Additional cargo: Save on moving costs with smart logistics

Moving often represents a financial burden – but with additional cargo, you can save a lot of money without compromising on the quality of a professional moving company. This “furniture ride-sharing service” is an efficient solution, especially if you only have a few pieces of furniture or boxes to transport.

In this guide, you will learn how additional cargo works with a moving company, what it costs, and how to find the best deals.

What is additional cargo? Simply explained

Additional cargo (often referred to as supplementary freight or supplementary shipping) refers to the use of free loading capacity in a truck.

Shipping companies plan their routes as efficiently as possible. If a truck has been booked for a large move but still has 10 or 20 cubic meters of space available in the loading area, the company fills this space with smaller shipments. This makes furniture transport via additional cargo extremely inexpensive for you, as you share the fixed costs (fuel, tolls, personnel) with other customers.

Your advantages at a glance:

• Enormous savings: often up to 70% cheaper than direct transport.
• Sustainability: fewer empty runs mean a better carbon footprint.
• Safety: your furniture is transported by professionals and is insured.

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Additional cargo during your move: How do you proceed?

A certain amount of flexibility is required to ensure that the additional cargo for your move goes smoothly. Since your goods are being “added on,” the main order usually determines the time window.

1. Create an inventory list: Make a note of exactly what is to be transported (dimensions and weight).
2. Make an inquiry: Search specifically for additional cargo for furniture.
3. Specify a time window: The more flexible you are with the moving date (e.g., “within the next 14 days”), the cheaper the offer will be.
4. Pickup and delivery: The moving company will usually contact you 1-2 days before the agreed date with the exact time window.

Prices for additional cargo: How much does additional cargo cost with a shipping company?

The cost of additional cargo depends primarily on two factors: the volume (cubic meters) and the distance.

Cost table (estimated values)

Users often look for private additional cargo. This usually refers to a private transport community. There are online portals where private individuals with their own transporters offer free space. This is similar to carpooling for objects.

Note: Caution is advised when using private additional loads! Private carpooling services for furniture are often cheaper, but usually do not offer insurance coverage or professional load securing. You bear the full risk. In addition, private individuals often lack the necessary equipment such as furniture blankets, straps, or a ramp.

Tip: If you are looking for a private additional load to save costs, always compare professional offers as well. The price difference compared to a specialist moving company is often minimal, but the safety of your furniture is much higher.

Looking for additional cargo: How to check additional cargo offers

If you want to book additional cargo, you should not only look at the price. A reputable offer is characterized by transparency. You should look out for the following points:

• Insurance: Is cargo damage insurance included?
• Scope of services: Will the furniture be delivered to the curb or carried into the apartment?
• References: Is it an experienced moving company for additional cargo?
• Fixed price guarantee: Make sure there are no hidden costs for tolls or fuel surcharges. A flat-rate moving fee helps you keep track of your fixed costs.

Tip: Use our service at Movinga to easily get a moving quote and find the best route for your additional load.

Does the additional cargo method also work for my international move?

Yes, international additional cargo for furniture is particularly lucrative. Since the mileage costs for cross-border transport (e.g., Germany to Spain or France) are very high, bundling loads saves the most money here.

However, please note the following for international transport:

1. Longer waiting times: It may take a little longer to find a suitable route.
2. Customs: For non-EU countries (e.g., Switzerland, UK), customs documents must be prepared correctly.
3. Packaging: Since goods may be transshipped at a depot during international journeys, it is important to pack them particularly thoroughly.

Key questions and answers about additional cargo (FAQ)

What is additional cargo?

Additional cargo is a partial load in which small quantities of goods are transported in a truck that already has a main load. This optimizes loading capacity and reduces costs.

How much does additional cargo cost?

For very small quantities, costs often start at around 100 to 150 euros. The price is calculated individually based on the space required in the truck and the distance in kilometers.

Do moving companies also offer additional loads?

Yes, almost every professional moving company offers additional loads to avoid empty runs. It is one of the standard methods for optimizing moving costs.

How safe is my furniture with additional cargo?

With a specialist moving company, your furniture is covered by statutory liability (€620 per cubic meter). In addition, as with a normal move, it is secured using aids such as straps and blankets.

Is it worth transporting furniture as additional cargo?

If you are flexible in terms of time and only want to transport individual pieces of furniture, a shared room, or the contents of a basement, additional cargo is absolutely the best choice. You benefit from professional quality at a fraction of the normal price.