What is a CMR consignment note?

The CMR consignment note is the most important document in international road transport. It is based on the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR) of 1956 and has been ratified by 55 states. It governs liability, compensation and the obligations of sender, carrier and consignee.

How long can a truck driver drive continuously?

According to EU Regulation (EC) 561/2006, the maximum daily driving time is 9 hours (up to 10 hours twice per week). A driving break of 45 minutes must be taken after a maximum of 4.5 hours. Weekly driving time must not exceed 56 hours, and the two-weekly total must not exceed 90 hours.

What is the difference between FTL and LTL?

FTL (Full Truck Load) means one shipper uses the entire truck exclusively. LTL (Less than Truck Load) is a partial load where multiple shippers share a truck and pay only for their loading meters used. FTL is faster and more direct; LTL is more cost-effective for small shipments.

What is ADR and who needs it?

ADR is the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. It applies to all companies that transport, load or pack dangerous goods (classes 1–9). Drivers require an ADR certificate and vehicles must be specially equipped.

What does toll cost in Europe?

Toll costs vary greatly: Switzerland has the LSVA (distance-related heavy vehicle charge) for all trucks from 3.5t – approx. CHF 0.01–0.04 per vehicle km depending on weight and emission class. Germany has had a toll for all vehicles from 3.5t since 2023, with a CO2 surcharge since July 2024. France and Austria have their own toll systems.

What is cabotage in road transport?

Cabotage refers to the transport of goods within a foreign country by a transport company registered in another country. In the EU, a maximum of 3 cabotage operations within 7 days after an international delivery are permitted. After that, the vehicle must return to the home country.

What is GDP in refrigerated transport?

GDP stands for Good Distribution Practice. It is an EU guideline (2013/C343/01) that sets requirements for the transport and storage of medicinal products. Pharmaceutical companies must ensure that medicines are transported under controlled temperature conditions – typically +2°C to +8°C (cold chain) or +15°C to +25°C (ambient).

When does express transport pay off?

Express transport pays off for time-critical shipments (production stoppage, spare parts, perishables) where the higher costs are justified by the avoided damage. Same-day transport costs 3–10× more than standard groupage, but offers guaranteed delivery times of a few hours.

What is a tachograph?

A tachograph is a control device that must be installed in vehicles from 3.5t (EU regulation). It records driving speed, driving time, rest periods and driver activities. Since 2019, smart tachographs with GPS and GNSS are mandatory for new vehicles. From 2024/2025, older vehicles must be retrofitted with second-generation smart tachographs.

What documents do I need for international truck transport?

For international truck transport you need: CMR consignment note (mandatory for cross-border transport), delivery note, commercial invoice, customs documents (T1/T2 for non-EU), driver attestation (for third-country drivers in EU), and for dangerous goods all ADR documents (transport document, safety data sheet). For cabotage, also the proof documents of the preceding transport.

What is a loading meter (LDM)?

A loading meter (LDM) is the unit of measurement for occupied space on a truck's loading surface. One LDM equals 1 meter length × 2.4 meters width on the loading floor. A standard semi-trailer has 13.6 LDM. Calculation: length of shipment × number of rows (if stacking is not permitted). One Euro pallet (1.2m × 0.8m) = 0.4 LDM.

What surcharges apply in LTL transport?

Typical LTL surcharges: minimum freight charge (if shipment is below minimum weight), heavy goods surcharge (from approx. 500 kg/LDM), ADR dangerous goods surcharge, temperature surcharge, piece count surcharge, handling fee (no forklift available), pre-notification fee, delivery to private addresses (B2C surcharge), express surcharge.

How long does LTL transport take in Europe?

Typical LTL transit times (including hub transshipment): DE–FR: 2–3 working days, DE–IT: 3–4 working days, DE–ES: 4–6 working days, DE–PL: 2–3 working days, CH–DE: 2–3 working days (including customs clearance). For Switzerland, add approx. 0.5–1 day customs delay. Express networks can be 1–2 days faster at significantly higher cost.

What does hub-and-spoke mean in LTL transport?

Hub-and-spoke is the network principle of system logistics: shipments are transported from regional depots (spokes) overnight to a central transshipment point (hub), sorted there and distributed to other routes. Advantages: wide network coverage, economical utilisation. Disadvantage: longer transit time than FTL, damage risk at transshipment points. Major networks: DHL Freight, DSV Road, DB Schenker, Geodis, Dachser.

What packaging requirements apply to LTL groupage?

In LTL/groupage networks, goods are reloaded multiple times – packaging must be robust: Pallets: EUR standard (1,200×800 mm or 1,200×1,000 mm), intact, load-bearing. Cartons: double-walled, weight clearly marked. Stackability: clearly mark ("Do not stack!"), otherwise stacking will occur. Overhang prohibited: no goods beyond pallet edge. Stretch film or strapping to prevent shifting. Non-compliance leads to recalculation, exclusion of liability or return.

From what quantity is LTL more worthwhile than parcel service?

As a guideline: from approx. 150–200 kg or 0.5 LDM, LTL freight forwarding is often cheaper and more suitable than CEP services (courier, express, parcel). For individual cartons up to 70 kg, CEP services (DHL, UPS, FedEx) are more efficient. From 1 pallet (approx. 400–1,000 kg), LTL is almost always the more economical choice. Bulky goods or dangerous goods are often excluded by CEP services.

LTL – Partial Load & Groupage

LTL transport fully explained: loading meter calculator, groupage networks & hub logistics, transit times Europe (incl. Switzerland), packaging requirements, special services like tail lift & timed delivery, dangerous goods co-loading rules and price structure.

LTL partial load – pallets in groupage hub

General cargo sorting in transshipment hub – European logistics network

What does LTL, general cargo, groupage and LDM mean?

LTL

Less Than Truckload – you book only the space your goods actually need. The vehicle is loaded with shipments from multiple shippers.

Stückgut

Individual packages, boxes or pallets (typically 1–3 LDM) transported as standalone units in the network. No full truck needed.

Groupage

Collective term for consolidating multiple partial shipments from different shippers in one truck. Enables cheaper freight rates through cost sharing.

LDM

Loading metre – one running metre of floor space (× 2.4 m wide = 2.4 m²). Measure of space your shipment takes in the truck. 1 Euro pallet = 0.4 LDM. Semi-trailer total = 13.6 LDM.

Rule of thumb: Up to approx. 6–7 LDM or 8 tonnes LTL is cheaper. Above that, a full truck load (FTL) is worthwhile.

📐 LDM Quick Calculator – Do I need LTL or FTL?

Loading meters (LDM)

Weight (kg)

Loading Meter Reference Table (Euro Pallets)

Pallet format	Dimensions (L×W)	LDM / pallet	Pallets / semi-trailer
Euro pallet (EP)	120 × 80 cm	0,4 LDM	33 Stk.
Industrial pallet (IP)	120 × 100 cm	0,5 LDM	27 Stk.
Wire mesh pallet	120 × 80 cm	0,4 LDM	33 Stk.
Half pallet	60 × 80 cm	0,2 LDM	66 Stk.
CP1 pallet (chemical)	120 × 100 cm	0,5 LDM	27 Stk.
CP3 pallet (chemical)	114 × 114 cm	approx. 0.57 LDM	~23 Stk.
Disposable pallet	variabel	depending on dimensions	—

* Standard semi-trailer: 13.6 LDM at 2.45m width. 1,750 kg/LDM weight limit (varies by carrier). CP pallets (CP1–CP9) are standardised chemical industry pallets from CEFIC; CP3 (114 × 114 cm) is square and takes approx. 0.57 LDM.

LTL Price Structure & Typical Surcharges

Price component	Calculation	Guideline
Base freight (loading meters)	Per LDM per route/trade lane	€ 30–120 / LDM
Fuel surcharge (FSC)	% on base freight (weekly variable)	5–35% (currently approx. 15–25%)
Minimum freight surcharge	If shipment < minimum tariff weight	€ 50–150 flat
ADR dangerous goods surcharge	% on base freight or flat rate	15–40% or € 50–200 flat
Temperature surcharge (refrigerated)	% on base freight	20–50% depending on temperature range
Pre-notification fee (timed delivery)	Per shipment for timed delivery	€ 15–40 flat
B2C surcharge (delivery to private)	Per shipment to private address	€ 10–35 flat

Logistics hub – goods handling and general cargo sorting in the European network

System Logistics & Hub Network

System Logistics & Groupage Networks

LTL transports in Europe run via specialised groupage networks. Shipments from different shippers are consolidated at a hub, sorted and transported together. The major networks provide comprehensive European coverage with standardised transit times and fixed collection rounds.

🔄 How the network works

·Collection round: driver collects multiple shipments from different shippers
·Arrival at regional hub: sorting by destination lanes
·Line haul: hubs connected via overnight line haul services
·Delivery: regional distribution from the destination hub

🏭 Major European networks (selection)

·DB Schenker: system truck, pan-European, own hubs
·Dachser: European groupage network, high quality standards
·DHL Freight: road freight network, express options
·Kühne+Nagel, DSV, Geodis: international partial load networks

LTL Transit Times Europe – Typical Routes

Guidelines in working days. LTL transit times are 1–3 days longer than FTL due to hub transshipment. For shipments to Switzerland: customs clearance and LSVA declaration extend transit time by 0.5–1 day.

Route	LTL	FTL	Note
🇩🇪 Hamburg → 🇮🇹 Mailand	3–4	2–3	Alpine crossing; AT toll; Sunday ban AT
🇫🇷 Paris → 🇩🇪 München	2–3	1–2	Toll FR; night ban on partial routes
🇧🇪 Brüssel → 🇵🇱 Warschau	3–5	2–3	e-TOLL PL; long corridor through DE
🇳🇱 Rotterdam → 🇪🇸 Barcelona	4–6	2–3	Toll FR + ES; Sunday ban ES
🇩🇪 Frankfurt → 🇨🇭 Zürich	2–3	1	⚠️ CH customs + LSVA: +0.5–1 day; T1 document required
🇮🇹 Mailand → 🇨🇭 Basel	2–3	1	⚠️ CH customs: import declaration; Swiss VAT
🇩🇰 Kopenhagen → 🇩🇪 Berlin	2–3	1–2	Øresund Bridge (toll); DE toll

* Working days from pickup. Shipments to Switzerland require export customs declaration (EX1/SAD) and Swiss import declaration.

Packaging and wrapping pallets for groupage transport – stretch wrap and edge protection

Packaging & Load Securing

Packaging Requirements for Groupage

In LTL transport your shipment is transshipped multiple times at the hub and transported with other goods. Packaging must therefore be significantly more robust than FTL, where only one shipper is in the vehicle. Damage often occurs due to insufficient padding or non-stackable packaging.

📦 Stackability

·Pallets must support at least 600 kg
·Not stackable → surcharge or express supplement
·Marked with "Do not stack" symbol

🏷️ Marking & Labels

·Shipping and recipient address clearly visible outside
·Barcode/QR labels for automatic sorting
·ADR requirement: hazard labels visible on all sides

🛡️ Protection & Padding

·Stretch wrap (min. 5 layers) for palletised goods
·Corner protectors for sensitive goods
·Inner packaging: foam/bubble wrap for fragile goods

Special Services: Tail Lift, Timed & Pre-notification

Service	When needed?	Surcharge (guideline)	Note
Tail lift	No loading dock at recipient	€ 30–80	Book in advance; not all trucks available
Timed delivery (fixed time window)	Food retail, production, just-in-time	€ 25–60	Missed time window incurs waiting charge
Pre-notification (call/SMS/app)	B2C, unoccupied addresses, security areas	€ 5–20	Often included free at large networks
Timed collection (pickup time window)	Production lines, trade fair logistics	€ 20–50	Early collection before regular round may cost more
Upper floor delivery (carrying service)	Private addresses without lift	€ 20–60/Etage	Not available everywhere; enquire in advance

Dangerous Goods in Groupage – Co-loading Rules

Dangerous goods in LTL transport is possible but complex: ADR stipulates which dangerous goods classes may be loaded together (co-loading prohibitions). Not every LTL network accepts all ADR classes. Violations can result in heavy fines – for shippers and carriers.

⚠️ Co-loading prohibitions (selection ADR 7.5.2)

✕Class 1 (explosives) must not be transported with Class 3 (flammable liquids)
✕Class 6.1 (toxic substances) not together with foodstuffs
✕Class 5.1 (oxidizing substances) not with Class 4.1 (flammable solids)

✅ Dangerous goods in LTL checklist

✓Inform carrier in advance (ADR class + UN number)
✓Provide safety data sheet + transport document (per ADR 5.4.1)
✓Not all LTL networks accept all classes → clarify beforehand
✓Check limited quantities: small amounts often transportable under LQ

Key Terms in Glossary

Groupage Loading Metre (LDM)Hub-and-Spoke General Cargo Less than Truck Load (LTL)Consignment Note

Further Links

→ Loading Meter Calculator → Transport Cost Calculator → FTL full truck load → Vehicle types & loading dimensions → ADR Dangerous Goods Regulations → Refrigerated Transport & GDP

What does LTL, general cargo, groupage and LDM mean?

LTL

Less Than Truckload – you book only the space your goods actually need. The vehicle is loaded with shipments from multiple shippers.

Stückgut

Individual packages, boxes or pallets (typically 1–3 LDM) transported as standalone units in the network. No full truck needed.

Groupage

Collective term for consolidating multiple partial shipments from different shippers in one truck. Enables cheaper freight rates through cost sharing.

LDM

Loading metre – one running metre of floor space (× 2.4 m wide = 2.4 m²). Measure of space your shipment takes in the truck. 1 Euro pallet = 0.4 LDM. Semi-trailer total = 13.6 LDM.

Rule of thumb: Up to approx. 6–7 LDM or 8 tonnes LTL is cheaper. Above that, a full truck load (FTL) is worthwhile.

Loading Meter Reference Table (Euro Pallets)

Pallet format	Dimensions (L×W)	LDM / pallet	Pallets / semi-trailer
Euro pallet (EP)	120 × 80 cm	0,4 LDM	33 Stk.
Industrial pallet (IP)	120 × 100 cm	0,5 LDM	27 Stk.
Wire mesh pallet	120 × 80 cm	0,4 LDM	33 Stk.
Half pallet	60 × 80 cm	0,2 LDM	66 Stk.
CP1 pallet (chemical)	120 × 100 cm	0,5 LDM	27 Stk.
CP3 pallet (chemical)	114 × 114 cm	approx. 0.57 LDM	~23 Stk.
Disposable pallet	variabel	depending on dimensions	—

LTL Price Structure & Typical Surcharges

Price component	Calculation	Guideline
Base freight (loading meters)	Per LDM per route/trade lane	€ 30–120 / LDM
Fuel surcharge (FSC)	% on base freight (weekly variable)	5–35% (currently approx. 15–25%)
Minimum freight surcharge	If shipment < minimum tariff weight	€ 50–150 flat
ADR dangerous goods surcharge	% on base freight or flat rate	15–40% or € 50–200 flat
Temperature surcharge (refrigerated)	% on base freight	20–50% depending on temperature range
Pre-notification fee (timed delivery)	Per shipment for timed delivery	€ 15–40 flat
B2C surcharge (delivery to private)	Per shipment to private address	€ 10–35 flat

Route

LTL

🇩🇪 Hamburg → 🇮🇹 Mailand

3–4

🇫🇷 Paris → 🇩🇪 München

2–3

🇧🇪 Brüssel → 🇵🇱 Warschau

3–5

🇳🇱 Rotterdam → 🇪🇸 Barcelona

4–6

🇩🇪 Frankfurt → 🇨🇭 Zürich

2–3

🇮🇹 Mailand → 🇨🇭 Basel

2–3

🇩🇰 Kopenhagen → 🇩🇪 Berlin

2–3

Service

Surcharge (guideline)

Tail lift

€ 30–80

Timed delivery (fixed time window)

€ 25–60

Pre-notification (call/SMS/app)

€ 5–20

Timed collection (pickup time window)

€ 20–50

Upper floor delivery (carrying service)

€ 20–60/Etage