International Maritime Transportation

Maritime Groupage LCL

Less than Container Load

We are freight forwarders with extensive experience in maritime consolidation, for imports, exports and crosstrade operations. With coverage in all ports worldwide, we provide flexible and efficient logistics solutions for consolidated cargo shipments.


Less than Container Load service

This maritime transportation service allows multiple shippers to share the same container. It is the preferred option for shipments where the cargo volume is less than that of a full container.

  • What's included in the service

    Management and Procedures

    Depending on the shipping conditions required by our clients, we can offer anything from a door-to-door service with all necessary procedures to a service only up to the port of loading or only up to the port of discharge. We can also intervene solely in the pickup, document procedures, or delivery, if the shipment requires it.

  • Shipping options

    Palletized Cargo

    Unlike full loads, groupage shipments will be handled multiple times during transit. In some cases, it may also be necessary to temporarily store and/or relocate them. Therefore, to operate without delays, the goods must be palletized.

  • Types of cargo

    General cargo

    Commercial shipments of various non-specialized goods that do not require temperature control or other specific considerations. This category includes a wide variety of products, from packaged foods to manufactured goods. Such shipments should be packaged in regular packaging materials such as boxes, drums, big bags, etc., and finally placed on pallets.

    Dangerous goods

    These are commercial shipments that require specific considerations based on their IMO classification. The range of products can vary widely, from lithium batteries to corrosive liquids or toxic gases. These shipments must be accompanied by a safety data sheet and packaged according to the instructions provided in the sheet.

    Personal effects

    According to customs regulations, this is the only type of cargo that individuals or private individuals can send, and only when it involves a change of residence. These goods typically consist of personal items such as clothing, furniture, books, etc. In any case, these items must be properly packaged in boxes or bubble wrap, and then palletized and shrink-wrapped for correct handling during shipment.

    Temperature-controlled cargo

    These are commercial shipments of perishable products and are typically classified into two main groups: food and pharmaceuticals. There are very few temperature-controlled groupage routes, so it will be necessary to check with the shipping line to see if the service is available. Such shipments must be packaged according to specific regulations and should be placed in boxes on pallets.

    Cargo not accepted in maritime groupage

    Vehicles and bulk cargo are among the types of cargo that cannot be transported in groupage.

The option of maritime groupage allows shipments to be made without bearing the cost of a full container. This reduces the economic impact of transportation on the value of the goods.

Documentation

Other important topics

  • Importing certain types of goods may require the importer to have specific registrations and/or licenses. Below are the most common cases:
  • Importing food products: Health registration for the importer. Health registration for the destination warehouse.
  • Importing pharmaceutical products: Sanitary license issued by the Medicine Agency (Agencia del Medicamento).
  • In all cases, and for any type of importation, it will be necessary for the importer to activate their EORI number through the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria).