FAQ

Frequently asked questions and answers from the logistics sector.

What is FTL (full truck load) and how does it work?

Full Truckload or FTL (Full Truckload) is a freight shipping method that involves reserving the entire space of a truck or container exclusively for the transport of your goods.

It is the most commonly used service for transporting large volumes of goods, urgent deliveries or when goods require maximum security, for example: the transport of fragile goods. Since the goods travel directly from their origin to their destination, the risks of handling or transfers that may be required are eliminated and/or minimised, while at the same time reducing the transit time and days until the goods reach their destination, both in EU shipments (France, Germany, etc.) and non-EU shipments (United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, etc.).

What is groupage or consolidated LTL freight?

Unlike full truckload, Groupage or Consolidated Freight LTL (Less Than Truckload) is an efficient logistics solution that allows several clients to share the space of the same vehicle or container when the volume of their loads is not large enough to justify full truckload transport (FTL).

As a general rule, it is a logistics shipping method that requires greater planning and route optimisation, while at the same time being the most economical shipping option for small and regular cargo volumes.

When should I choose full truckload or groupage?

When choosing between Full Truckload (FTL) vs Groupage (LTL), the main points to consider are:

  • The volume of your cargo.
  • The urgency of the shipment.
  • The sensitivity or characteristics of your goods.

Choose Full Truckload (FTL) if your shipment is large enough to fill a truck, your shipment is urgent or your goods are particularly fragile.

Choose Groupage (LTL) if, on the contrary, your shipments are smaller in volume, are recurring shipments or are not urgent.

Which shipping method is the fastest?

As a general rule, the fastest shipping method is Full Truckload (FTL).

By reserving the entire space of a vehicle exclusively, you avoid consolidation times, transhipments or additional route stops that a grouped freight route (LTL) may involve.

In short, FTL transport offers the most direct routes, both for international shipments within the EU and outside it (such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, etc.), reducing the transit days of your goods.

What are the estimated transit times?

Many factors can affect the transit time of a shipment (the exact route, transport method, type of cargo, customs procedures, etc.). However, as a general rule, and with logistics operators such as ACC that have their own customs office, for regular routes and standard full truckload shipments (FTL), we could estimate:

  • Spain – France: 24 – 48 hours.
  • Spain – United Kingdom: 48 – 72 hours.
  • Spain – Ireland: 72 – 96 hours

Groupage (LTL), on the other hand, requires additional consolidation time and may add between 1 and 3 days to these timeframes.

You can contact us directly and we will provide you with an exact estimate immediately.

What is a logistics correspondent?

The correspondents of a transport company are collaborating companies or logistics agents that act on behalf of the main company in certain geographical areas or countries.

Their function is to represent, operate and coordinate transport and logistics services while maintaining the standards and commercial agreements of the parent company, for example:

  • Collecting and delivering goods within their area of influence.
  • Managing grouped shipments (LTL) and cargo consolidation.
  • Coordinating full truckloads (FTL).
  • Providing storage space and cross-docking.
  • Managing CMR, customs documentation, delivery notes, etc.
  • Providing local customer service.
  • Speeding up the resolution of incidents at destination or origin.
  • Etc.
Requirements to request a quotation

To obtain an accurate and fast international transport quotation, we will ask you for the following information:

  • Origins and Destinations
    • Dimensions and Weight
    • Transport method (FTL or Groupage LTL)
    • Type of Goods
    • Estimated dates

This information allows us to calculate the cost of the logistics service efficiently, including customs procedures if the destination is the United Kingdom or other non-EU countries.

Documentation for international shipments

A commercial invoice, packing list, transport contract and, in many cases, a certificate of origin and customs documentation (DUA, EORI, etc.) are required. Specific documentation may also be required depending on the type of goods.

What is logistics traceability?

In logistics terms, traceability is the continuous tracking of goods from their origin to their final destination.

Traceability includes location control, cargo status and documentation, ensuring security and regulatory compliance.

What advantages do AEO operators offer?

Being an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certifies that we are a reliable and secure logistics partner recognised by EU authorities.

The advantages of working with AEO operators include faster customs procedures, faster inspections and guaranteed regulatory compliance.

This directly translates into shorter transit times and lower risks of incidents or delays, both in transport between EU countries and in shipments to non-EU countries.

What factors influence logistics costs?

The factors that determine the cost of a shipment are numerous and variable. However, as a general rule, the most common factors are:

  • Type of cargo.
  • Cargo volume.
  • Distance to be travelled.
  • Shipping method.
  • Required customs procedures.
  • Insurance.
  • etc.

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