Part load removals: share the van, pay for your space
Moving a few rooms a long way? A part load puts your things on a removal vehicle already heading that way, alongside other people's, and you pay for the space you use. It costs less than a van of your own — in return, you work to the van's dates.
How it works
What is a part load removal?
Your belongings share a removal vehicle with other customers' goods heading the same way, and you pay only for the space you take up. You may also hear it called a shared load or groupage — they mean the same thing.
A backload is the close cousin. It uses spare space on a van that is already making the trip, or would otherwise drive home empty. Either way, the cost of the journey is split instead of landing on you alone.
Prices
How much does a part load removal cost?
Part loads are priced by volume — cubic metres or feet — and by route, not by the number of bedrooms. A part load of about 5 m³, a few rooms' worth, from England to Spain typically costs £650–£1,250.
Source: published 2026 Spain part-load prices (Bishop's Move, MyCheapRemovals) (Jun 2026)
For other routes, published prices vary too widely to quote honestly. A quick survey — often a video call — measures your volume and turns it into a fixed price. Our international removal costs page compares routes where verified prices exist.
Is it right for you?
When does a part load make sense?
- A smaller move going a long way. A flat, a few rooms or a student's worth, to the other end of the UK or abroad.
- Flexible dates. Collection and delivery fit around the other loads, so you need some give at both ends.
- Lower cost over speed. It costs less than a van of your own, and takes longer.
If your dates are fixed or you're moving a whole house, a dedicated vehicle is usually the better buy. Our long distance removals page covers that option, and storage can hold things while you wait for a part-load slot.
Routes
Part load removals to Europe
Europe is where part loads are most common, because firms run regular routes to the busiest destinations. Spain is the best served of all — our removals to Spain guide covers its weekly routes in detail, and our guide to removals to France shows what firms charge for a part load there. For other countries, start with European removals.
Pack well. A shared load is loaded around other people's things, so proper packing and a clear inventory matter more than on a van of your own.
Free, no obligation, about two minutes.
Good to know
Part load removals: FAQs
What is a part load removal?
Your belongings share a removal vehicle with other customers’ goods heading the same way, and you pay only for the space you use. It is also called a shared load or groupage.
What is the difference between a part load and a backload?
A part load is a shared vehicle planned around several customers. A backload uses spare space on a van that is already making the journey, or would otherwise come back empty. Both are cheaper than a vehicle of your own.
How much does a part load removal cost?
It is priced by the volume you take up and the route, not by bedrooms. A part load of about 5 m³ from England to Spain typically costs £650–£1,250. For other routes, a quick survey of your volume gives a fixed price.
How long does a part load removal take?
Longer than a dedicated van, and less predictable. Collection and delivery are planned around the other loads on the vehicle, so you need flexible dates. Ask each firm for its own window.
Is there a minimum size for a part load?
There is no standard minimum. Some firms start at about 5 m³ — a few rooms of boxes and furniture — while others will take less.