When a parcel service is enough
Parcel services are built for single light items — usually up to 30–40 kg and limited dimensions depending on the provider. Parcels pass through automated sorting lines, are transhipped several times and travel with thousands of other shipments. For one or a few cartons it is the cheapest and simplest option.
It becomes a problem with dozens of cartons or heavy and fragile goods: each piece travels separately, may be delayed or lost, and repeated handling increases the risk of damage.
When to put the goods on a pallet
Once you have several cartons, heavier items or goods sensitive to handling, it pays to put them on a pallet. The pallet is loaded and unloaded by forklift as one unit, individual pieces are not handled and the shipment arrives together. How to wrap a pallet properly is explained in How to prepare pallets for transport.
A few pallets travel as a part load — sharing the vehicle with other shipments, and you only pay for the space they take. More on the pallet transport page and in FTL vs. LTL.
When to book a dedicated vehicle
| Situation | Suitable option |
|---|---|
| Urgent, a few pallets | van on a direct run (up to 5 pallets, curtain-sided van up to 10) |
| Medium shipment, 6–15 pallets | 7.5-tonne truck or part load, depending on the deadline |
| From about 6–7 loading metres or 5 t | full truck (up to 33 euro pallets, 24 t) |
| Chilled goods | temperature-controlled vehicle or trailer |
A dedicated vehicle runs directly from consignor to consignee without transhipment — the fastest and gentlest option for the goods. See vehicle types and the comparison Van or truck?
What to consider when deciding
- Weight and size of one piece — above parcel limits, a pallet is the way.
- Number of pieces — many cartons are safer together on a pallet.
- Deadline — a direct run is faster than a groupage network.
- Sensitivity of the goods — fragile and valuable goods fare better without transhipment.
- Loading and unloading — without a dock and forklift you need a vehicle with a tail lift.
Not sure? The online calculator gives an indicative price for pallets and vehicles, and we send a quote within 30 minutes.