Freight logistics is undergoing a significant shift as rising fuel prices, tighter budgets, and sustainability pressures reshape the industry. Booking an entire truck for a relatively small shipment is often no longer practical or cost-effective. Shared freight offers a modern alternative: multiple shippers combine their loads in one vehicle and share the costs according to the space they use. In this article, we look at why shared freight is proving to be one of the most effective solutions for businesses today.

How Shared Freight Works

Shared freight operates on a simple principle: when a truck is already moving with a primary load, it can take on additional shipments from other clients if there’s unused space. This ensures the vehicle is used more efficiently; rather than running half-empty, it travels nearly at full capacity. Customers only pay for the space they actually occupy, not the entire truck. For example, a company in Berlin might have an order going to Paris that fills only 60% of the trailer. Duke Active can add another client’s cargo along the same route, so both shipments move together without compromising delivery time or quality.

When multiple orders are combined on one route, the journey becomes more efficient. Duke Active’s logistics system determines the optimal sequence of stops, minimizing detours while maintaining a fair balance: no customer is delayed solely to save costs for another. Precision is essential in such setups: timing, weight, dimensions, and placement of goods must all be coordinated to avoid delays or conflicts between shipments.

On a larger scale, the potential is clear. According to the European Commission, about 21.8% of truck mileage in the EU in 2023 was “empty,” meaning vehicles were running without cargo. Shared freight models help fill those gaps, lowering costs and reducing waste. These figures underscore why more businesses are adopting co-loading as a practical approach to reduce expenses and make logistics more sustainable.

Key Benefits of Shared Freight 

Shared freight offers several tangible advantages that deliver real value to businesses.

The first is cost savings: by utilizing available space in the trailer instead of renting an entire truck, companies can reduce transportation expenses by 25–35%.

The second is fewer “empty miles.” When trucks operate at full or near-full capacity, fuel consumption decreases, and their environmental footprint is reduced. Optimized routing or adding cargo on the return leg helps eliminate unnecessary trips without useful loads.

The third is flexibility. Instead of waiting until there’s enough cargo to fill a whole truck, clients can ship smaller loads as needed. This is especially beneficial for manufacturers, distributors, and e-commerce businesses that require fast delivery without holding back orders until they accumulate a sufficient quantity.

The main benefits at a glance:

• Savings of up to 25–35% on transport costs;
• Reduced empty runs and lower fuel consumption;
• Ability to ship small batches regularly without waiting for a full load;
• Complete transparency through digital tools, including scoring, tracking, and route monitoring.

How it works, step by step:

1. The carrier already has a planned route or scheduled trip.
2. A client with a smaller shipment submits its volume and dimensions.
3. An algorithm or dispatcher finds the optimal spot in the truck while minimizing route deviations.
4. Costs are shared based on occupied space or weight.
5. Clients receive a clear plan with detailed route information, delivery time, and tracking details.

Risks and How to Avoid Them 

No transportation model is entirely risk-free, and shared freight has its own specifics to keep in mind. The most common issue is potential delivery delays, as routes often include multiple stops for loading and unloading goods from other clients. This can be prevented with careful planning and clearly defined deadlines in the contract. Another vital factor is packaging. If containers or boxes are weak, there is a higher chance of damage when goods are transported in a shared trailer. Using high-quality packaging, applying “fragile” labels, and arranging cargo insurance can help alleviate most of these concerns.

Documentation also requires close attention. Incorrectly completed CMR forms for international shipments, or waybills for domestic ones, can cause delays, fines, or even the return of cargo. That’s why businesses should only partner with providers who oversee the legal side of the process. Duke Active takes care of selecting reliable carriers, verifying documentation, and arranging insurance, ensuring clients benefit from shared freight without unnecessary risks. This way, companies can stay focused on their core business instead of being distracted by logistics challenges.

Use Cases 

Shared freight is utilized across a wide range of areas, from trade and manufacturing to private shipments and international deliveries. Its flexibility makes it relevant for both businesses and individuals. Below are some of the most common situations where shared logistics brings the most significant value.

Small and Medium-Sized Businesses 

For companies with low or medium shipping volumes, shared freight helps avoid overpaying for unused truck space. It works well for delivering pallets of goods, batches of equipment, or industrial products that don’t fill an entire vehicle. This allows businesses to send cargo when needed, without having to wait for a full load to accumulate.

Private Customers 

The model is equally beneficial for individuals who need to transport bulky items such as furniture, appliances, or other large objects. Renting a whole truck for such tasks is usually too expensive. Shared freight lets private clients split transport with other loads, reducing costs while ensuring safe delivery.

International Trade 

Exporters and importers often need to ship smaller batches of goods abroad. Shared freight makes this cost-effective by combining multiple shipments into a single route. It is particularly valuable for regular deliveries of limited volumes, where booking a dedicated truck would not be justified.

How to Arrange a Shared Freight Shipment 

Organizing a shared freight delivery comes down to a few straightforward steps that help save both time and money:

1. Define the route and shipment size: the more accurate the details, the easier it is to match the right transport.
2. Choose a logistics provider with vetted carriers and established routes. To save time on searching and verifying partners, you can rely on Duke Active.
3. Check the paperwork: For domestic shipments, a waybill is required, while for international shipments, a CMR form is necessary. Don’t forget to arrange cargo insurance.
4. Agree on delivery terms and pricing in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
5. Use online services to track your shipment in real-time.

This process makes shared freight transparent and predictable. By partnering with an experienced provider like Duke Active, you gain the added assurance that organizational risks are identified and addressed before they ever become an issue.

Conclusion

Shared freight is a modern approach to reducing logistics costs, minimizing empty mileage, and increasing flexibility in shipments. It offers clear benefits for e-commerce businesses, agricultural companies, manufacturers, and private customers who value both savings and transparency. The key to success lies in working with a trusted partner who manages routes, documentation, and insurance. Duke Active combines expertise, digital tools, and a network of reliable carriers to ensure clients benefit from shared freight without unnecessary risks. For businesses seeking to enhance their logistics efficiency, this model can provide a strategic advantage.