Scientific paper ID 2786 : 2026/4

Road transport represents the most flexible and widely used mode of land transportation, with groupage shipments (LTL – Less than Truckload) occupying an important position in the optimization of international freight flows. Groupage transport enables efficient utilization of vehicle capacity and cost reduction, which sustains its high demand and attracts the interest of transport managers focused on improving logistics performance. At the same time, its organization s advanced logistical coordination, knowledge of international regulations, and effective transport planning. This study applies the full set of possible organizational and managerial alternatives in the execution of groupage transport, aimed at achieving more efficient resource utilization, process optimization, and sustainable improvement of operational results. The core problem is formulated as follows: the need to select the most efficient route for a new groupage line from Bulgaria to Spain. In transport and logistics operations - particularly in freight forwarding - it is crucial that deliveries reach their destination on time and in the most cost effective manner. To achieve this, the route must be carefully planned, taking into account and analyzing key criteria such as transport costs, delivery time, availability of border crossings (and potential delays), customs and other applicable fees, document processing time, and additional operational factors.