LTL and FTL pallet freight — when courier isn't enough and you need proper freight.
Pallet shipping is used when cargo is too heavy, too large or too numerous for standard courier services. A standard EUR pallet (120×80 cm) can carry up to 1,000 kg and up to 2.4 m high. LTL (Less Than Truckload) means your pallet shares a truck with other customers' pallets — you pay only for your pallet space. FTL (Full Truckload) means you hire the entire truck. From Portugal, LTL pallet services to most European destinations take 2–5 business days, with prices varying by weight, destination and whether the delivery is to a business (more accessible) or residential address (surcharge applies). Pallet shipping is handled by freight networks like DSV, DHL Freight, XPO, DB Schenker and specialist pallet networks.
| Destination | Economy | Express | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Spain (1 EUR pallet, 200kg) | €80–€140 | €140–€220 | 1–2 days |
| 🇫🇷 France (1 EUR pallet, 300kg) | €120–€200 | €200–€340 | 2–3 days |
| 🇩🇪 Germany (1 EUR pallet, 300kg) | €140–€240 | €240–€400 | 3–4 days |
| 🇬🇧 UK (1 EUR pallet, 300kg) | €160–€280 | €280–€480 | 3–5 days |
| 🇮🇹 Italy (1 EUR pallet, 300kg) | €130–€230 | €230–€380 | 3–4 days |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands (1 EUR pallet, 300kg) | €140–€250 | €250–€420 | 3–4 days |
| 🇵🇱 Poland (1 EUR pallet, 300kg) | €160–€280 | €280–€460 | 4–5 days |
| 🇺🇸 USA (1 pallet, sea freight) | €300–€600 (LCL) | N/A courier | 18–25 days |
Indicative ranges — actual prices vary by carrier, dimensions and service. Get an exact quote below.
LTL vs FTL: LTL (shared truck) is priced per pallet or per 100 kg. FTL (dedicated truck) has a flat rate for the entire load — typically from €600–€2,000+ per truck depending on distance.
Weight: pallet freight is priced by ldm (loading metre) or per 100 kg. Heavier pallets cost more but the per-kg rate usually improves with higher weight.
Pallet size and height: EUR pallet (120×80 cm, max 180–220 cm high) is standard. Industrial pallets (120×100 cm) and double pallets cost more per unit.
Tail-lift delivery: if the delivery address has no loading dock, a tail-lift truck is required — this adds €30–€80 per delivery.
Remote area surcharges apply for deliveries to non-urban areas and islands (Madeira, Azores face significant surcharges).
Use EUR pallets (120×80 cm) — they are the standard across Europe and give the best LTL pricing.
Consolidate multiple courier parcels onto a pallet when shipping to the same destination — often cheaper than sending multiple separate courier parcels.
Wrap pallets in 4–5 layers of stretch wrap and add corner guards — this is essential for LTL where your pallet is handled multiple times.
For residential pallet delivery, budget for the tail-lift surcharge — inform the freight provider upfront if there is no loading dock.
For regular pallet shipments, Cargosender's business account provides access to pre-negotiated pallet freight rates.
A standard EUR pallet (120×80 cm) weighing 300 kg from Portugal to Germany costs approximately €140–€240 via LTL pallet network (3–4 business days). Express pallet services are available at higher cost (€240–€400, 2–3 days). Rates vary by exact weight, height and delivery address type.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) means your pallets share a truck with other companies' goods. You only pay for the space your pallets occupy. The truck typically makes multiple collections and deliveries along a route. LTL is the standard option for 1–10 pallets. FTL (Full Truckload) gives you the entire vehicle exclusively.
A standard EUR pallet can carry up to 1,000–1,500 kg depending on the pallet construction and freight provider. Single pallets over 800 kg require a reinforced pallet. For very heavy single items (machinery over 1,000 kg), specialist heavy freight services are required.
Yes, but most pallet freight services add a tail-lift delivery surcharge (€30–€80) for residential addresses without a loading dock. The driver will lower the pallet to kerb level but cannot typically bring it inside the property. Residential pallet delivery also takes longer — allow an extra 1–2 days.
Yes. Pallet shipping from Portugal to the UK is available via road freight networks with customs clearance. Post-Brexit, UK shipments require commercial invoice, packing list, and customs declarations at the UK border. Transit time is 3–5 days. Cargosender can provide quotes for pallet freight to the UK.
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