Full truckload

Who is it for?

For companies with high-volume, regular export shipments, it brings operational ease and saves time.

How does it work?

A vehicle is planned according to cargo volume and address; documents and customs are followed together throughout the transport.

When is full truckload the right choice?

In full truckload the vehicle is reserved for your cargo alone. Because the cargo is not combined with other cargo, handling is reduced, the risk of damage falls and you have more say over the loading date and delivery time.

Full truckload stands out especially when the cargo almost fills a vehicle, the delivery date is firm, the product is sensitive or valuable, or splitting the cargo would cause problems.

How is the vehicle type chosen?

The most common vehicle type in international road transport is the curtain-sided (tautliner) trailer. A closed box body is used for cargo that must be protected from rain and dust but does not need side or top loading, and a refrigerated vehicle for cargo that needs temperature control. The vehicle needed depends on the type and size of the cargo, how it is loaded (rear, side, top) and its special conditions.

What affects the price?

Full truckload pricing generally depends on:

• The distance between loading and delivery points and the chosen route.
• Whether the vehicle can find a return load; on one-way shipments it may return empty.
• Season and demand. Around year-end and before holidays vehicles can be harder to find.
• Waiting during loading and unloading: if the free time is exceeded, a waiting charge may apply. This period should be written clearly in the quote.
• Special requirements: dangerous goods (ADR), temperature control, special equipment.

Preparation: before loading day

So that the vehicle does not wait long during loading, the cargo should be ready, the number of pallets should match the invoice and an authorised person should be present at the loading address. To avoid trouble at the border, the commercial invoice and packing list should be ready to hand to the driver at loading.

CMR note and delivery

In full truckload the CMR consignment note is issued when the cargo is loaded and travels with the driver. At delivery the consignee checks the cargo and signs the CMR. If there is a shortage or damage, it must be written on the CMR at delivery; notifications made later are weaker as evidence.

Time planning

Booking a vehicle for full truckload starts before the loading date. After loading, the time on the road depends on distance, congestion at border gates, the driver's legal rest periods and customs offices and factories that close at weekends or on holidays. For cargo that needs a delivery appointment, all of these should be taken into account together.

Loading, unloading and insurance

Loading and unloading times are an important part of planning in full truckload; cost arises as long as the vehicle waits. Checking the ramp, forklift and working hours at the loading point in advance shortens waiting time. If the value of the cargo is above the CMR liability limit, taking out separate cargo insurance is the safest way to cover a possible loss.

Common mistakes

• Not checking loading hours and address access (vehicle length, ramp, working hours) in advance.
• Not booking an appointment for unloading at the delivery point.
• Not including the working hours of customs and factories that close at weekends and on public holidays in the plan.
• Declaring the real weight incorrectly so that it exceeds vehicle and axle limits.