Not every shipment fills a full trailer. Partial load (LTL) shipping lets importers and exporters move goods between Turkey and Europe without paying for unused truck space. KEY Forwarding runs weekly groupage consolidation services, combining multiple smaller shipments into a single truck for cost-effective, scheduled delivery.
What Is LTL and When to Use It
Less than Truck Load (LTL), also called groupage or part-load, is the right choice when your cargo volume is between one pallet and roughly half a trailer. Rather than chartering an entire vehicle, your freight shares space with other non-competing cargo, and you pay only for the loading metres (ldm) or weight your shipment occupies. LTL is ideal for regular shipments of 100 kg–5,000 kg, samples and test orders, and goods that do not justify a full truck but still need road freight speed.
Our Groupage Network Across Europe
KEY Forwarding operates weekly consolidation departures from Istanbul (Gebze/Çerkezköy) to Germany, Netherlands, France, Poland, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and beyond. Return consolidations from major European hubs back to Turkey run on the same weekly schedule. Our network covers over 30 European countries, with direct linehaul vehicles on the busiest lanes to minimise transit time.
LTL vs FTL: Cost Comparison
For volumes below roughly 14–16 ldm (half a standard trailer), LTL is almost always more economical than booking a Full Truck Load (FTL). FTL guarantees you a dedicated vehicle and typically offers 1–2 days faster transit, but the cost is fixed regardless of how much space you use. For a typical 3-ldm Istanbul–Germany shipment, LTL rates run approximately 60–70% cheaper than a comparable FTL booking. Our team helps you calculate the break-even point for your specific cargo.
How LTL Pricing Works in Turkey
Partial load rates from Turkey are calculated per loading metre (1 ldm = 1 m × 2.4 m trailer width) or per 100 kg chargeable weight, whichever produces the higher figure. Current indicative LTL rates from Istanbul to Germany start from approximately €180–280 per ldm depending on the season and lane utilisation. Surcharges may apply for fuel, dangerous goods (ADR), or oversized items. We provide firm quotations valid for the date of shipment.
Required Documents for LTL Shipments
For LTL freight from Turkey to EU destinations you will need: commercial invoice, packing list, CMR consignment note (issued by our team), and an A.TR movement certificate for goods claiming preferential tariff treatment under the Turkey–EU Customs Union. For non-EU destinations or goods outside Customs Union scope, EUR.1 or origin declaration may apply. Our customs team handles all documentation.
Get a Partial Load Quote
Tell us your origin and destination, cargo dimensions, weight, and required delivery week. We will confirm availability on our next consolidation departure and provide a firm rate within a few hours. Use the contact form or call our Istanbul logistics desk directly.