How its done

Groupage consolidation is a shipping method where multiple small shipments from different businesses all with similar origins and destinations are combined into one container or vehicle to form a full container load (FCL). The practice optimizes space, reduces transportation costs and the environmental impact of international shipping operations.

Groupage Consolidation procedures and practices

• Booking and Documentation: The shipper or agent (consolidator) coordinates with suppliers to pick up or receive goods at a designated warehouse in the country of origin.
• Receiving and Inspection: Cargo is inspected, weighed, and measured to ensure it meets requirements. Proper tagging is crucial, as each lot is marked to avoid errors during deconsolidation.
• Stuffing (Loading): The goods are securely loaded into a consolidated container, often in combination with other clients’ goods. This step is designed to optimize container space and ensure safety.
• Customs Clearance at Origin: The consolidator manages the export formalities, which usually include obtaining a Certificate of Origin and a Certificate of Conformity (COC) for the consolidated consignment.
• Transit and Shipping: The container is treated as a single consignment (FCL – Full Container Load) and shipped to the Mombasa port or relevant inland depot.
• Deconsolidation (Mombasa): Upon arrival, the container is taken to a Container Freight Station (CFS), where the consolidator separates the goods into original, individual shipments.
• Final Clearance and Delivery: The individual cargo is cleared through Kenya Customs using the Simba 2005 system and released to the respective

Groupage Consolidation … Uniting Shipments while….. Connecting Markets……..

Required documentation for groupage importation

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Import Declaration Form (IDF)
• Certificate of Conformity (COC)
• Consignee Authorization Letter 

Key Take aways

• Groupage can cut costs on small shipments by consolidating cargo, rather than paying for half-empty containers.
• Boost efficiency and speed with better space use, groupage can result in reduced storage costs.
• You can also lower carbon emissions and support sustainable logistics by reducing the shipment of half-empty containers.

LCL De-Consolidation

LCL (Less than Container Load) deconsolidation is the process of breaking down a consolidated container filled with multiple, smaller shipments from different shippers into individual, separated shipments upon arrival at a destination. This crucial step in the supply chain usually takes place at a Container Freight Station (CFS), allowing goods to be cleared through customs, sorted, and dispatched to their respective owners.