General Cargo: Efficient logistics for your freight

In today’s increasingly globalised world, efficient logistics solutions play a key role in ensuring that supply chains run smoothly. General cargo transport is one of the most important and versatile types of transport in the logistics industry. It offers companies the opportunity to deliver their goods quickly, safely and cost-effectively to various destinations without the need for a full truck load. For many companies, especially those that regularly ship small quantities of goods, this mode of transport is a flexible and economical solution.

From Osnabrück to Munich, from Norway to Greece, from Portugal to Azerbaijan: with numerous well-known partners in Germany and abroad, we form a comprehensive logistics network with regular departures for the transport of general cargo shipments. As a member of CargoLine, we offer you Europe-wide general cargo transport with daily departures and fixed transit times via partner co-operations. You also receive valuable additional services through the premium products of our general cargo co-operation, which, among other things, increase the predictability of your supply chain.

Koch International is your reliable partner for all transport operations and can also support you with hazardous goods transport, packaging advice or customs clearance on request – all tailored to your individual needs.

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Optimised goods transport: a look at general cargo transport

General cargo transport plays a central role in logistics and enables smaller and varying loads to be transported efficiently.

The term general cargo refers to a load that can be transported individually. This can be a pallet, a crate or a barrel, for example. Weight, size and shape can vary greatly. Liquid loads such as milk, petrol, gases or chemicals do not count as general cargo, as these have to be transported in special containers and are not in a solid state. General cargo therefore refers to individual items that are transported together with others, as they alone would not fully utilise the permissible payload of a transport vehicle. In order to utilise the loading space efficiently, these consignments are combined with other goods. This is also known as groupage loading.

Transporting general cargo offers a flexible solution for shipping smaller quantities of goods, such as packages, cost-effectively without having to use the loading capacity of a lorry. In contrast to full truck loads, where a vehicle is used exclusively for a single load, groupage transport combines the loads of several customers in one vehicle. These consignments are consolidated in a central warehouse and then distributed to their respective destinations.

General cargo should also not be confused with groupage freight. While groupage freight combines several smaller shipments into a single larger unit, general cargo involves individual packaged units that are transported together. Both types of transport offer specific advantages and should be selected according to the requirements of the various consignors.

The process of transporting general cargo requires careful organisation and precise planning. Our employees enable fast and safe transport thanks to their precise planning and optimal networking. Efficient utilisation of the available freight space ensures cost-effective and smooth handling of the shipment.

General cargo logistics – your partner for reliable transport

Our specifications:

up to 6
Euro pallet spaces

up to 2.5
loading metres

up to 2.500kg
capacity

Choosing the right logistics partner is crucial to the success of your company. At Koch International, we not only offer you comprehensive expertise in the transport of general cargo, but also customised solutions that are precisely tailored to your needs. With our many years of experience in logistics and a network of reliable freight forwarders, we guarantee you safe and punctual deliveries. This means we can deliver your freight anywhere in Germany within 24 hours and anywhere in Europe within 48 hours.

With our transit time list, you can plan your shipments precisely and always give your customers a reliable delivery date. We also offer you a timetable that shows you on which days we deliver to which countries. In the download area you will also find further information that is available to you at any time.

Your advantages:

Dispatch of variable quantities according to customer requirements
Reduced CO₂ emissions thanks to full truck utilisation
Precise delivery times for greater customer satisfaction
Minimised storage requirements thanks to just-in-time deliveries
Optimised processes for fast deliveries

Certified quality and state-of-the-art technology for your logistics

As a member of CargoLine, we are certified in accordance with the strict HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) guidelines. This authorises us to safely store and transport food in packaging such as tins, bottles or canisters in accordance with HACCP specifications.

Our modern lorries and specialised forklift trucks enable the smooth transport and efficient handling of loaded pallets and individual items. We also attach great importance to transparency and customer service, so that you are always informed about the status of your freight. To do this, you can simply use our shipment tracking tool to keep an eye on your freight at all times.

The costs for general cargo transport are made up of several factors:

Collection of the general cargo from the shipper (pre-carriage)
Handling and distribution of the goods to the groupage lines
Transport to the partner depot (main leg)
Handling and distribution of the goods to the delivery vehicles
Delivery of your goods to the recipient (on-carriage)

To calculate the exact costs for your general cargo transport or pallet shipping, you can simply use our freight cost calculator or contact us personally.

We impress not only with our many years of experience, but also with the use of state-of-the-art technology. Our transshipment warehouse, built in 2013, extends over 12,000 square metres and has 129 gates where trucks can dock. Particularly noteworthy is our 369 metre-long chain system, which enables exceptionally efficient handling of your transports.

Optimum packaging solutions for safe general cargo transport

The right packaging plays a central role in general cargo transport. The individual items must be packed in such a way that they are not damaged during transport. It is important that heavy items are placed at the bottom of the pallet to create a stable unit. The choice of packaging materials and methods depends on the type of product being transported. Palletised goods provide a particularly stable basis for the transport of unit loads, as they are easier to handle and safer.

We will be happy to advise you comprehensively on all questions relating to the optimum packaging for your goods. You can also purchase the right packaging materials in our shop to ensure that your consignment is protected in the best possible way.

General cargo in the supply chain

The transport of general cargo plays a crucial role in the supply chain. It enables companies to deliver their goods to customers in different regions on time and at low cost. Through the efficient use of pallets and the ability to transport smaller quantities, companies can reduce their logistics costs and expand their market presence at the same time.