Europe possesses one of the most phenomenal and sophisticated networks of groupage services in the world. Even the recession has not had a negative impact on new players entering the market.
Freight Forwarding
Primary European groupage transport services include freight forwarding and hauling. These industries offer the market an impressive range of groupage services between each and every primary commercial centre of Europe. In many scenarios, you will find nearly three-tier services on offer, including overnight express delivery, 48-hour delivery, and economy delivery for those customers for whom price is the chief overriding factor.
Type of Players
The type and nature of players operating such transport services also serves as a reflection of the industry’s structure. Multinational companies (MNCs) have assembled vast networks in each European country based on both acquisition of businesses and organic growth. On the other hand, there are operators who specialize in both niche markets and niche commodities, where personal service and accurate knowledge of the individual requirements of a customer are crucial and vital.
Road Freight
Road freight is the primary means of transport for European groupage transport services. The flexibility offered by road vehicles to effect door-to-door distribution has resulted in the complete elimination of rail from this specific market, although environmental concerns are resulting in the revival of the depot-depot haul. Because of the construction of the Channel Tunnel several groupage operations that were earlier carried out by air are now being carried out by road transport.
CMR Convention
In order to ensure a regulatory level-playing field for both operators and customers, all European groupage transport is effectively conducted in accordance with the CMR Convention, which states the liabilities and rights of all concerned entities. This convention was successfully introduced in the 1960s; however, its text, in combination with the numerous court judgements that relate to specific cases, eventually means that it continues to be relevant in the modern-day marketplace.
Logistics
Service providers offer a full suite of cargo logistics to successfully integrate with their transport services across Europe. This includes storage, reworking, and redistribution of products. Their distribution and cargo logistics services are specially developed to offer their customers a single-managed third-party logistics (3PL) solutions, covering warehousing, cargo handling, and supply chain management.
Destinations
Most companies have evolved into pan-European operations with everyday trailer services that operate across Europe as well as bespoke and customized solutions for worldwide locations. Some of the destinations within the UK include London, Birmingham, West Midlands, among others.
Industries
Most service providers cater to a wide range of industries and industry sectors such as Automotive, Aerospace, FMCG, Engineering, Telecommunications, Manufacturing, as well as Logistics and Freight subcontracting. Each industry comes with its own challenges regarding logistics; hence, companies have developed cutting-edge 3PL services to cater to a wide range of market sectors. Some of these companies also act as agent’s agent to several other operators in the logistics and freight industry.
European Groupage Transport Service is a niche service offered by many companies across Europe to cater to a diverse range of industries.
