a range of vehicle types, including vans and smaller trucks, allowing us to deliver to sites with limited access or no loading facilities.

6. How do you ensure my cargo is handled safely in a groupage container?

We work with trusted consolidation partners and ensure cargo is correctly packed, labelled and secured. Careful planning reduces the risk of damage during transit and handling.

7. Do you offer rail transport for groupage cargo?

Where feasible, we use rail-linked container movements as part of the inland journey. This can improve efficiency and help reduce the environmental impact of groupage shipments.

8. Can you manage the entire freight process for LCL shipments?

Absolutely. Grange Shipping can handle sea freight, customs clearance, groupage haulage and onward distribution — providing a single, coordinated service from origin to destination.

Articles

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Tuesday 18th November 2025

When to choose Container Haulage

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Forms & Downloads

European Road Freight Service Guide

A handy guide to our European Road Freight service.

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France Departments Map

A useful reference to the departments in France

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Italy Provinces & Regions Map

A useful reference to the provinces and regions of Italy

Download PDF
Grange Shipping equipment guide

Our guide to container dimensions, weights and payloads

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Complementary Services

Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is managed by our expert team, handling all documentation and compliance so your goods move through borders smoothly.

Find out more

Warehousing

Warehousing provides secure, efficient storage. Ideal for short- or long-term needs, it keeps your inventory organised and ready for onward distribution whenever you need it.

Find out more

EUR1 / Certificates of Origin

EUR1 certificates and Certificates of Origin are handled by our knowledgeable team, ensuring your paperwork is correctly prepared and compliant.

Find out more

Legalised Invoices

prepared and processed by our specialist team, our legalised invoices service ensures your documents meet all official requirements.

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Time to move your freight

Get in touch and get your freight on the move. Our team are ready to take your call!