In a previous article, we explored different cost-effective ways to relocate internationally, one of which is groupage shipping, a popular and efficient option for smaller moves.
Groupage shipments are a smart, budget-friendly solution for international relocation when your household goods don’t require a full container. Instead of paying for a full container, your belongings can share container space with other shipments heading to the same region, for example, relocations from Hong Kong to Thailand or Hong Kong to Europe.
This method allows individuals and families to enjoy professional international moving services at a fraction of the cost of a full container load. It’s ideal for those who want to balance affordability, reliability, and flexibility without compromising on service quality.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how groupage shipments work, the key benefits of choosing this option, and how our global network of relocation partners ensures smooth, secure, and cost-effective international moves from start to finish.
What is groupage shipping ?
The consolidation of different shipments from multiple clients within the same container (20-foot, 40-foot) bound for a specific region, is what defines a groupage shipment. For example, a family moving from Paris to Bangkok with just 5 CBM of household goods can share a container with another 10 CBM shipment going to Phuket in Thailand. This solution was designed to provide affordability and flexibility for individuals and families planning an international relocation, allowing them to move overseas while keeping moving costs lower.
This shipping method is quite similar to LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping. However, the main difference is that LCL shipments are typically handled by a freight forwarding company or NVOCC, whereas groupage shipments are managed by an international moving company. A professional mover such as A1 Relocations oversees the entire process from start to finish, offering a true door-to-door moving service.
How does it work ?
Taking a common route such as Thailand to Europe, A1 Relocations manages the door-to-port services, which include professional packing, labelling, loading into containers, export customs clearance, and payment of freight charges up to the destination port. These charges cover terminal handling fees and other standard port-related costs.
For groupage shipments bound for Europe, containers are generally shipped to either the Port of Rotterdam or the Port of Antwerp, depending on the designated destination partner. Upon arrival, our trusted destination moving partners take over, handling the port-to-door services, including container collection, import clearance, deconsolidation, and final delivery of each shipment to its respective address.
Typical destinations for groupage in Europe include France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, and other parts of Europe.
- Client Example
A French family recently relocated 7 CBM of household goods from Paris to Bangkok using our groupage shipping service. Their shipment was consolidated with seven others, filling a 40 ft container with a total of 58 CBM.
By choosing groupage, they saved around 60% compared to full container (FCL) rates. Customs clearance was completed smoothly within 72 hours, and since duties and taxes were already included in our all-inclusive groupage rate, the family enjoyed a completely hassle-free international move.
Key Benefits of Choosing Groupage for International Moves
- Cost-Effective
Pay only for the space you use. The freight cost is proportionally divided among clients based on each shipment’s volume, making it one of the most budget-friendly international moving solutions for smaller relocations.
- Safe & Secure
Each shipment is professionally packed, clearly labeled, and separated according to its packing list, ensuring safe handling and protection throughout the journey.
- Comprehensive Door-to-Door Service
From pickup to delivery, including export and import customs clearance, a professional international moving company oversees every step. Whether you’re moving to Thailand, relocating from Hong Kong, or planning an overseas transfer to France or the USA, groupage shipping offers a reliable and cost-effective way to move internationally.
- Regular departures
While a groupage container can only depart once it reaches a certain volume, we offer regular departures that allow individuals and families to plan their relocations with flexibility. - Storage free of charge
If you need to vacate your house or apartment by a certain date but the container departure is scheduled for the following month, no worries! We can arrange the packing and pickup, then store your belongings safely in our warehouse until the container departs, free of charge.
Our Global Groupage Solutions and Service Routes
At A1 Relocations, we specialize in international moving services including groupage shipments, providing cost-effective, flexible, and reliable solutions for households, expats, and businesses. By consolidating smaller shipments into shared containers, we help our clients save on shipping costs while still offering full door-to-door moving services, including packing, customs clearance, and final delivery.
Our groupage shipping services cover the following main routes:
- Hong Kong to Europe
- Hong Kong to Thailand
- Singapore to Thailand
- France to Thailand
- Thailand to Europe
- Thailand to Australia
- Thailand to USA
Whether you’re relocating from Europe to Thailand or planning a move from Thailand to the USA, our experienced moving company ensures your shipment is handled securely, efficiently, and with all the necessary care. Each shipment is tracked from start to finish, giving you peace of mind and full visibility throughout the moving process.
We also work closely with our trusted destination partners worldwide, ensuring smooth port-to-door services, timely customs clearance, and safe delivery to your final address, no matter where you’re moving.
Why Choose A1 Relocations for Your International Move
A1 Relocations, part of A1 Integrated Services, is a trusted international moving company specializing in tailored door-to-door relocation services worldwide. With expertise across air, sea, and land transportation, we handle every aspect of household goods moving with care and precision.
Whether you’re moving to Thailand, or planning an overseas relocation such as moving to France or the USA, groupage shipping offers an affordable and flexible way to relocate. Working with a moving company in Bangkok such as A1 Relocations would provide you with a peace of mind.
At A1 Relocations, our goal is to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. With offices in Bangkok and Hong Kong and a trusted network of international partners, we provide reliable groupage solutions for expats, families, and businesses around the world.
Ready to move smart? Get in touch today for a free quotation and discover how simple global relocation can be with A1 Relocations.
