Full and part load haulage
A vehicle is assigned to your shipment from loading to delivery, with no transhipment. This is the logical choice for large volumes, heavy or long loads, or goods that are sensitive to handling.
Transport & logistics
Freight transport: compare quotes from hauliers
Part or full loads, courier, express or urgent delivery, light vehicle or HGV: describe your shipment once and compare quotes from hauliers.
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Shipping goods between businesses means choosing a mode of transport that suits the consignment: a single pallet, a full load of several tonnes, parcels for next-day delivery or a part that must be rushed through. Depending on the case, the right contact is a load haulier, a groupage carrier that consolidates several consignments, a courier or a freight forwarder, who organises the carriage in its own name.
This activity is regulated. In France, road haulage for hire and reward requires registration on the register of hauliers (registre des transporteurs), even with light vehicles. The contract is evidenced by a consignment note (lettre de voiture). The carrier’s liability is limited: without precautions, compensation can fall far short of the value of your goods, hence the value of a declaration of value or dedicated insurance.
This page helps you write a clear request: nature and dimensions of the goods, addresses and time slots, lead times, special requirements and the value to be insured. It also lists the points to check before entrusting a shipment, including internationally, where Incoterms allocate roles between seller and buyer.
Common services
Groupage and pallet networks
Your shipment is consolidated with others in a network of hubs, for pallets or parcels delivered within a few days. The price depends on weight, number of units and delivery zone.
Express and urgent delivery
Express services deliver through a network within a short, defined time. An urgent courier run uses a dedicated vehicle that leaves immediately and delivers direct: a critical part, a sample, a document.
Light vehicles
Vans and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes GVW, for small volumes, city deliveries and regular shuttle runs. Operating them for hire and reward also requires registration on the register.
HGVs and articulated lorries
Rigid lorries, articulated units, flatbeds, curtainsiders, box vans or refrigerated vehicles, with tail lift or loader crane if delivery requires it, for heavy or bulky loads.
Abnormal loads
When weight or dimensions exceed the legal limits, prior administrative authorisation is needed, with a prescribed route and sometimes an escort. Lead times are longer: plan ahead.
International transport
Road haulage within Europe, but also combined, sea or air freight through a forwarder. Documents, insurance and customs formalities outside the European Union change the picture.
Organisation and chartering
A freight forwarder or charterer selects the hauliers and monitors the shipment: useful if you ship infrequently or to varied destinations.
Vehicles and equipment
Motorbikes and cargo bikes for urgent city deliveriesVans and light commercial vehicles of various sizesRigid lorries and articulated trailers (flatbed, box, curtainsider)Vehicles with tail liftLorries fitted with a loader craneRefrigerated or temperature-controlled vehiclesVehicles and drivers trained for dangerous goods (ADR)Pallets, straps, wedging and stretch wrapTracking tools: barcode scanners, electronic signature, GPS tracking
Needs and types of shipment
- Delivery of pallets of parts or components between factories and workshops
- Supplying building sites and points of sale
- Regular distribution of products to business customers
- Sending a critical part to get a production line running again
- Transport of machines, tooling and bulky equipment
- Transfer of stock between sites or to an outsourced warehouse
- Export or import of goods within Europe and beyond
- Sending samples, prototypes and sensitive documents
What affects the price
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1
Weight, volume and nature of the goods
The rate follows the chargeable weight (actual weight, volume or loading metres occupied), the number of units and the type of product: fragile, dangerous, oversize or temperature-controlled goods cost more.
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2
Distance and delivery area
Mileage, deliveries to hard-to-reach areas, the number of drop-off points and empty return legs directly affect the price.
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3
Lead time and urgency
The shorter the lead time, the more a vehicle and driver have to be dedicated: an urgent courier run is not priced like a standard groupage shipment.
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4
Delivery services
Tail lift, appointment delivery, unloading to an upper floor, positioning, collection of packaging or pallets: each service must be specified in your request to be priced.
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5
Fuel, tolls and taxes
Recurring contracts often include a fuel indexation clause, and tolls or crossings are added depending on the route. Ask how they are included.
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6
Insurance and declared value
Beyond the limited compensation set by the contract, a declaration of value or so-called “ad valorem” insurance is an extra cost, proportionate to the value carried.
Tips for a successful request
Post a request- Describe each unit: type, number of pallets or parcels, dimensions, weight, whether it can be stacked, and flag any dangerous or sensitive goods.
- Give the loading and delivery addresses, dock opening hours, access constraints (height, tail lift needed) and any requirement to book an appointment.
- Set the expected lead time and say whether it is firm: same-day collection, delivery before a given time, or simply a deadline.
- State the value of the goods and whether you want a declaration of value or additional insurance.
- Specify the frequency: one-off shipment, weekly run or annual contract. A recurring flow opens the way to better terms.
- For international shipments, mention the countries, the Incoterm agreed with your customer or supplier and the formalities you will handle.
Consignment note, liability and declaration of value
The consignment note is the document that evidences the contract of carriage. It identifies the sender, the consignee and the carrier, the places and dates of collection and delivery, the nature, number and weight of the goods, and any special instructions. It serves as proof: keep it. In international road haulage, the CMR Convention provides its own consignment note.
Except in particular cases, the carrier is liable for loss, damage and delay, but its liability is limited. In France, where there is no written agreement, standard contracts set by decree apply; they provide compensation caps that are often below the real value of the goods. There are two solutions: a declaration of value, which raises the cap up to the declared value for a supplement, or “ad valorem” insurance, taken out with the carrier or with your own insurer.
On delivery, check the number and condition of the packages and write precise, reasoned reservations on the delivery note, with photos. For domestic transport in France, the protest must be confirmed in writing within a very short period (three days, excluding public holidays, under the Code de commerce), and legal action is generally time-barred after one year. A vague note such as “subject to unpacking” may not be enough.
Choosing a haulier: registration, insurance, lead times and tracking
Before confirming, check the registration on the register of hauliers (in France) by asking for the number and the corresponding certificate. For HGVs, make sure drivers hold the required professional qualifications; driving and rest times are monitored. Ask for insurance certificates: professional liability and cover for goods in transit. Meaflow checks companies’ SIRET numbers (the French company registration number), not their insurance or their authorisations.
- Lead times: is the announced lead time guaranteed or indicative? Is a delivery time slot possible?
- Tracking: tracking number, collection and delivery notifications, signed proof of delivery.
- Subcontracting: does the haulier hand all or part of the journey to a third party?
- Safety: a safety protocol governs loading and unloading with the host company.
Some goods impose additional requirements. Dangerous goods fall under their own regulations (ADR): flag them without fail and ask whether the drivers are trained. Temperature-controlled products require a suitable vehicle and, if needed, a temperature record. For high-value goods, agree in advance the parking and handover conditions.
For pallets to be moved around a warehouse, see the handling and storage page; for an office or machinery move, the business relocation page. A clear specification makes comparison easier.
International transport: Incoterms and documents
Incoterms, published by the International Chamber of Commerce, allocate costs, risks and certain formalities of an international sale between seller and buyer. They apply only if the contract mentions them, with the version (for example “Incoterms 2020”) and a precise place. They are not the contract of carriage, and govern neither payment nor transfer of ownership.
By way of illustration, under EXW the seller makes the goods available at its premises and the buyer handles almost everything. Under FCA, the seller hands the goods to the carrier nominated by the buyer. Under DAP, the seller delivers to the agreed place, without import clearance. Under DDP, it also bears import formalities and duties. Some rules, such as FOB or CIF, apply only to sea and inland waterway transport.
Outside the European Union, customs formalities are added, often entrusted to a freight forwarder. This page does not replace specialist advice: state in your request the agreed Incoterm, what you will handle and the documents expected.
Suppliers: transport & delivery
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FALHO Logistique
Professional supplier registered on Meaflow.
Business relocationTransport & deliveryHandling & storage
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Verified business
TRANSPORT MAHAMATH
Une entreprise de déménagement et débarras puis transport express . Sont nos métiers du quotidien avec une bonne expérience plus de 12 d'…
Business relocationTransport & deliveryOther service
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Guides to go further
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Scope, assumptions, unit price and fixed costs, lead time, terms, quality, Incoterm: the method and the grid to compare three quotes on an identical basis.
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Frequently asked questions
A question not answered here? Visit the help centre or write to us.
Do you need a licence to carry goods for others?
In France, road haulage for hire and reward requires registration on the register of hauliers, even with light vehicles. Ask for the registration number and certificate before the first job. HGV drivers must also prove their professional qualifications. For a specific activity, ask the authorities or a trade federation.
What is the consignment note for?
It evidences the contract of carriage and serves as proof: parties, places of collection and delivery, nature, number and weight of the goods, special instructions. On delivery, you note your reservations on it in case of shortage or breakage. Keep it: it is essential to hold the carrier liable or to make an insurance claim.
Does the haulier refund the full value of lost or damaged goods?
Not necessarily. Its liability is governed by the contract or, failing that, by a standard contract, with compensation caps that are often below the real value. To be covered up to that value, make a declaration of value, take out “ad valorem” insurance or check your own insurance for goods in transit.
What should you do about a damaged or missing parcel?
Check the condition and number of packages on delivery and write precise, reasoned reservations on the delivery note, with photos. Then confirm by registered letter within the very short period set by the French Code de commerce for domestic transport, which is three days excluding public holidays. Keep all supporting documents for the claim.
What are Incoterms, and should you use them?
They are International Chamber of Commerce rules that allocate costs, risks and formalities of an international sale between seller and buyer. They apply only if the contract mentions them, with the version and a precise place, and govern neither payment nor transfer of ownership. Take advice to choose the right rule.
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