By Rens Kleijmeer, Commercial Director at Windmill Forwarding with over 10 years of experience in the international moving industry · 11 June 2026
Groupage is the best way to save costs on your international move. When you move abroad, you want to take all or part of your belongings with you. These removal goods are transported by container to the country of your destination. This can be done in several ways, with groupage offering the most advantages. Windmill Forwarding is an experienced partner with excellent groupage services. We are happy to tell you more about what it is and what the main advantages of groupage are.
What exactly is groupage?
Groupage is the sending of removal goods in which the container is further supplemented with shipments from others. Your household items can be transported separately in their own container, however, this is more expensive as it takes up more space. In the vast majority of cases, the container is not completely filled with your removal items. By means of groupage, costs are reduced and containers are filled more efficiently. The space you need for your shipment of removal goods is only part of the container. This, of course, also applies to other shipments. These shipments can be transported together in a single container. We are happy to give you insight into three key advantages of groupage.
1. Lower transport costs
If you transport your household goods separately in a container, you will often find a lot of empty space. Because you pay for the entire container, you also pay for the space you do not use. When several shipments are transported in a single container, the costs are divided. With groupage, you only pay for the space in the container that is actually occupied by your removal items. The remaining space in the container is paid for by the parties who have also added a shipment to the container. This will save you a lot of money. To give you an idea based on our internal figures: a move with a full 20ft container easily costs around €10,000 on average and a full 40ft container around €15,000 — regardless of the destination. An average groupage move, regardless of volume or destination, comes to around €5,000. You can find more figures on our page about the costs of an international move.
2. Flexible and fast scheduling
If you are not moving a full household, with groupage you do not have to wait until a container of your own is worthwhile. Your shipment simply travels with the next container heading to your destination. Especially for popular destinations, groupage containers depart regularly, so your removal goods are often on their way sooner than you might think. And because fewer half-empty containers are transported, handling throughout the chain becomes more efficient — everyone benefits. Groupage containers to our most popular destinations, such as the United States, South Africa and Thailand, depart several times a month — often twice. Most other destinations are served monthly, and the quietest destinations once every two months.
3. Better for the environment
We are all trying to live more sustainably. By now, we are all noticing the negative effects of global warming. We see what climate change does to the world, to nature, to animals and, of course, to humans. This means that we need to pay full attention to reducing the burden on the environment. When you opt for groupage, you are making an environmentally conscious choice. The impact on the environment is, in fact, a lot lower than if you opt for individual transport. Groupage provides the most efficient delivery that ensures that the ecological footprint is reduced. The fuller the containers are, the fewer containers need to be transported. This means that less transport is needed and, ultimately, equals the most sustainable working method.
Enjoy the benefits of groupage
Windmill Forwarding is the founder of groupage. We know better than anyone that this form of transporting household goods has many advantages. Are you moving abroad and do you want to take full advantage of the benefits of groupage? Then we are, of course, ready for you. We are your experienced partner for emigration, removals and groupage services. For more information, advice or a quote, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions about groupage
How much does a groupage move cost?
An average groupage move costs around €5,000, regardless of volume or destination. By comparison: a move with your own 20ft container costs around €10,000 on average, and a full 40ft container around €15,000. You only pay for the space your removal goods take up.
How often do groupage containers depart?
To popular destinations such as the United States, South Africa and Thailand several times a month — often twice. To most other destinations monthly, and to the quietest destinations once every two months.
Do I really share a container with other customers?
Yes. Your shipment is combined with those of other customers in the same container. This way containers are filled more efficiently, costs go down and it is the most sustainable way of moving.