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Pros and cons of cargo consolidation

If you have ever worked in transportation, you have probably heard of cargo consolidation. This is when a large number of small parcels are collected into one large container or vehicle for delivery. At first glance, it seems simple: it saves money, is convenient, and reduces paperwork. However, if you are not aware of all the nuances, problems may arise that lead to unnecessary expenses and delays.

Today, together with the specialists at LLC «FabriQuanta», we will examine the pros and cons of this strategy and how to use it correctly.
Advantages of cargo consolidation
Reduced transportation costs. The main advantage is saving money on delivery. When you combine several small shipments into one container, the transportation costs are shared among all shippers. This is very important for companies with limited budgets. If you don't take this into account, you will have to pay for each shipment separately and end up spending more.

Simplified customs procedures. When cargo passes through customs, combining several shipments into one declaration makes the process faster and easier. You don't need to fill out documents for each shipment separately, which means there is less chance of making a mistake and getting fined.

Maximum transport load. When you combine several shipments into one container or truck, the transport is loaded to capacity. If there is little cargo and the vehicle is travelling half-empty, consider that you are paying for the empty space. By planning your load in advance, you can save on transport costs and make delivery more profitable.
Disadvantages of cargo consolidation
Increased delivery time. The main disadvantage of consolidation is that delivery can take longer. To fill a full container, you sometimes have to wait for all shipments to arrive. This is especially important for urgent orders. If you don't plan ahead, you risk losing customers and incurring additional costs.

Complexity of coordination. When cargo comes from several senders, you need to carefully monitor the arrival time of all shipments. If something is delayed, it can hold up the entire container. Good planning and working with reliable suppliers help to avoid disruptions.

Risk of damage to goods. When different shipments are combined in one container, the risk of damage increases, especially if the packaging or transport conditions of the goods differ. If this is not taken into account, you can lose money and dissatisfy your customers.
Limited flexibility for urgent orders. If an urgent order comes in, it often has to be shipped separately, which disrupts the loading plan and increases transport costs. Without taking these factors into account, logistics becomes less efficient.

Hidden costs. Additional costs may arise during the preparation of the cargo, for example, for assembly, packaging, paperwork or insurance. It is worth thinking about this in advance, otherwise the effect of the planned savings may be insignificant or non-existent.


Recommendations for effective consolidation
To truly save money through cargo consolidation, it is important to carefully plan each step, advise experts at LLC «FabriQuanta». First, calculate how much you can save and compare this with the possible loss of time. Always check the packaging and labelling before shipping to reduce the risk of damage. If you have urgent orders, leave the option to ship them separately.

Consolidation only works when organised correctly. If you don't pay attention to the details, you risk losing money. With the right approach, you will save money and make your logistics more efficient.
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