The secret of economical logistics: groupage delivery from the USA

Many companies and individuals consider the USA as a source of quality products - branded clothing, electronics, components, materials and other goods. When there is a need to deliver cargo from the USA, especially if it is not about tons of goods, but about more modest batches - groupage cargoes, it is important to understand the basic mechanisms and conditions of delivery in the format of containerization and LCL loading.

Groupage cargo and its advantages

Less than container load (LCL) is a shipping format where several shippers share the space of a container: each loads a small shipment (groupage cargo delivery from the USA starts at 100 kg) and pays only for the volume and weight of your goods, not the entire container.

Advantages of groupage cargo:

• savings: no need to pay for empty space inside the container when you ship a small volume;
• flexibility: the ability to send batches of even 100 kg, gradually scaling deliveries;
• opening new markets and suppliers: LCL is convenient if you are just starting to import, are not sure about the volumes and want to deliver a “test” order;
• fewer risks during procurement and transportation: investments are lower than when buying a full container, the probability of delays is lower, and it is easier to manage customs procedures and insurance.

When is it beneficial to use the LCL format?

Groupage shipping from the USA is ideal when there is no need to rent an entire container, for example, in the following cases:

• small consignments of goods: if the cargo volume is several boxes or pallets that occupy only part of the space, renting a 20- or 40-foot container does not make sense at all, it is more profitable to share it with other shippers;
• test deliveries: at the beginning of cooperation with American suppliers or when checking demand for a new product, LCL allows you to minimize risks and costs;
• regular, but small volumes: if deliveries occur frequently, but in moderate quantities, it is more profitable to use groupage transportation than to wait for an entire container to be filled;
• cargo without strict deadlines: groupage transportation sometimes takes longer due to consolidation processes, but allows for significant savings;
• Variety of goods: when different categories of products from different suppliers need to be brought in one shipment, LCL allows you to combine them in one container.

Thus, LCL is a flexible and affordable option for small and medium-sized businesses, startups or private customers who value economy and convenience.

How is the price for LCL delivery from the USA formed?

It is important to understand that with LCL you pay only for the space your cargo takes up in the container, and not for the entire container. That is why this format is beneficial for small volumes. The cost of transporting consolidated cargo consists of several components, among the main ones:

• volume and weight: in maritime logistics, the so-called “volumetric weight” is calculated, when the actual mass and volume in cubic meters are compared, and the larger figure is taken for the tariff. For example, light but bulky goods (furniture, plastic) are calculated by volume, and compact and heavy goods (metal, equipment) are calculated by weight;
• route and port of arrival: the price depends on the American port of departure (New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, etc.), destination and distance;
• consolidation and warehousing services: before shipment, the cargo is stored and sorted in a warehouse in the USA, where several batches are combined; these operations also affect the cost;
• port charges: the tariff includes the costs of handling the container at the US port and at the port of arrival;
• customs costs: preparation of a package of documents, calculation and payment of customs duties, VAT, as well as broker services for accompanying and processing cargo;
• related services: if inspection, additional labeling, insurance, or door-to-door delivery is required, this is added to the base price.

Delivery of groupage cargo from the USA from Mitridat: savings and professional logistics services

If the volume of imported goods from the USA does not allow filling an entire container, groupage is the most optimal and economical format. If your company regularly ships large shipments, FCL (full container load of a 20- or 40-foot container) may be more profitable.

Regardless of the loading format, for transportation to be smooth and successful, you need clear logistics, proper documentation and customs procedures, high-quality packaging, and an experienced logistics partner who will take on most of the difficulties while minimizing risks.

Each delivery of groupage cargo from the USA through Mitridat is a profitable cooperation with a partner who takes on complex logistical stages, making the process clear, transparent, and manageable.

By working with us, you get the following benefits:

• flexibility: we accept groupage shipments from 100 kg to destinations from the USA;
• developed infrastructure: an international network of warehouses and port connections, which allows you to optimize routes, terms and costs;
• Professional experience: many years of practice, knowledge of American and European ports, understanding of documentation and customs requirements.