Are you are an importer? Do you need a cost effective and reliable freight shipping service? Have you heard about Groupage Freight Shipping? Have you ever considered seeking advice on this shipping method?
What comes to mind when you first hear the word ‘Groupage’?
The thought of a general meaning from the word ‘group’ is enough idea to portray the subject matter in good light.
Today, we are talking about Groupage Shipping (otherwise known and regarded as Less than Container Load – LCL). You’ll be learning how groupage works, at what point in time you should consider this method of freight shipping, and determining the right freight forwarders to seek assistance. 
If you are a mini importer, you are definitely going to need a real cost effective and reliable freight shipping service. 
Then let’s introduce Groupage freight shipping to you, in full context.

According to Global Negotiator, Groupage simply means “Combining cargo from more than one shipper or importer and/or to more than one consignee for shipment together, usually in a single shipping container. 
On arrival, the container is unloaded, and each individual shipment may be claimed by its appropriate consignee or importer. 
For clarity, it is the combining of many compatible shipments into a truck load of cargo and transported to customer destination. 
This is usually covered when there are more than one shipper going to one country, and sometimes, to one regional area of a country. 
Transporting a shipment with other goods in the container is referred to as Less than Container Load (LCL). 
That means that multiple LCL shipments with different Bills of Lading and different owners can be loaded in a single container. Any space used in the container is subject to a charge.

Picture this. 
If you desire to venture into small scale importation business, this method may be your best bet. This is due to the fact that your items may be too small for a full container load, there the need to group with other mini importers.
It is a great way to start importation business with a tight budget. 
Groupage is an economical transporting method designed for Importers whose shipments would not require Full Container Load. Compatible Shipments are usually combined and shipped together to importers/shippers destinations.

Difference between FCL and LCL (Groupage) – Picture Description
Image from Flexport Glossary
The picture above is a clear description, showing the difference between an FCL and and LCL (otherwise, Groupage). 
FCL indicates the shipment belongs to one importer or shipper while LCL indicates that there are shipments from more than one importer or shipper.

Does groupage freight take a longer delivery time?
Yes! Surprisingly it does take longer time, depending on how it is been managed by forwarders and other factors. 
Let’s make this simple. 
It depends on the country of origin, international shipping standard voyage time, level of forwarders professionalism, as well as the availability of quality handling by overseas staff, among other factors. 
At Bowagate Global, our dedicated overseas staff take delivery of clients small shipments from their suppliers, get them grouped with other customers’ shipment, put them into a container and deliver them with a reliable shipping line. 
We take our business seriously, providing speedy delivery to Nigeria within specified days. Though this depends on the country of origin and international Shipping standard voyage time.
From experience, we won’t be wrong to boast about our past and present outstanding services. 

Groupage is a cheaper option
The cost effectiveness and reliability of groupage freight shipping service may cut across various service providers.
With Bowagate Global, this service comes with dual values in one. That is, one, you get speedy delivery of shipment and two, it comes at a cost-effective price, and without damages to your shipments. 
This is guaranteed. 
You can have a chat with one of our representatives about your shipment, and strike a convenient deal. 

How we handle Clients shipment 
The fear of damages to shipment on-board has always been a major concern. Travelling with loads of other groupage, packed with wrong partitioning can have an effect on the items of shipment, especially with fragiles.
As regarding insurance, see pre-advice from one of our representatives for clarity and necessary information before shipment. Our customers are very proud of our services and are happy with responses in respect of insurance, especially the regular customers.
The distinction between Sea Shipping and Air Shipping is in the area of space. While the Ships are not prone to damaged shipments, the Air shipping might. As regarding fragiles, we implore customers to seek proper packing or advise before-hand.

Tracking shipments when it ships as groupage. 
Yes, each consignment can be tracked via our website. 
At any point you can advise your client as to the location of the shipment. We can provide details of our delivery agents so that the delivery party can also liaise directly with them too. 
In summary, we are currently delivering groupage shipment from over 40 ports using our groupage / LCL facilities around the World.
Bowagate Global have in excess of over 2 decades of experience in Freight Shipping to Nigeria and our team have the expertise to make your freight shipping without stress.
For a fast groupage quote to Nigeria, please call us TODAY.
Bowagate Sea Freight shipping offers Full Container load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL), Roro and Bulk shipping from over 40 Seaport to Tincan & Apapa. Learn More about our Sea Services